What you need to open a BDO Kabayan account

A BDO Kabayan savings account is a basic deposit account offered by Banco de Oro (BDO), one of the Philippines' largest banks. You can open one in person at any BDO branch, and the process takes about 15 to 30 minutes if you have the right documents with you.

You will need a valid government-issued ID—a passport, driver's license, national ID, or PRC professional license all work. You also need proof of your current address, which can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your name and address. If you are opening the account in person, bring these originals; BDO staff will make copies.

There is no minimum opening deposit required for a Kabayan account, though BDO may ask you to deposit something small to activate the account immediately. Some branches waive this if you set up a salary deposit or automatic transfer arrangement.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one valid government ID and one proof of address to open the account in person at any BDO branch.
  • The account has no minimum opening deposit, though branches sometimes ask for a small initial deposit to activate it right away.
  • The in-person process takes 15 to 30 minutes and you walk out with an ATM card and account number the same day.
  • BDO also offers online account opening through their website or mobile app, though you will still need to verify your identity and may need to visit a branch to collect your card.

Opening the account in person at a BDO branch

Walk into any BDO branch during business hours with your ID and proof of address. Tell the staff you want to open a Kabayan savings account. They will hand you an account opening form to fill out—it asks for your name, date of birth, address, occupation, and contact details. The form takes about five minutes to complete.

Hand the completed form back to the staff member along with your original ID and proof of address. They will photocopy both documents and verify the information on your form. This is when they may ask for an initial deposit; if so, you can deposit cash or a check. Once the deposit clears (usually the same day for cash), your account is active.

Before you leave, the staff will give you your account number and a temporary ATM card or a receipt showing when your permanent card will arrive. Most branches issue the card on the spot; some mail it within three to five business days. Ask the staff which applies at that branch.

Opening the account online through BDO's website or app

BDO allows you to start the account opening process through their website (bdo.com.ph) or their mobile app without visiting a branch first. Download the app or go to the website and look for the "Open an Account" or "Kabayan Account" option.

You will enter your personal information—name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. The app or website will ask you to upload photos of your ID and proof of address. Make sure the photos are clear and show all four corners of each document. The system will verify these documents, which usually takes one to three business days.

Once your documents are verified, BDO will send you a notification. At this point, you will need to visit a BDO branch to complete the final step: in-person verification and to collect your ATM card. Bring your original ID and proof of address again. The branch staff will confirm your identity, you may make an initial deposit if required, and you will receive your card. This final visit takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is ready to use as soon as the staff member hands you your ATM card or confirms your account number. You can withdraw cash at any BDO ATM, deposit checks or cash at any BDO branch, and set up online banking through BDO's website or app.

To use online banking, log in to BDO's website or app with your account number and a temporary password (the branch staff or the app will provide this). You can then transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and check your balance anytime. Change your password to something only you know the first time you log in.

If you received a temporary card at the branch, your permanent card will arrive by mail within the timeframe the staff gave you. The permanent card works the same way but is more durable. If your card does not arrive within that timeframe, call BDO's customer service line at 1-800-631-8000 (toll-free within the Philippines) or visit your branch again.

Fees and account maintenance

BDO Kabayan accounts have no monthly maintenance fee. However, some transactions carry charges: withdrawing cash at a non-BDO ATM usually costs 15 to 20 pesos per transaction, depending on the ATM network. Transferring money to another bank may cost 25 to 50 pesos. Check your account statement or ask the branch staff for a full fee schedule, as BDO updates these periodically.

Your account stays active as long as you use it at least once every 12 months. If you do not make any deposits or withdrawals for 12 consecutive months, BDO may freeze the account and charge an inactivity fee. If this happens, you can reactivate it by visiting a branch or making a transaction through online banking.

What to do if you cannot visit a branch in person

If you live outside the Philippines or cannot reach a BDO branch, you have limited options. BDO does not currently open Kabayan accounts entirely online without an in-person verification step at some point. However, you can ask a family member or trusted person in the Philippines to open the account on your behalf if you give them a signed authorization letter and copies of your ID and proof of address.

Alternatively, some BDO partner institutions or remittance centers in your country may help you start the process. Contact BDO's customer service to ask whether this option is available where you are. The process and timeline will vary depending on your location and which partner you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a BDO Kabayan account if I do not have a permanent address?

You need some proof of address to open the account. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, ask whether BDO will accept a letter from your employer, a barangay certificate, or a notarized statement from someone who can confirm your address. Policies vary by branch, so call ahead or visit in person to ask.

How long does it take to receive my ATM card if the branch mails it?

Most branches mail cards within three to five business days, though delivery by postal mail can take one to two weeks depending on where you live. Ask the staff for an estimated delivery date when you open the account. If your card does not arrive within that timeframe, contact the branch or call BDO customer service.

Can I open a Kabayan account if I already have another BDO account?

Yes. You can have multiple BDO accounts. Each account has its own number and card, and you can transfer money between them through online banking or at a branch. There is no limit to how many accounts you can open.

What if I lose my ATM card before I use it?

Call BDO customer service at 1-800-631-8000 or visit your branch to report the lost card. BDO will cancel it and issue a replacement, which usually arrives within five to seven business days. You can still access your account through online banking or by visiting a branch while you wait for the replacement.

Do I need to make a minimum deposit to keep the account open?

No. There is no minimum balance requirement for a Kabayan account. You can keep the account open with zero pesos in it, though you will need to use it at least once every 12 months to avoid inactivity fees.