Yes, but only through specific banks and with the right documents
You can open a bank account in the Philippines while abroad, but not with every bank and not without paperwork. The major banks that allow remote account opening are BDO, BPI, Metrobank, and UnionBank. Each has different requirements and processes. The catch: you will need a valid Philippine ID (passport, driver's license, or national ID), proof of address in the Philippines, and in most cases a video call with the bank to verify your identity. Some banks also require an initial deposit before they will open the account.
The process is slower than opening an account in person. Most banks take 5 to 10 business days to complete the account after you submit documents, though some can take up to two weeks. You cannot walk into a branch and hand over papers—everything happens by email, online portal, or video conference. If you do not have a Philippine address on file, you may be asked to use a relative's address or a business address, though policies vary by bank.
Key Takeaways
- BDO, BPI, Metrobank, and UnionBank accept remote account openings, but most require a video call to verify your identity and a Philippine ID.
- You will need proof of a Philippine address, which can be a relative's home, a utility bill, or a lease agreement—not a foreign address.
- Initial deposits range from PHP 1,000 to PHP 10,000 depending on the bank and account type, and must be sent before or immediately after account approval.
- The entire process from application to account activation takes 5 to 14 business days, and you cannot access the account until the bank confirms it is active.
- If you do not have a Philippine ID, you will need to obtain one first, which requires being in the Philippines or using a consulate abroad.
Which banks actually open accounts remotely
BDO (Banco de Oro) offers online account opening through their website. You fill out the application, upload a photo of your ID and proof of address, and schedule a video verification call. BDO typically requires an initial deposit of PHP 2,500 to PHP 10,000 depending on the account type. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after verification.
BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) has an online onboarding process but is stricter about verification. You need a Philippine ID, proof of address, and a video call. BPI's minimum opening deposit is PHP 5,000 for most savings accounts. They take 10 to 14 business days to process.
Metrobank allows online applications through their website and accepts video verification. They require a Philippine ID and proof of address. Minimum deposit is typically PHP 1,000 to PHP 5,000. Processing time is 7 to 10 business days.
UnionBank has a streamlined online process and is often faster than competitors. They accept Philippine ID and proof of address via upload. Minimum deposit varies by account type but starts at PHP 1,000. They often complete accounts within 5 to 7 business days.
Documents you need before you start
A valid Philippine ID is non-negotiable. This means a Philippine passport, national ID (PhilID), driver's license, or postal ID. A foreign passport alone will not work. If you do not have a Philippine ID yet, you will need to obtain one first. Philippine passports can be applied for at a Philippine embassy or consulate in your country, but this adds weeks to the timeline. A national ID requires you to be in the Philippines or to apply through a consulate, which also takes time.
Proof of Philippine address is the second requirement. This can be a utility bill (electricity, water, or internet) in your name, a lease agreement, a barangay certificate, or a letter from a relative confirming you live at their address. The document must show a Philippine address and be dated within the last three months. If you are using a relative's address, some banks ask for a notarized letter from that relative confirming you live there. Check the specific bank's requirements before you upload anything.
You will also need a valid email address and a phone number (can be a foreign number, though a Philippine number is preferred). Some banks ask for your employment details or source of income, so have that information ready. If you are self-employed or a freelancer, be prepared to explain your income source.
How the video verification call works
Most banks require a video call to confirm your identity and prevent fraud. The bank will contact you by email or phone to schedule the call, usually within 2 to 3 business days of your application. The call typically lasts 5 to 15 minutes. During the call, a bank representative will ask you to hold up your ID to the camera, confirm your personal details, and answer basic questions about why you are opening the account and how you plan to use it.
The call must happen during Philippine business hours (usually 9 AM to 5 PM Philippine Standard Time). If you are in a different time zone, you may need to wake up early or stay up late. Some banks offer limited evening or weekend slots, but this is not may provide. If you miss the scheduled call, the bank will reschedule, but this delays your account opening by another week or more.
Have your ID, proof of address, and any other documents the bank requested ready during the call. The representative may ask to see them on camera. Speak clearly and make sure your internet connection is stable—a dropped call can mean rescheduling.
Sending your initial deposit from abroad
Once your account is approved, you need to deposit money to activate it. The bank will send you account details (account number, routing code, and bank address) via email. From abroad, you have a few options to send money to your new Philippine account.
International wire transfer is the most direct method. You can use your current bank to send money to your new Philippine account. You will need the Philippine bank's SWIFT code, your account number, and the bank's address. Wire transfers typically take 2 to 5 business days and cost between USD 15 and USD 50 depending on your bank. Some Philippine banks charge a receiving fee of PHP 100 to PHP 300.
Remittance services like Western Union, MoneyGram, or OFW-focused services (Bayanihan, Palawan Express, LBC) are faster and sometimes cheaper. You can send money from most countries, and it arrives in the Philippines within 1 to 3 business days. Fees vary but are often lower than wire transfers. The recipient (you or a trusted person in the Philippines) picks up the money at an agent and deposits it into your new account.
Online transfer services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), OFX, or Remitly allow you to send money directly to a Philippine bank account. These services are often cheaper than traditional wire transfers and take 1 to 3 business days. You will need your new account details to set this up.
Do not send money until the bank confirms your account is active. Sending money to an account that does not exist yet can cause delays and complications. Wait for the bank's email confirming your account number and activation date.
Timeline from application to first use
| Step | Time Required | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Submit online application | Same day | You fill out the form and upload documents on the bank's website or app. |
| Bank reviews documents | 1 to 3 business days | The bank checks your ID and proof of address for completeness and validity. |
| Schedule video call | 2 to 5 business days | Bank emails you to set up a verification call at a time that works for both parties. |
| Video verification | Same day as scheduled | You complete the 5 to 15 minute call with a bank representative. |
| Account approval | 2 to 5 business days after call | Bank sends you account number, routing code, and activation instructions by email. |
| Send initial deposit | 1 to 5 business days | You transfer money to your new account using wire transfer or remittance service. |
| Account fully active | 1 to 2 business days after deposit | Money arrives and clears; you can now use debit card, online banking, and transfers. |
Total time from start to finish: 10 to 21 business days. This assumes no delays, missing documents, or rescheduled calls. If the bank asks for additional information or if you miss a video call, add another week or two.
What to do if you do not have a Philippine ID yet
If you do not have a Philippine ID, you will need to obtain one before most banks will open an account for you. A Philippine passport is the fastest option if you are abroad. You can apply at a Philippine embassy or consulate in your country. Processing time varies by location but typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Once you receive your passport, you can then apply for a bank account using it as your ID.
A national ID (PhilID) requires you to be in the Philippines to apply in person, or you can apply through a consulate abroad, though this is slower and not available in all countries. If you are planning to return to the Philippines soon, you could wait and apply for a national ID in person, then open a bank account immediately after.
Some banks may accept a foreign passport plus a Philippine birth certificate or other proof of Philippine citizenship, but this is rare and varies by bank. Call the bank's customer service before you start the application to confirm what they will accept.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a foreign address as my proof of address?
No. Banks require a Philippine address because they need to know where to send statements and cards. You can use a relative's address, a business address in the Philippines, or a temporary address like a hotel or boarding house. The address must be in the Philippines and supported by a recent document (utility bill, lease, or notarized letter).
What if the bank asks for more documents after I submit my application?
Respond as quickly as possible. The bank may ask for additional proof of income, a clearer photo of your ID, or a notarized letter from a relative. Delays in responding can push your account opening back by a week or more. Check your email regularly and reply within 24 hours if the bank contacts you.
Can I open an account if I am a foreign national without a Philippine ID?
It depends on the bank. Most require a Philippine ID, but some may accept a foreign passport plus additional documentation like a visa, work permit, or proof of residency in the Philippines. Call the bank's customer service to ask before you apply. This will save you time if your documents do not meet their requirements.
What happens if my video call gets disconnected?
The bank will reschedule the call. Contact them immediately to let them know what happened and ask for a new appointment. Do not wait for them to reach out—proactive communication speeds up the process. Make sure your internet connection is stable before the next call.
Can someone else deposit money into my new account on my behalf?
Yes. You can give a trusted person in the Philippines your account details and ask them to deposit cash at a branch or through an ATM. Alternatively, you can have money sent to their account and they transfer it to yours. Just make sure the account is fully active before money is sent, and confirm the account number is correct to avoid sending money to the wrong place.