What you need to bring to BPI
BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) requires two forms of identification and proof of address to open a savings account. Bring a government-issued ID — a passport, driver's license, or national ID card — plus one more ID from a different issuer. You will also need a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your name and current address.
If you are opening an account in person at a branch, bring your original documents. BPI staff will verify them on the spot. You do not need to bring an initial deposit to open most BPI savings accounts, though some account types have minimum opening balances of 5,000 to 10,000 pesos depending on the product.
If you do not have a second form of ID, bring a barangay certificate or a letter from your employer with your name and address. BPI accepts these as supporting documents, though the process may take longer.
Key Takeaways
- Bring one government-issued ID, one additional ID from a different issuer, and proof of your current address to any BPI branch.
- You can open a savings account in person at a branch, online through the BPI website, or through the BPI mobile app depending on the account type.
- Most BPI savings accounts have no minimum opening deposit, though some products require 5,000 to 10,000 pesos to start.
- The account opens on the same day if you apply in person at a branch, or within one to three business days if you apply online.
- BPI charges monthly maintenance fees on most savings accounts, ranging from 100 to 300 pesos depending on the account tier.
Opening an account in person at a BPI branch
Walk into any BPI branch during business hours with your documents. Tell the teller or customer service representative that you want to open a savings account. They will hand you an account opening form to fill out with your name, address, date of birth, employment status, and contact information.
The form takes about five minutes to complete. Once you finish, the staff member will verify your documents, check them against the form, and ask you to sign. They will then assign you an account number and issue you a debit card on the spot or within a few days, depending on the branch and card type. Your account is active immediately, and you can start using it the same day.
Bring your original documents — do not send copies. The branch will keep a photocopy on file but will return your originals to you.
Opening an account online through BPI's website
Visit the BPI website and look for the "Open an Account" or "New Account" section. You will be asked to choose the type of savings account you want — BPI offers several tiers with different fees and features. Fill in your personal information, including your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email.
You will need to upload photos of your ID and proof of address. Use a smartphone camera or scanner to take clear, well-lit photos of both sides of your ID and a recent utility bill or lease. The photos must show all four corners of the documents and be readable.
After you submit your information and documents, BPI will review your application. This typically takes one to three business days. You will receive an email or SMS confirming whether your account has been opened. If approved, you can log into your online banking account and start using it. Your debit card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
Opening an account through the BPI mobile app
Download the BPI mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and look for the account opening option, usually labeled "Open an Account" or "New Account." The process is similar to opening online: you will enter your personal information and upload photos of your ID and proof of address.
The app will guide you through each step and tell you what documents you need. Make sure your photos are clear and show the entire document. After you submit, BPI will review your application within one to three business days and notify you by email or SMS.
The mobile app option is faster than visiting a branch if you already have a smartphone and clear photos of your documents ready. However, you will still wait for your physical debit card to arrive by mail.
What happens after your account opens
Once your account is active, you can deposit money through several methods. At a BPI branch, you can hand cash to a teller and they will deposit it into your account immediately. You can also transfer money from another bank using your BPI account number and the BPI routing code, though this usually takes one to three business days depending on the sending bank.
BPI charges a monthly maintenance fee on most savings accounts. The fee ranges from 100 to 300 pesos per month depending on the account type and your average monthly balance. Some accounts waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance — this varies by product, so ask the branch staff or check the account terms when you open.
Your debit card will arrive by mail if you opened online or through the app. If you opened in person at a branch, the card may be issued immediately or mailed to you depending on the branch's card printer. You can activate your card through the BPI app or by calling the number on the back of the card once it arrives.
Choosing between account types
BPI offers several savings account products with different features and fees. The most common are the BPI Savings Account (basic tier with lower fees), BPI Preferred Savings Account (mid-tier with higher interest rates), and BPI Premium Savings Account (high-tier with premium features). The differences lie in monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, interest rates, and access to premium services.
If you are opening your first account and want to keep costs low, the basic BPI Savings Account is usually the best choice. It has the lowest monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. If you plan to keep a large balance and want higher interest, ask the branch staff about the Preferred or Premium options.
You can change account types later if your needs change, so do not worry about making the perfect choice on day one.
If something goes wrong during opening
If your online or app application is rejected, BPI will send you an email or SMS explaining why. Common reasons include missing or unclear documents, mismatched information between your form and your ID, or an issue with your address verification. You can resubmit your application with corrected documents.
If you opened in person and the branch staff say they cannot open your account, ask them to explain which document is the problem. You can often fix it on the spot by providing a different ID or proof of address. If the issue cannot be resolved that day, ask whether you can come back with a different document or whether the branch can refer you to another location.
If your debit card does not arrive within two weeks of account opening, contact BPI customer service through the app, website, or by calling their hotline. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a BPI savings account if I do not have a job?
Yes. BPI does not require proof of employment to open a savings account. You will still need to provide two forms of ID and proof of address. On the account opening form, you can list your employment status as "self-employed," "student," "retired," or "unemployed" — the bank accepts all of these.
How long does it take to get my debit card after opening an account?
If you open in person at a branch, the card may be issued immediately or within a few days depending on whether the branch has a card printer. If you open online or through the app, your card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. You can use your account for transfers and online payments before the card arrives.
What is the minimum amount I need to deposit to open an account?
Most BPI savings accounts have no minimum opening deposit. However, some account types require an initial deposit of 5,000 to 10,000 pesos. Ask the branch staff or check the account terms when you choose your account type. You can deposit the minimum amount on the same day you open the account.
Can I open a BPI account if I am not a Filipino citizen?
Yes, but you will need a valid passport and a Philippine address. Foreigners can open savings accounts at BPI, though some account types may have restrictions. Bring your passport, a second form of ID if you have one, and proof of your Philippine address such as a lease or utility bill.
What if my address changes after I open my account?
Contact BPI through the mobile app, website, or by visiting a branch to update your address on file. Bring a new proof of address such as a utility bill or lease. The update usually takes one to three business days to process.