What you need to bring to BDO
BDO (Banco de Oro) requires two forms of identification and proof of address to open a savings account in person. Bring a government-issued ID like a passport, driver's license, or national ID card, plus a second ID such as an employee badge, school ID, or credit card. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or government document showing your name and current address.
If you are opening an account as a minor, a parent or legal guardian must be present with their own identification documents. Some BDO branches also accept a birth certificate as a secondary ID if you do not have two separate government-issued documents.
Bring your initial deposit amount in cash or a check. The minimum opening deposit varies by account type—standard savings accounts typically require between 1,000 and 5,000 Philippine pesos, though this can differ by branch and current promotions.
Key Takeaways
- You will need two forms of ID and proof of your current address to open an account in person at any BDO branch.
- A parent or guardian must accompany minors, and both adults will need to provide identification.
- The minimum opening deposit ranges from 1,000 to 5,000 Philippine pesos depending on the account type and branch.
- BDO offers online account opening for certain account types, though you will still need to verify your identity and may need to visit a branch later.
- The entire process at a branch usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, and you will receive your ATM card and passbook on the same day or within a few days.
Steps to open an account at a BDO branch
Walk into any BDO branch during business hours and tell the teller you want to open a savings account. They will direct you to the new accounts desk or a customer service representative. Bring all your documents and your initial deposit with you.
The representative will ask you to fill out an account opening form. This form asks for your full name, date of birth, address, occupation, and contact information. They will also ask about the source of your funds—this is a standard anti-money-laundering question and does not affect your ability to open the account.
Once the form is complete, the representative will verify your identification documents and record the information. They will then process your initial deposit and set up your account. You will receive a passbook (a record book of your transactions) and an ATM card, though the ATM card may take a few days to arrive by mail if it is not printed on-site.
Ask the representative for your account number and PIN before you leave. Write these down in a safe place separate from your card. Some branches provide a welcome packet with your account details; keep this for your records.
Opening an account online through BDO
BDO offers online account opening through its website and mobile app for certain account types, primarily basic savings accounts. Visit the BDO website or download the BDO mobile app, then look for the "Open an Account" or "New Account" option.
You will need to provide your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, address, and contact details. You will also need to upload photos of your identification documents and proof of address. The system will ask you to take a selfie for identity verification purposes.
After you submit your information, BDO will review your documents, which usually takes one to three business days. You will receive an email or SMS notification once your account is approved. However, you will still need to visit a BDO branch to complete the process—specifically to verify your identity in person and make your initial deposit. Some branches allow you to do this within 30 days of approval; after that, your pending account may be closed.
What happens after your account opens
Your account is active as soon as the branch representative processes it. You can begin using your ATM card immediately at any BDO ATM or partner ATM network once you receive it. If your card was not printed at the branch, it will arrive by mail within five to seven business days.
Your passbook is your record of deposits, withdrawals, and interest earned. You can request a new passbook at any BDO branch if yours is full or damaged. BDO also provides online banking access through its website and mobile app—you can set this up at the branch or through the app itself once your account is open.
Interest on your savings account is calculated daily and credited to your account monthly. The interest rate varies depending on your account type and your balance. Check with your branch or the BDO website for current rates.
Account types and features at BDO
BDO offers several savings account options. The basic savings account has a low minimum opening deposit and is designed for everyday savers. The high-yield savings account requires a higher minimum balance but pays more interest. BDO also offers special savings accounts for students, senior citizens, and overseas Filipino workers, each with different terms and benefits.
Most BDO savings accounts come with an ATM card, online banking access, and the ability to set up automatic transfers. Some accounts offer higher interest rates if you maintain a minimum balance or make regular deposits. Ask the representative which account type best matches your savings goals and how much you need to keep in the account to avoid monthly maintenance fees.
If you cannot visit a branch in person
If you live far from a BDO branch or cannot visit during business hours, you have limited options. The online account opening process exists, but it still requires an in-person visit to a branch to complete. There is no fully remote account opening at BDO.
If you have a family member or trusted friend who can visit a BDO branch on your behalf, some branches will allow them to open an account for you if you provide a signed authorization letter and copies of your identification documents. Call your nearest BDO branch ahead of time to ask whether they accept this arrangement, as policies vary by location.
Another option is to visit a BDO branch when you are next in the area, even if it is not your home branch. Any BDO branch can open an account for you, and you can manage it from anywhere once it is open.
Common issues and how to fix them
If your documents are rejected, the most common reason is that your proof of address is outdated or does not clearly show your name and current address. Utility bills, lease agreements, and government notices all work, but they must be dated within the last three months. If your address has recently changed, bring a letter from your employer or a government agency confirming your new address.
If you are told you cannot open an account because of your employment status or income source, ask to speak with a manager. BDO does not refuse accounts based on employment alone, but the representative may need to document your source of funds more carefully. Self-employed individuals and overseas workers can open accounts; you may just need to provide additional paperwork like a business registration or employment contract.
If your ATM card does not arrive within two weeks, visit your branch and ask them to check the status. They can reorder it or issue a replacement. If you forget your PIN, you can reset it at any BDO ATM or by visiting a branch with your ID and passbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a BDO savings account if I do not have a government ID?
BDO requires at least one government-issued ID. If you do not have a passport or national ID, you can use a driver's license or any ID issued by a government agency. If you truly have no government ID, you will need to obtain one first—this is a legal requirement for banking, not just a BDO policy.
What is the minimum balance I need to keep in my account?
The minimum opening deposit is typically 1,000 to 5,000 Philippine pesos depending on account type. After that, some accounts have a minimum daily balance requirement to avoid monthly fees—this ranges from 1,000 to 10,000 pesos depending on which account you choose. Ask the representative about the specific requirement for your account type.
How long does it take to receive my ATM card?
If your card is printed at the branch on the day you open your account, you can use it immediately. If it is ordered, it typically arrives by mail within five to seven business days. You can still withdraw money using your passbook at the teller window while you wait for your card.
Can I open an account for someone else?
You cannot open an account for an adult without their presence and consent. For minors, a parent or legal guardian must be present. Some branches allow a representative to open an account on your behalf if you provide a signed authorization letter and copies of your ID, but you will still need to visit the branch yourself eventually to verify your identity.
What if I want to close my account later?
You can close your BDO savings account at any time by visiting a branch with your passbook and ID. The bank will return your remaining balance to you in cash or by check. There is no penalty for closing an account, though some promotional accounts may have restrictions—ask about this when you open your account.