What you need to open a BDO checking account
BDO (Banco de Oro) requires two forms of identification and proof of address to 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 showing your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last three months.
You will also need an initial deposit. The minimum opening deposit varies by account type — some BDO checking products require PHP 10,000 (roughly $180 USD), while others may be lower. BDO offers several checking account types aimed at different needs: basic accounts for everyday banking, salary accounts designed for employees, and business accounts for sole proprietors and companies. The documents and deposit minimums differ slightly between them.
Bring originals and photocopies of your IDs and address proof. BDO branches keep copies on file. If you are opening an account in someone else's name or as a minor, you will need a guardian or authorized representative with their own identification.
Key Takeaways
- You need one government-issued photo ID, a second form of ID or address proof, and an initial deposit to open a BDO checking account.
- Minimum opening deposits range from PHP 5,000 to PHP 10,000 depending on the account type you choose.
- You can open an account in person at any BDO branch during business hours, or online through the BDO website if you meet their digital banking requirements.
- The account opening process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes in branch, and you receive a debit card and checkbook within one to two weeks.
- BDO charges monthly maintenance fees that vary by account type; some accounts waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or meet deposit requirements.
Opening an account in a BDO branch
Walk into any BDO branch with your documents and initial deposit. Tell the teller or account officer you want to open a checking account. They will ask which account type suits your needs — salary account, basic checking, or business account — and explain the features and fees of each.
The account officer will fill out the account opening form with your information. You will sign the signature card, which BDO uses to verify your signature on checks and withdrawal requests. This step takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will then hand over your initial deposit, either in cash or by check.
Once the account is open, you receive a temporary debit card or a card number on the spot. Your permanent debit card and checkbook arrive by mail within one to two weeks. BDO will give you your account number, online banking credentials, and a receipt showing your new account details before you leave the branch.
Opening an account online through BDO
BDO offers online account opening through its website for certain account types. You start by visiting the BDO homepage and selecting "Open an Account" or "explore Now." The process asks for your personal information, ID details, and address. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address directly through the process.
After you submit the online form, BDO reviews your documents — this usually takes one to three business days. If approved, you receive an email with instructions to complete the account opening. Some online accounts require you to visit a branch in person to verify your identity and make your initial deposit, even though you started the process online. Others allow you to fund the account by transfer from another bank.
Online opening is faster for the paperwork stage, but the full account set up still depends on document verification and, in many cases, an in-person visit. Check the specific account type you are interested in, because not all BDO checking accounts can be opened entirely online.
Monthly fees and balance requirements
BDO checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee, typically ranging from PHP 300 to PHP 500 depending on the account type. However, many accounts waive this fee if you maintain a minimum average daily balance — often PHP 25,000 to PHP 50,000 — or if you receive a salary deposit each month.
Salary accounts, designed for employees, usually have lower or no monthly fees as long as your employer deposits your paycheck into the account. Basic checking accounts may have higher fees but lower balance requirements. Business accounts have their own fee structure based on transaction volume and balance.
Beyond the monthly fee, BDO charges for certain transactions: check printing, stop-payment requests, overdraft fees, and transfers outside the BDO network. Ask the account officer for a complete fee schedule before you open the account so you understand what each service costs.
What happens after you open the account
Your account is active when ready after opening, even though your physical debit card and checkbook have not arrived yet. You can use your account number and online banking login to transfer money, pay bills, and check your balance right away. BDO provides a temporary card number or allows you to order a card through their app if you need to make purchases before your permanent card arrives.
Your permanent debit card and checkbook arrive by registered mail within one to two weeks. When they arrive, sign the back of your debit card and set up it through the BDO app or by calling their customer service line. Your checkbook comes with instructions on how to write and sign checks properly.
Set up online banking and the BDO mobile app as soon as your account opens. These tools let you monitor your balance, set up automatic bill payments, transfer money between accounts, and receive alerts for large transactions or low balances. Most BDO checking accounts include online banking at no extra cost.
Differences between BDO checking account types
BDO's Salary Account is designed for employees who receive regular paychecks. It typically has no monthly maintenance fee as long as your employer deposits your salary into the account each month. The minimum opening deposit is usually PHP 5,000 to PHP 10,000. This account type is the most common choice for working people.
The BDO Basic Checking Account (sometimes called a regular or standard checking account) has no salary requirement. It carries a monthly maintenance fee of around PHP 300 to PHP 500 unless you maintain a high average daily balance. The opening deposit is similar to the salary account. This account works for self-employed people, freelancers, or anyone without a regular employer deposit.
BDO also offers Business Checking Accounts for sole proprietors and registered businesses. These accounts have higher opening deposits and monthly fees, but they come with features like higher transaction limits and business-focused services. You will need a business registration document (DTI registration or business permit) in addition to your personal ID.
Documents checklist for opening a BDO checking account
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary ID (government-issued, with photo) | Passport, driver's license, national ID card, PRC license | Must be valid and not expired. Bring original and photocopy. |
| Secondary ID or address proof | Another photo ID, utility bill, lease, bank statement, insurance policy | Address proof must be dated within the last three months. Bring original and photocopy. |
| Initial deposit | Cash or check | Amount depends on account type; typically PHP 5,000 to PHP 10,000. |
| For salary accounts | Employment letter or recent payslip (optional but helpful) | Proves you receive regular salary deposits. Speeds up the process. |
| For business accounts | DTI registration, business permit, or SEC registration | Required in addition to personal ID. Bring originals and copies. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a BDO checking account online without visiting a branch?
Some BDO account types allow you to start the process online, but most require an in-person visit to verify your identity and make your initial deposit. Check the specific account type on the BDO website to see whether it offers full online opening or requires a branch visit at some point in the process.
What is the minimum opening deposit for a BDO checking account?
The minimum opening deposit is typically PHP 5,000 to PHP 10,000, depending on the account type. Salary accounts often have lower minimums than basic checking accounts. Confirm the exact amount with your local BDO branch or on their website before you visit.
How long does it take to receive my debit card and checkbook?
Your account opens when ready, but your physical debit card and checkbook arrive by registered mail within one to two weeks. You can use your account number and online banking right away while you wait for the physical items to arrive.
Do I have to pay a monthly fee if I open a salary account?
Most BDO salary accounts waive the monthly maintenance fee as long as your employer deposits your paycheck into the account each month. If you stop receiving salary deposits, the monthly fee may explore. Check the specific terms of your account type with BDO.
What if I do not have a government-issued ID?
BDO requires at least one government-issued photo ID to open an account. If you do not have a passport or driver's license, you can obtain a national ID card from the Philippine Statistics Authority. This is the most straightforward path to meeting BDO's identification requirement.