You can deposit to a BDO Kabayan account through BDO branches, ATMs, online transfer, or over-the-counter at partner outlets

BDO Kabayan is a savings account designed for overseas Filipino workers and their families in the Philippines. You can put money into the account through several methods depending on where you are and what works for your situation. The fastest routes are ATM deposits at any BDO machine, bank-to-bank transfers from another bank, or cash deposits at a BDO branch. If you're sending money from abroad, you can use BDO's international transfer service or have a family member deposit cash on your behalf at a BDO branch or partner outlet.

Each deposit method has different timing and requirements. Some are instant, others take one to three business days. The account holder or an authorized person must have the account number and sometimes a PIN or passbook to complete the deposit.

Key Takeaways

  • ATM deposits at any BDO machine are instant and available 24 hours, but you need a BDO ATM card linked to the Kabayan account.
  • Cash deposits at a BDO branch or partner outlet require the account number and take minutes to process during business hours.
  • Bank-to-bank transfers from another Philippine bank take one to three business days and require the account number and BDO routing details.
  • International transfers from abroad use BDO's remittance service and may take two to five business days depending on the sending country and method.
  • A family member or authorized person can deposit cash on your behalf if they have your account number and a valid ID.

ATM deposits: instant and round-the-clock

If you have a BDO ATM card linked to your Kabayan account, you can deposit cash at any BDO ATM machine at any time. The deposit posts to your account immediately. You do not need to visit a branch or wait for processing. This is the fastest method if you have access to a BDO ATM.

To use an ATM deposit, insert your card, enter your PIN, select the deposit option, insert the cash into the slot, and confirm the amount. The machine will print a receipt showing the transaction. Keep this receipt as proof of deposit. If the machine rejects your cash or malfunctions, contact BDO customer service with the receipt and the ATM location — they can investigate and credit your account if the cash was taken.

Branch and partner outlet deposits: cash in hand

You can walk into any BDO branch during business hours and deposit cash directly to a teller. Bring your account number, passbook (if you have one), and a valid ID. The teller will count the cash, record the deposit, and give you a receipt. The money posts to your account the same day. No appointment is needed for most deposits.

BDO also partners with certain outlets — convenience stores, remittance centers, and other businesses — where you can deposit cash without visiting a bank branch. These locations vary by region. Ask your local BDO branch which partner outlets near you accept deposits, or check the BDO website for a partner locator. Partner deposits may take one business day to post instead of the same day, so confirm timing before you deposit.

Bank-to-bank transfers from another Philippine bank

If you have an account at another Philippine bank — BPI, Metrobank, Unionbank, Security Bank, or others — you can transfer money directly to your BDO Kabayan account. You will need the Kabayan account number and BDO's routing code (004 for most BDO transfers). Log into your other bank's online platform or visit a branch and request an interbank transfer. The transfer usually takes one to three business days.

Some banks charge a small fee for interbank transfers, typically 50 to 150 pesos depending on the amount and the sending bank. Ask your bank about the fee before you transfer. Once the transfer is sent, you cannot cancel it, so double-check the account number before confirming. If the number is wrong, the receiving bank will reject the transfer and send it back to your original account, which can take several days.

International transfers from abroad

If you are sending money from outside the Philippines, you can use BDO's international remittance service. BDO accepts transfers through SWIFT, money transfer operators like Western Union and MoneyGram, and partnerships with banks in other countries. The money can be picked up at a BDO branch or deposited directly to your Kabayan account if you set up direct deposit with the sending bank.

International transfers typically take two to five business days depending on the sending country, the method used, and whether it is a weekend or holiday. Exchange rates and fees vary by sending country and method. Contact BDO or the sending bank for current rates and fees before you send. Once sent, the transfer cannot be canceled, so confirm all details with the sending bank first.

If you arrange direct deposit with your employer or a foreign bank, the money will go straight into your Kabayan account without you having to pick it up. This is the most convenient option if you receive regular payments from abroad.

Deposits by a family member or authorized person

You do not have to be present to deposit money into your Kabayan account. A family member, friend, or anyone else can deposit cash on your behalf at a BDO branch or partner outlet. They will need your account number and a valid ID of their own. The teller will process the deposit and give them a receipt with your account number and the amount deposited.

If you want to authorize someone to make regular deposits or handle other account transactions, you can set up a power of attorney at a BDO branch. This is a legal document that gives another person the right to act on your account. You will need to sign the document in front of a BDO officer and provide identification. The process takes about 30 minutes and may have a small fee.

What to do if a deposit does not appear in your account

If you deposited cash at an ATM and the receipt shows the transaction but the money has not posted after 24 hours, contact BDO customer service with the receipt and the ATM location. Provide the date, time, and amount. BDO will investigate and credit your account if the cash was received by the machine.

If you made a bank-to-bank transfer and it has been more than three business days, log into your sending bank's platform and check the transfer status. If it shows as rejected or pending, contact your sending bank. If it shows as sent, contact BDO with the transfer reference number and ask them to trace it. Provide your Kabayan account number and the amount transferred.

If someone deposited cash on your behalf and you did not receive a receipt, ask them for the date and amount. Contact BDO with this information and your account number. BDO can search their records for the deposit. Keep all receipts for at least 30 days so you have proof if there is a dispute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a BDO ATM card to deposit at a branch?

No. You can deposit cash at a BDO branch with just your account number and a valid ID. You do not need a card or passbook, though a passbook can help the teller locate your account faster. ATM cards are only required for ATM deposits.

Can I deposit a check to my Kabayan account?

Yes. Bring the check and your ID to a BDO branch. The teller will deposit it and give you a receipt. Checks typically take three to five business days to clear. The money will not be available until the check clears, even though the deposit posts to your account the same day.

What is the maximum amount I can deposit at one time?

ATM deposits usually have a limit of 50,000 pesos per transaction, though this varies by machine. Branch deposits have no set limit, but deposits over 500,000 pesos may trigger a report to the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Bring your ID and be prepared to answer questions about the source of the money.

Can I deposit money if I am not a Filipino citizen?

You can deposit money into a Kabayan account if you are authorized to do so by the account holder. If you are trying to open your own Kabayan account, BDO requires you to be a Filipino citizen or have a valid long-term visa. Contact BDO directly to confirm requirements for your situation.

How long does it take for a cash deposit at a partner outlet to post?

Partner outlet deposits usually post within one business day, though some post the same day. Confirm timing with the partner outlet or BDO branch before you deposit. Keep your receipt as proof until the money appears in your account.