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. Bring a government-issued ID like a passport, driver's license, or national ID card, plus one more ID from a different issuer. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your name and current address — it must be dated within the last three months.
You will also need to bring money to fund the account. BDO's minimum opening deposit varies by account type. A regular savings account typically requires 10,000 Philippine pesos as an opening deposit, though some branches may accept lower amounts for certain account products. Bring cash or a check; you can deposit either one when you open the account.
If you are opening an account for a minor, bring the child's birth certificate and the parent or guardian's ID and proof of address. The parent or guardian must be present at the branch.
Key Takeaways
- You need two forms of ID, proof of address dated within three months, and a minimum opening deposit of around 10,000 pesos to open a BDO savings account.
- Visit any BDO branch during business hours — most are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and some branches have Saturday hours.
- The account opening process takes 15 to 30 minutes and you will receive your ATM card and passbook on the same day or within a few days.
- BDO offers different savings account types with different features, so ask the teller which account fits your needs before you hand over your documents.
Steps to complete at the branch
Walk into any BDO branch with your documents and opening deposit. Tell the teller you want to open a savings account. They will ask you which type of account you want — BDO offers a regular savings account, a high-yield savings account, and accounts designed for students or seniors. Ask about the differences if you are not sure which one suits you.
The teller will give you a form to fill out with your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, occupation, and contact details. Answer all fields. You will also be asked about the source of your funds and your intended use of the account — this is standard anti-money-laundering procedure and does not affect your ability to open the account.
Hand over your IDs and proof of address. The teller will make copies and return the originals to you. Give them your opening deposit in cash or by check. They will process the deposit and issue you a temporary receipt.
What happens after you hand in your paperwork
The teller will enter your information into BDO's system and assign you an account number on the spot. You will receive a passbook (a small booklet that records your deposits and withdrawals) immediately or within a few days, depending on the branch. Your ATM card will arrive within 5 to 7 business days by mail, or you can pick it up at the branch if you prefer.
Your account is active as soon as the teller processes it, even if your ATM card has not arrived yet. You can start depositing money and making transfers right away using your account number. The teller will give you a receipt showing your new account number and opening balance.
If you need to withdraw money before your ATM card arrives, you can use your passbook at any BDO teller window. Bring the passbook and your ID.
Account types and their differences
BDO's regular savings account has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement after you open it. Interest rates are low — typically less than 1 percent per year — but your money is safe and you can withdraw anytime.
BDO's high-yield savings account (sometimes called a premium savings account) requires a higher opening deposit and minimum balance, usually 50,000 pesos or more. In return, it pays higher interest, usually 1 to 2 percent per year depending on your balance. If your balance falls below the minimum, you may be charged a fee or moved to a regular savings account.
BDO also offers student savings accounts with lower opening deposits and no fees, and senior citizen accounts with special rates. Ask the teller which account is available to you based on your age or status.
Where to find a BDO branch near you
BDO has over 1,400 branches across the Philippines. Visit bdo.com.ph and use their branch locator tool to find the nearest branch to your home or workplace. The website shows the branch address, phone number, and hours of operation.
Most BDO branches are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some branches in malls or business districts stay open until 5 or 6 p.m. A few branches in major cities have Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call ahead if you are not sure about a specific branch's hours.
What to do if you cannot visit a branch in person
BDO offers online account opening for certain account types through their website and mobile app. You will still need to provide ID and proof of address, but you can upload photos of these documents instead of visiting a branch. The process takes a few days and BDO will contact you to confirm your information before activating the account.
Online opening is faster if you already have a BDO account or if you are a BDO credit card holder. If you are a new customer with no prior BDO relationship, you may still need to visit a branch to verify your identity in person, even if you start the process online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a BDO savings account without a job?
Yes. BDO does not require proof of employment to open a savings account. When the teller asks about your occupation, you can write "student," "homemaker," "retired," or "self-employed" — any status is acceptable. You still need to provide ID, proof of address, and an opening deposit.
What if I do not have a proof of address in my name?
Bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement in your name dated within the last three months. If none of these are available, ask the branch if they will accept an affidavit of residence signed by a barangay official or a letter from your landlord on letterhead. Policies vary by branch, so call ahead.
How long does it take to receive my ATM card?
BDO usually delivers ATM cards within 5 to 7 business days by mail to the address you provided. You can pick up your card at the branch instead if you do not want to wait. Ask the teller about pickup options when you open the account.
Can I open a joint account with someone else?
Yes. Both account holders must visit the branch together with their IDs and proof of address. You will both sign the account opening form. Either person can withdraw money or make deposits using the account number and passbook.
What is the interest rate on a BDO savings account?
Interest rates vary by account type and change over time. Regular savings accounts earn less than 1 percent per year. High-yield accounts earn 1 to 2 percent depending on your balance. Ask the teller for the current rate when you open the account, or check bdo.com.ph for the most recent rates.