What you need to bring to BDO

BDO (Banco de Oro) requires two forms of identification and proof of address before you can open a checking account. One ID must be government-issued with a photo—a passport, driver's license, or national ID card. The second can be another photo ID or a document like a company ID, school ID, or professional license.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last three months. The document must show your name and current address. If you don't have a utility bill in your name, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord stating your address works in most branches.

You'll also need to bring your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number (TIN) if you have one. If you don't, BDO can still open the account, but you may face limits on transaction amounts or additional verification later.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID, a second form of ID, and proof of address dated within three months to any BDO branch.
  • BDO checking accounts come in different tiers—Regular, Savings Plus, and Premium—with different minimum balances and monthly fees.
  • The account opens on the same day you visit the branch if all documents are in order, though the debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can set up online banking and mobile app access when ready after opening, or ask the branch to do it for you before you leave.
  • Monthly maintenance fees range from zero to several hundred pesos depending on the account type and whether you meet the minimum balance requirement.

Which BDO checking account type fits your needs

BDO offers three main checking account options, each with different costs and features. The Regular Checking Account has no minimum opening balance but charges a monthly maintenance fee (the amount varies by branch and changes periodically). The BDO Savings Plus account combines checking and savings features and waives the monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance—typically 10,000 to 25,000 pesos depending on the branch. The BDO Premium Checking account requires a higher minimum balance, usually 100,000 pesos or more, but includes perks like priority customer service and waived fees for certain transactions.

If you don't plan to keep a large balance in the account, the Regular Checking Account is straightforward: you pay the monthly fee regardless of your balance. If you can keep money in the account, Savings Plus often makes sense because the fee waiver covers the cost of maintaining the account. Ask the branch staff what the current minimum balance is for fee waiver, since it changes and varies slightly between locations.

Steps to complete at the branch

Walk into any BDO branch during business hours with your documents. Tell the teller or account officer you want to open a checking account. They will ask you which account type you prefer and verify your identification and address documents. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You'll sign account opening forms and deposit your initial funding—the amount depends on the account type. For a Regular Checking Account, you may be able to open with as little as 1,000 pesos, though some branches set higher minimums. For Savings Plus or Premium, you'll need to meet the minimum balance requirement on day one. The branch will issue you a temporary debit card or tell you when your card will arrive by mail.

Before you leave, ask the account officer to walk you through online banking setup. BDO's online platform (BDO Online) and mobile app (BDO Mobile) can be activated when ready. You'll receive a username and temporary password, which you change on your first login. If you prefer, the branch can set this up for you at the desk so you can start using it right away.

When your debit card arrives and how to set up it

Your physical debit card ships by mail within 7 to 10 business days after account opening. The card comes in a security envelope to your address on file. When it arrives, call the number on the back of the card or use the BDO Mobile app to set up it before you can use it at ATMs or stores.

Until the card arrives, you can still access your money through BDO ATMs using your online banking credentials, or by visiting a branch to withdraw cash. Some branches also issue a temporary card on the day you open the account if you ask, though this is not may provide at all locations.

Setting up online and mobile banking

BDO Online is the desktop platform for checking balances, transferring money, and paying bills. BDO Mobile is the smartphone app that does the same things. Both require you to register with a username and password. The branch can register you on the spot, or you can do it yourself at home by visiting the BDO website or downloading the app.

When you register, you'll set up a security question and answer, and BDO will send you a one-time password (OTP) via SMS to confirm your phone number. Keep your phone number current in your account—BDO uses SMS for transaction alerts and password resets. If you change your phone number, update it in the app or at a branch when ready.

Most transactions through online banking and the mobile app are free. Transfers to other BDO accounts are when ready. Transfers to other banks take 1 to 3 business days depending on the receiving bank. Bill payments to utilities and credit cards usually process within 24 hours on business days.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

The Regular Checking Account charges a monthly maintenance fee that varies by branch but typically ranges from 150 to 300 pesos per month. This fee is deducted automatically on a set date each month, regardless of your balance or activity.

The Savings Plus account waives the monthly fee if you maintain the minimum balance—usually 10,000 to 25,000 pesos—on the last day of the month. If your balance falls below the minimum, the fee applies that month. Some branches also waive the fee if you meet activity requirements, such as a certain number of transactions or a minimum deposit amount, so ask what the exact conditions are.

Premium accounts have higher minimums (often 100,000 pesos or more) but waive fees and include additional benefits. If you're opening an account with a small amount of money, ask the branch which account type has the lowest total cost for your situation. Sometimes a Regular Checking Account with a monthly fee costs less than maintaining a Savings Plus minimum balance you can't afford to keep.

What happens if you don't use the account

BDO does not close accounts for inactivity, but the account remains subject to monthly fees. If you stop using the account and your balance drops below the minimum (for Savings Plus) or reaches zero, you'll still owe the monthly maintenance fee. The fee is deducted from your balance, which can make the balance negative. Once an account goes negative, BDO may freeze it or refer it to collections.

If you plan to stop using the account, close it formally at a branch rather than abandoning it. Bring your debit card and a valid ID. The branch will process the closure, return any remaining balance to you, and cancel the card. Closing takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a BDO checking account online or by phone?

No. BDO requires you to open a checking account in person at a branch with original identification and proof of address documents. You cannot open an account through the website, app, or phone. Some banks offer online account opening, but BDO does not.

What's the minimum amount I need to deposit to open an account?

For a Regular Checking Account, the minimum opening deposit is usually 1,000 to 5,000 pesos, though this varies by branch. For Savings Plus, you must meet the minimum balance requirement on day one—typically 10,000 to 25,000 pesos. Ask your branch what the current minimums are before you visit.

Can I use my BDO checking account to receive salary deposits?

Yes. You can provide your account number and routing information to your employer for direct deposit. Salary deposits usually appear in your account on payday. If your employer uses a payroll service, confirm with them that they can deposit to BDO accounts.

What should I do if I lose my debit card?

Call the number on the back of your card when ready to report it lost or stolen. BDO will freeze the card so no one else can use it. You can request a replacement card at a branch or by phone, and it will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until the new card arrives, you can withdraw cash at BDO ATMs using your online banking login or visit a branch.

Can I have a joint checking account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders must visit the branch together with their identification and proof of address. BDO will set up the account so either person can withdraw money or make transactions. Ask the branch about the rules for joint accounts, including what happens if one account holder wants to close the account.