What you need to open a BDO checking account
BDO (Banco de Oro) offers checking accounts to individuals and businesses in the Philippines. To open one, you will need a valid government-issued ID, proof of address, and an initial deposit. The exact amount of that deposit depends on which type of checking account you choose — BDO offers several versions with different minimum balances and monthly fees.
You can start the process either in person at a BDO branch or online through BDO's website. The in-person route is more straightforward if this is your first time opening a formal bank account, because a staff member can walk you through each step and answer questions on the spot. The online route moves faster if you already have a BDO savings account, since the bank already has your information on file.
The entire process — whether in person or online — usually takes between 15 minutes and one hour, depending on how busy the branch is and whether your documents are in order. You will leave with a debit card and account number the same day if you explore in person.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a valid government ID (passport, driver's license, or national ID), proof of your current address, and an opening deposit to start a BDO checking account.
- BDO offers multiple checking account types with different minimum balances and monthly maintenance fees, so compare the options before you decide which one fits your situation.
- Opening in person at a BDO branch is the most direct route for first-time account holders, and you can walk out with a debit card and account number the same day.
- If you already have a BDO savings account, you can open a checking account online through BDO's website without visiting a branch.
Documents you will need to bring
Bring one valid government-issued ID. BDO accepts a Philippine passport, driver's license, national ID (PhilID), or postal ID. The ID must not be expired, and the name on it must match the name you use to open the account.
You will also need proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill (water, electricity, or internet), a lease agreement, a property tax receipt, or a government-issued document with your name and address on it. The document should be dated within the last three months. If you live with family and the bill is in someone else's name, bring a signed letter from the account holder saying you live there, along with the bill itself.
Finally, bring your opening deposit in cash. The minimum amount varies by account type — some BDO checking accounts require as little as ₱5,000, while others require ₱25,000 or more. Bring slightly more than the minimum in case you need to cover the first month's maintenance fee.
BDO checking account types and their costs
BDO offers several checking account options. The most common are the BDO Regular Checking Account, the BDO Advantage Checking Account, and the BDO Preferred Checking Account. Each has a different minimum balance requirement and monthly maintenance fee.
The Regular Checking Account typically has the lowest minimum opening deposit and the lowest monthly fee, making it the most common choice for people opening their first checking account. The Advantage and Preferred accounts require higher minimum balances but may waive the monthly fee if you maintain that balance. Some accounts also come with benefits like free wire transfers or higher interest on your balance.
Before you go to the bank, visit BDO's website or call a branch to confirm the current minimum balance and monthly fee for each account type. These amounts change occasionally, and different branches may have slightly different offerings. Knowing this ahead of time means you can bring exactly the right amount of money and choose the account that makes sense for how you plan to use it.
Opening your account in person at a BDO branch
Find the BDO branch nearest to you using the branch locator on BDO's website. Go during business hours — most branches are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and some are open on Saturday mornings. Bring your ID, proof of address, and opening deposit.
When you arrive, tell the staff you want to open a checking account. They will give you an process form to fill out. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, employment information, and the type of account you want. Answer every question — if you leave something blank, the staff will ask you to fill it in before they can process your process.
Hand the completed form, your ID, and your proof of address to the staff member. They will verify your documents, confirm your opening deposit, and enter your information into the system. They will then give you a debit card (which may be activated when ready or within a few days) and your account number. Write down your account number and keep it somewhere safe.
Opening your account online if you already have a BDO account
If you already have a BDO savings account, you can open a checking account through BDO's online banking platform without visiting a branch. Log into your BDO online account and look for the option to open an additional account. You will be asked to choose the type of checking account you want and confirm your opening deposit will come from your existing savings account.
The online process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Once you submit your request, BDO will process it within one to three business days. You will receive a notification when your new checking account is ready, and you can start using it when ready through your online banking login. Your debit card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
If you do not see an option to open a new account in your online banking menu, call BDO's customer service line or visit a branch. Some account types or customer situations require in-person processing, and the staff can tell you which route applies to you.
What happens after you open your account
Once your account is open, you can start using your debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs and make purchases at stores that accept cards. Your account number is active when ready, so you can also ask your employer or anyone else to send money directly to your account using a bank transfer.
BDO will send you a checkbook in the mail if you requested one during the process process. Checks usually arrive within two to three weeks. Until they arrive, you can still use your debit card and online transfers to move money.
Log into your online banking account to check your balance, see your transaction history, and set up automatic payments for bills. If you have questions about how to use any of these features, BDO's customer service team can walk you through them by phone or in person at a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have a savings account first to open a checking account at BDO?
No. You can open a checking account as your first BDO account by going to a branch in person with your ID, proof of address, and opening deposit. Having an existing savings account makes the online process faster, but it is not required.
What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?
Bring both your ID and a separate proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. The staff will use the proof of address document to register your current location in the system, even if it differs from what is printed on your ID.
Can I open a checking account if I do not have a job?
Yes. BDO does not require you to be employed to open a checking account. You will still need to fill out the employment section of the process form — you can write "self-employed," "retired," "student," or "none" depending on your situation.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
If you open your account in person at a branch, you may receive a temporary debit card when ready or within a few days. Your permanent card usually arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you open online, your card will arrive by mail within the same timeframe.
What is the monthly maintenance fee, and when is it charged?
The monthly maintenance fee varies by account type and typically ranges from ₱300 to ₱500. It is charged on a set date each month, usually the last day of the month or the first day of the next month. Some accounts waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance, so check the terms of your specific account type.