What you need to bring to BDO to open a savings account
BDO requires two forms of identification and proof of address before you can open an account. The most common path is to walk into a branch with a valid government ID (passport, driver's license, or national ID) plus a second ID, then show a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address on it.
If you are a Filipino citizen, a single valid ID that shows your address—such as a PRC license, passport, or national ID—may be enough on its own. Non-citizens need both a primary ID and proof of address as separate documents. BDO also accepts a company ID paired with an employee record or payroll stub as proof of address if you do not have a utility bill.
Bring your original documents, not copies. BDO staff will verify them in front of you and may photograph them for their records. If your ID has expired but is still recognizable, most branches will accept it; call ahead to confirm your specific branch's policy.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid government ID and proof of current address; a single ID that shows both may be enough if you are a Filipino citizen.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or company payroll record dated within the last three months.
- Opening an account in person at a BDO branch takes 15 to 30 minutes and requires no minimum deposit for most savings products.
- You will receive a passbook and ATM card on the same day or within one to two business days, depending on the branch.
- BDO also offers online account opening for certain products, though you will still need to verify your identity through their app or visit a branch later.
Steps to complete your account opening at the branch
Walk up to the customer service desk or take a number from the queue system. Tell the staff member you want to open a savings account and which product you are interested in—BDO offers several, including the BDO Savings Account, BDO Kabayan Savings Account (for overseas Filipinos), and accounts with higher interest rates for larger deposits.
The staff member will hand you a signature card and account opening form. Fill in your full legal name, date of birth, address, phone number, and occupation. You will also declare your source of funds and estimated monthly deposits. This is standard anti-money-laundering procedure and does not affect your ability to open the account.
Present your identification and proof of address. The staff will photocopy or scan them and file them with your application. You will sign the signature card in front of the staff member—this signature is what BDO uses to verify withdrawals and checks later. Make sure your signature matches what you use on other documents.
Choose a PIN for your ATM card and decide whether you want paperless statements, SMS alerts, or both. Most branches now offer these options during account opening. You will receive your passbook immediately or within one to two business days; your ATM card typically arrives within five to seven business days, though some branches issue it on the spot.
Online account opening through the BDO app
BDO allows you to start the account opening process through their mobile app or website without visiting a branch first. Download the BDO app, select "Open an Account," and choose your preferred savings product. You will upload a photo of your ID and take a selfie for identity verification.
The app will ask for your personal information, address, and employment details. This step takes about 10 minutes. BDO then reviews your submission, which usually takes one to two business days. You will receive an SMS or push notification when your account is ready.
Even after online approval, you must visit a branch to collect your passbook and ATM card and to complete a final verification step. Bring the same documents you uploaded—your original ID and proof of address. This in-person step ensures BDO has verified you face-to-face and protects against fraud.
Minimum deposit and account maintenance fees
Most BDO savings accounts have no minimum opening deposit. You can open an account with as little as one peso, though some specialty products—such as high-yield savings accounts or accounts linked to investment services—may require a larger starting balance. Check with your branch about the specific product you want.
BDO charges a monthly maintenance fee on some accounts if your balance falls below a set threshold, typically 1,000 to 5,000 pesos depending on the account type. If you maintain the minimum balance, the fee is waived. Ask the staff member during account opening what the maintenance fee is for your chosen product and what balance keeps it waived.
Some accounts waive the maintenance fee entirely if you set up automatic monthly deposits or maintain a certain number of transactions per month. This can be a good option if you use your account regularly but do not want to keep a large balance sitting idle.
What happens after you open your account
Your account number will be printed on your passbook and provided to you immediately. You can begin depositing money right away at any BDO teller window or ATM. If you set up online banking during account opening, you can also transfer money from another bank into your BDO account using your account number and the BDO routing code.
Your ATM card will arrive by mail or be ready for pickup at the branch within five to seven business days. Once you have it, you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts at any BDO ATM. You will also receive a PIN mailer with instructions on how to change your PIN to something only you know.
BDO will send you a welcome letter with your account details and a guide to their online banking platform. If you did not set up online access during account opening, you can register at any BDO branch or through their website. Online banking lets you check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and monitor your account 24 hours a day.
Common issues and what to do if something goes wrong
If the branch tells you they cannot open an account because of your documents, ask what specific requirement is not met. Sometimes a utility bill is too old (older than three months) or does not show your full name. A newer bill, a lease agreement, or a bank statement from another institution usually solves this. If you do not have any of these, ask whether a company payroll stub or government-issued document with your address will work.
If your ATM card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the branch where you opened the account. Provide your account number and the date you opened the account. The branch can check the status of your card order and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. Reissued cards usually arrive within five to seven business days.
If you forget your ATM PIN, visit any BDO branch with your ID and passbook. Staff will reset your PIN and issue you a new PIN mailer. If you forget your online banking password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the BDO website or app to reset it using your registered email or phone number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a BDO savings account if I do not have a permanent address?
BDO requires proof of current address, but it does not have to be a permanent residence. A lease agreement for a temporary rental, a hotel booking confirmation, or a letter from a relative stating you live at their address can work. Call your nearest BDO branch to ask what documents they will accept for your situation.
How long does it take to open a BDO savings account?
In-person account opening at a branch takes 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish. Online account opening through the app takes about 10 minutes to submit, then one to two business days for BDO to review. You still need to visit a branch to collect your passbook and card.
What is the difference between BDO savings accounts?
BDO offers basic savings accounts with low or no interest, high-yield savings accounts that pay more interest if you maintain a larger balance, and specialty accounts like the Kabayan account for overseas workers. Interest rates and minimum balance requirements vary. Ask the branch staff which account matches your savings goals and how much interest each one pays.
Do I need to bring my Social Security Number or tax ID to open an account?
No. BDO requires a valid government ID and proof of address. If you are self-employed or a business owner, you may be asked for your BIR registration or business permit, but this is not required for a basic personal savings account.
Can someone else open a BDO account on my behalf?
No. BDO requires the account holder to be present in person for final verification and signature. A relative or friend cannot open an account for you, even with your permission and documents. You must visit the branch yourself.