What you need to bring to BDO
BDO (Banco de Oro) requires two forms of identification to open a savings account in person. Bring one primary ID (passport, driver's license, or national ID) and one secondary ID (company ID, school ID, or credit card). If you don't have two separate documents, a single primary ID plus a birth certificate or marriage certificate will work.
You'll also need proof of address — a utility bill, lease agreement, or government-issued document showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last three months. Bring your original documents; BDO will make copies at the branch.
Have your contact information ready: a mobile number and email address you actively use. BDO will use these to send account statements, alerts, and promotional materials. If you're opening an account for a minor, the parent or legal guardian must be present with their own identification.
Key Takeaways
- Bring one primary ID and one secondary ID, plus proof of address dated within three months.
- You can open a BDO savings account at any branch during business hours without an appointment, though some branches may have wait times.
- The account opens on the same day you complete the paperwork, and you can deposit money immediately.
- BDO offers different savings account types with different minimum balances — ask the teller which account fits your situation before you start the form.
- You'll receive a debit card and passbook at the branch, though the card may take a few business days to activate for online use.
Steps to complete at the branch
Walk into any BDO branch during operating hours — most are open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and some Saturday locations open 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. You do not need an appointment. Take a number at the entrance and wait for a customer service representative.
Tell the teller you want to open a savings account. They will ask which type: BDO Savings, BDO Savings Plus, or BDO Savings Max. Each has a different minimum opening balance and monthly maintenance fee. Ask the teller to explain the difference so you understand what you're committing to. Once you choose, the teller will hand you the account opening form.
Fill out the form with your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, occupation, and contact details. The form also asks for your mother's maiden name and a security question you'll use later to verify your identity over the phone. Write clearly and double-check spelling, especially your name — errors here can delay card delivery or cause problems later.
Hand the completed form and your identification documents to the teller. They will verify your documents, make copies, and enter your information into the system. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You'll be asked to sign the signature card — sign it the same way you'll sign checks and withdrawal forms.
What happens after you sign
Your account opens immediately. The teller will give you a temporary receipt showing your new account number, branch code, and opening balance. Write down your account number and keep it safe — you'll need it to set up online banking or transfer money.
You'll receive a passbook (a small booklet that records deposits and withdrawals) and a debit card on the same day. The debit card works for ATM withdrawals right away, but online and point-of-sale transactions may not work for 24 to 48 hours while the card activates in BDO's system. If you need to use the card immediately, ask the teller to activate it for you before you leave.
You can deposit money into your new account at the same branch on the same day. The teller will record the deposit in your passbook and update your balance. If you deposit cash, ask for a receipt — keep it until the transaction appears in your online statement.
Setting up online banking and mobile access
BDO Online Banking lets you check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from a computer. To set it up, visit www.bdo.com.ph and click "Register" under the Online Banking section. Enter your account number and the security question answer you provided at the branch. BDO will send a one-time password to your registered mobile number — enter it to complete registration.
Create a username and password for your online account. Use a password with at least 8 characters, including uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down somewhere secure (not on a sticky note on your monitor). You can log in immediately after registration.
The BDO Mobile App is a separate download available on iOS and Android. You can use the same username and password from Online Banking, or register separately in the app. The mobile app shows your balance, recent transactions, and lets you transfer money between your own accounts or to other BDO customers for free.
Minimum balance requirements and fees
BDO Savings requires a minimum opening balance of 1,000 pesos and a minimum daily balance of 1,000 pesos to avoid a monthly maintenance fee. If your balance drops below 1,000 pesos on any day of the month, you'll be charged 150 pesos at the end of the month.
BDO Savings Plus requires a higher minimum opening balance (usually 10,000 pesos) but offers higher interest rates and lower or no maintenance fees if you maintain the balance. BDO Savings Max is designed for larger deposits and offers the highest interest rates, with a minimum opening balance of 50,000 pesos or more.
Interest rates change based on the central bank's policy and market conditions — they are not fixed. Ask the teller for the current rate when you open your account. Interest is calculated daily and credited to your account monthly, usually on the last business day of the month.
If you can't go to a branch in person
BDO does not currently offer online account opening for savings accounts, so you must visit a branch. However, if you live far from a BDO branch, you can visit any BDO branch nationwide — your account will work at all of them. Some branches in malls and commercial areas have longer hours than traditional bank branches.
If you have a BDO credit card or loan account already, contact BDO customer service at 1-800-1-BDO (1-800-1-236) to ask whether you can open a savings account by phone or mail. Some existing customers may have faster options, though this varies by branch and account type.
What to do if something goes wrong
If your debit card doesn't work at an ATM after 48 hours, visit the branch where you opened the account or call BDO customer service. Have your account number and ID ready. The teller can check whether the card activated correctly and reissue it if needed.
If you lose your passbook, report it to the branch immediately. They will issue a replacement (usually free) and print a statement showing all transactions since the account opened. If you lose your debit card, call BDO's 24-hour hotline at 1-800-1-BDO to block it, then visit a branch to request a replacement card.
If you notice an unauthorized transaction or error in your passbook, report it to the branch within 30 days. Bring your passbook and the receipt from the transaction if you have it. BDO will investigate and reverse the charge if it was an error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a BDO savings account if I don't have a job?
Yes. BDO does not require proof of employment to open a savings account. You can list your occupation as "self-employed," "student," "homemaker," or "retired." The teller may ask follow-up questions about the source of your deposits, but this does not prevent you from opening the account.
How long does it take to receive my debit card in the mail if I don't get it at the branch?
If the branch runs out of cards on the day you open your account, they will mail one to your registered address. Delivery usually takes 5 to 10 business days depending on your location. You can use your account number to withdraw cash at any BDO ATM while you wait for the card.
What's the difference between a savings account and a checking account at BDO?
A savings account earns interest on your balance and limits the number of withdrawals per month (usually 4 free withdrawals, then a fee per withdrawal after that). A checking account (called a Current Account at BDO) has unlimited withdrawals and no interest, and is designed for frequent transactions. Savings accounts are better if you want to build money; checking accounts are better if you need to pay bills often.
Can I open a joint savings account with someone else?
Yes. Both account holders must visit the branch together with their identification documents. Both will sign the signature card and the account opening form. Either person can withdraw money or check the balance, though some transactions may require both signatures depending on how you set up the account.
What happens if my account balance reaches zero?
If your balance is zero and you don't make a deposit for 12 consecutive months, BDO may close the account. You'll receive a notice before closure. If the account is closed, you can reopen it at any branch by following the same process as a new account.