You can open a BDO Kabayan account online while outside the Philippines, but you will need a valid Philippine passport or national ID and a Philippine mobile number to complete the process

BDO's Kabayan savings account is designed for Filipinos living or working abroad. The online application process does not require you to visit a branch in person, but it does require you to verify your identity through a video call with a BDO representative. The entire process typically takes between three to five business days from the time you submit your documents until your account is activated and ready to use.

The account itself has no minimum opening balance, no monthly maintenance fee, and allows you to send money back to the Philippines through BDO's remittance channels. You can also link it to a Philippine bank account or have family members withdraw funds on your behalf using a special withdrawal card.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid Philippine passport, national ID, or UMID card, plus a Philippine mobile number and email address to start the online application.
  • BDO will conduct a video verification call with you during the process, so you must be available at a time that works for both your timezone and BDO's operating hours.
  • The account opens with zero minimum balance and zero monthly fees, making it accessible even if you are not sending money immediately.
  • Once your account is active, you can fund it through international wire transfer, online remittance services, or by having someone deposit cash at a BDO branch in the Philippines on your behalf.

Documents you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin the online application. You will need to upload images or scans of them, and BDO will ask you to show the originals during your video call verification.

The primary document is a valid Philippine passport, national ID (PhilID), or UMID card. The document must not be expired. You will also need a Philippine mobile number — this can be a number you own or one registered to a family member, as long as you can receive SMS messages on it. BDO uses this number to send you one-time passwords and account notifications. Finally, you need an email address you check regularly, because BDO will send your account details and transaction confirmations there.

If you do not have a Philippine mobile number, you can ask a family member to provide theirs, but you will need to be able to receive the verification codes they forward to you. Some overseas Filipinos use a Philippine SIM card they keep active specifically for banking purposes, or they use a VoIP service that provides a Philippine number.

Step-by-step application process

Start by visiting the BDO website and looking for the Kabayan account section, or go directly to the BDO mobile app if you have already downloaded it. Select "Open an Account" and choose "Kabayan Savings Account." You will be asked whether you are applying as an individual or as a business owner — select individual unless you are opening this for business purposes.

Fill in your personal information: full name as it appears on your ID, date of birth, nationality, and current address (your address abroad). Upload clear photos of both sides of your valid ID. The photo must show your full face, the ID number, and the expiration date. If the image is blurry or cut off, BDO will reject it and ask you to resubmit.

Enter your Philippine mobile number and email address. BDO will send a one-time password to your phone — enter this code to verify the number. You will then receive a link via email to confirm your email address. After you confirm both, BDO will schedule a video call with you. This call usually happens within 24 to 48 hours, though timing depends on your timezone and BDO's availability.

During the video call, a BDO representative will ask you to show your ID to the camera, confirm your personal details, and answer basic questions about the account's purpose (personal savings, remittance receiving, etc.). The call typically lasts five to ten minutes. Have your ID and a piece of paper with your application reference number ready. After the call ends, BDO will process your application, and your account will be activated within two to three business days.

Timezone and scheduling considerations

BDO's customer service and account opening team operate during Philippine business hours, which is typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (PST). If you are in North America, Europe, or the Middle East, you may need to schedule your video call during early morning or late evening your time to match BDO's hours.

When BDO sends you the video call appointment, you will receive a link and a specific time. Mark this time clearly in your calendar and set a reminder, because missing the appointment may delay your account opening by several days. If you cannot make the scheduled time, most BDO representatives will allow you to reschedule once, but repeated cancellations may result in your application being closed.

Test your internet connection and camera before the call. Use a quiet space with good lighting so the BDO representative can see your ID clearly. If your connection drops during the call, BDO will usually call you back, but it is better to avoid this by using a stable connection.

Funding your account from abroad

Once your account is open, you have several ways to put money into it from outside the Philippines. The most common method is an international wire transfer using your account number and BDO's SWIFT code (BNORPHMM). You will provide this information to your bank abroad, and the funds will arrive in your BDO account within three to five business days, depending on your bank's processing time.

You can also use online remittance services such as Wise, OFX, or Remitly, which often have lower fees than wire transfers and faster delivery times (sometimes same-day). These services let you send money directly to your BDO account using your account number and routing information.

A third option is to have a family member or trusted person in the Philippines deposit cash at any BDO branch on your behalf. They will need your account number and your name as it appears on your ID. This method is free and instant, though it requires someone you trust to handle the cash.

Using your Kabayan account to send money back

The Kabayan account is also designed to receive remittances from abroad and send money to the Philippines. Once your account is active, you can use BDO's online banking platform or mobile app to transfer funds to other BDO accounts, or to other Philippine banks through the PESONet system (which takes one to two business days).

You can also set up a standing instruction or recurring transfer if you send money to the same person or account regularly. This automates the process and ensures funds arrive on the same date each month. BDO charges a small fee for transfers to other banks, but transfers within BDO are usually free.

If you want family members to withdraw money on your behalf without needing your PIN, you can request a Kabayan withdrawal card to be mailed to a Philippine address. This card allows authorized users to withdraw cash at BDO ATMs or over the counter at any BDO branch using your account.

What to do if your application is rejected or delayed

BDO may reject your application if your ID is expired, if the photo is unclear, or if there is a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name you entered in the application. If this happens, you will receive an email explaining the reason. Correct the issue and resubmit your application — you do not need to start over, just update the information BDO flagged.

If your application is delayed beyond five business days, contact BDO's customer service through their website chat, email, or phone line. Have your application reference number ready. Delays sometimes occur if BDO's system is processing a high volume of applications, or if there is a discrepancy in your documents that requires manual review.

If you are unable to complete the video call due to timezone conflicts or technical issues, reach out to BDO before your scheduled appointment to reschedule. Waiting until after the appointment to contact them may result in your application being closed, requiring you to start the process again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Philippine address to open a Kabayan account?

No. You enter your current address abroad during the application. However, if you want to receive a physical debit card or withdrawal card, you will need to provide a Philippine address where it can be mailed, typically a family member's home or a trusted contact's address.

Can I open a Kabayan account if my Philippine ID is expired?

No. BDO requires a valid, unexpired ID. If your passport or national ID has expired, you will need to renew it before you can open the account. Some overseas Filipinos renew their documents through the Philippine embassy or consulate in their country.

What happens if I miss my video call appointment?

BDO will usually send you a reminder before the call. If you miss it, your application may be closed. Contact BDO immediately to reschedule. Most representatives allow one reschedule, but repeated missed appointments will require you to resubmit your application from the beginning.

How much money can I send through my Kabayan account?

BDO does not publish a specific daily or monthly limit for Kabayan accounts, but large transfers may trigger additional verification. Contact BDO directly to confirm the limits that apply to your account, as these can vary based on your account history and the source of the funds.

Can someone else withdraw money from my Kabayan account in the Philippines?

Yes. You can request a Kabayan withdrawal card to be mailed to a Philippine address, which allows an authorized person to withdraw cash at BDO ATMs or branches. Alternatively, you can transfer money to another person's account and they can withdraw it themselves.