What you need to bring and the steps to open an account
Opening a BDO savings account requires a valid government-issued ID, proof of address, and an initial deposit. You can open an account in person at any BDO branch, or online through the BDO website if you meet their digital banking requirements. The in-person route takes about 15 to 30 minutes and you walk out with an active account the same day. The online route takes longer because BDO verifies your identity through video call or document submission, which can add several business days.
BDO requires a minimum opening deposit that varies by account type — typically between 1,000 and 5,000 Philippine pesos depending on whether you choose a regular savings account or a higher-tier product. You can deposit cash, transfer from another bank account, or use a debit card. Once your deposit clears, your account number is active and you can start using it immediately.
The entire process — from walking in to receiving your debit card — usually takes one to two weeks. Your temporary card or digital access comes first, and your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after account opening.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid government ID, proof of address, and an initial deposit between 1,000 and 5,000 pesos to open a BDO savings account.
- In-person opening at a BDO branch takes 15 to 30 minutes and your account is active the same day, while online opening takes several business days for identity verification.
- Your account number is usable immediately after your deposit clears, but your physical debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- BDO accepts cash deposits, transfers from other banks, or debit card payments as your opening deposit.
Documents you must bring to a BDO branch
Bring one valid government-issued ID — a passport, driver's license, national ID, or PRC professional license all work. BDO will not accept expired IDs or photocopies. If your ID does not show your current address, bring a second document proving where you live: a recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement dated within the last three months.
If you are opening an account for a business or as a minor, bring additional paperwork. For a business account, bring your business registration certificate (DTI or SEC), tax identification number, and a letter authorizing you to open the account on behalf of the business. For a minor under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with their own ID and proof of guardianship.
Bring your initial deposit in cash or be prepared to transfer it from another account. If you are transferring from another bank, have that account number and bank details ready so BDO can process the transfer while you wait.
Opening an account online through BDO's digital platform
BDO's online account opening process starts on their website or mobile app. You will upload photos of your ID and proof of address, then complete a video call with a BDO representative who verifies your identity. This video call usually happens within 24 to 48 hours of your application. The representative will ask you to show your ID in person and confirm your address matches your documents.
After the video call, BDO processes your application, which takes 2 to 5 business days. During this time, they run background checks and confirm your identity through their systems. Once approved, you receive your account number by email or SMS, and you can log into BDO Online Banking immediately to transfer your opening deposit.
You must transfer your opening deposit from another bank account — BDO does not accept cash deposits through the online process. Use your new account number to receive the transfer, and your account becomes fully active once the deposit clears, usually within one business day. Your physical debit card ships separately and arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens after you submit your application
Once BDO receives your completed application and opening deposit, they send you a confirmation email or SMS with your account number within 24 hours. This number is real and usable immediately — you can give it to employers for direct deposit or to other banks for transfers. Your temporary digital access (username and password for BDO Online Banking) arrives in a separate email, usually the same day or next business day.
Your physical debit card is produced and mailed separately. Delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date your account opens. BDO sends a tracking notification when your card ships. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, contact your branch or BDO customer service to request a replacement.
During this waiting period, you can already use your account for transfers, bill payments, and online purchases if you set up digital banking. You do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive to start using the account.
Minimum balance requirements and account maintenance
BDO savings accounts require you to maintain a minimum balance — the amount varies by account type. A basic BDO Savings Account typically requires a minimum balance of 1,000 pesos. If your balance falls below this amount, BDO charges a monthly maintenance fee, usually between 100 and 300 pesos depending on your account tier.
The minimum balance is calculated on the last day of each month. If you dip below it for a few days but recover before month-end, you avoid the fee. If you consistently fall below the minimum, BDO may close your account after sending you a warning notice.
Some BDO account types waive the minimum balance requirement if you maintain a certain monthly deposit or set up automatic transfers. Ask your branch representative which account type best fits your situation — they can recommend a product that matches your expected balance and activity level.
Fees and charges to know about
BDO charges a monthly maintenance fee if your balance falls below the minimum. They also charge for certain transactions: cash withdrawals at non-BDO ATMs cost 20 to 25 pesos per withdrawal, and international wire transfers cost between 500 and 1,500 pesos depending on the destination country. Domestic transfers between BDO accounts are free, and transfers to other Philippine banks through InstaPay or PESONet are free.
Replacement debit cards cost 150 to 300 pesos if you lose yours or request a duplicate. Closing your account early does not incur a fee, but BDO requires you to withdraw your remaining balance and submit a written request at your branch.
Interest rates on BDO savings accounts are low — typically 0.25% to 0.50% per year depending on your balance and account type. This means a 10,000-peso balance earns roughly 25 to 50 pesos per year in interest. Interest is calculated daily and credited monthly.
If you are rejected or your application is delayed
BDO may reject your application if your ID is expired, your address cannot be verified, or if you have a history of fraud or unpaid debts flagged in their system. If rejected, BDO sends you a letter explaining the reason. You can reapply after addressing the issue — for example, by renewing your ID or providing additional address documentation.
If your application is taking longer than expected, contact the branch where you applied or call BDO customer service at 1-800-631-8000. Processing delays usually happen when BDO needs additional documentation or when their verification system is backlogged. Providing missing documents immediately can speed up approval by several days.
If you opened your account online and your video call was not scheduled within 48 hours, check your email and SMS for a reschedule notice. Sometimes the system assigns you a different time slot. If you miss the scheduled call, you can request a new one through the app or website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a BDO savings account without a physical address?
BDO requires proof of address, but it does not have to be a home address. A business address, care-of address at a relative's house, or even a registered office address works as long as it is documented on a recent utility bill or official letter. If you are homeless or between addresses, contact your nearest BDO branch to discuss alternative documentation.
How long does it take to receive my debit card after opening an account?
Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days from the date your account opens. BDO sends a tracking notification when it ships. You can use your account for online transfers and bill payments immediately while you wait for the physical card.
What if I do not have a government-issued ID?
BDO requires a valid government ID — a passport, driver's license, national ID, or professional license. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain one first. Your local civil registry or LTO office can issue these documents. Some BDO branches may accept alternative documentation in rare cases, so contact your nearest branch to ask.
Can I open a BDO account if I already have one?
Yes, you can open multiple savings accounts at BDO. Each account has its own number and can serve different purposes — one for emergency savings, one for bills, one for investments. There is no limit to how many accounts you can hold, though BDO may charge separate maintenance fees for each account if balances fall below minimums.
What is the difference between opening in person and online?
In-person opening is faster — your account is active the same day. Online opening takes 2 to 5 business days for identity verification. In-person, you can deposit cash immediately; online, you must transfer from another bank account. Choose in-person if you want immediate access, or online if you prefer not to visit a branch.