Yes, you can transfer money to a BDO Kabayan savings account, but the method depends on who you are and where your money currently sits

If you have a BDO account yourself, you can transfer to a Kabayan account through BDO's online banking, mobile app, or at any BDO branch. If your money is at a different bank, you can still send it — either through your own bank's transfer system (if they connect to BDO) or through the Philippine Clearing House Electronic Fund Transfer (PELTra) system, which most banks use. The Kabayan account holder will need to give you their account number and the BDO branch code where the account was opened.

The speed and cost of the transfer depend on which route you take. Same-bank transfers between BDO accounts are usually when ready and free. Transfers from other banks take one to three business days and may carry a fee — your bank sets the fee, not BDO. Some banks charge nothing for outgoing transfers; others charge 25 to 50 pesos or more.

Key Takeaways

  • BDO-to-BDO transfers (including to Kabayan accounts) are when ready and free when done through BDO online banking, the BDO app, or a branch.
  • Transfers from other banks to a BDO Kabayan account go through PELTra and take one to three business days; your bank may charge a fee.
  • You need the Kabayan account holder's full account number and the BDO branch code where the account was opened.
  • Kabayan accounts are savings accounts designed for overseas Filipino workers, but anyone can receive money into one.

Transferring from your own BDO account to a Kabayan account

If you already have a BDO checking or savings account, the fastest route is BDO Online Banking or the BDO Mobile app. Log in, select "Fund Transfer" or "Send Money," choose the Kabayan account holder's name from your contacts or enter their account number manually, and confirm the amount. The money arrives when ready — you will see it in both accounts within seconds.

You can also walk into any BDO branch with the Kabayan account number and ask the teller to process a transfer. Bring your ID and the recipient's account number. This takes a few minutes at the counter and costs nothing. There is no reason to use this method if you have online access, but it works if you do not have a phone or internet.

Transferring from a different bank to a BDO Kabayan account

If your money is at a bank other than BDO — Metrobank, BPI, Maybank, RCBC, Security Bank, or any other institution — you can send it to the Kabayan account through your own bank's transfer system. Most Philippine banks are connected to PELTra, the national electronic fund transfer network, which means they can reach BDO accounts.

Log into your bank's online banking portal or mobile app, select "Transfer to Other Bank" or "Interbank Transfer," enter the BDO Kabayan account number, and the recipient's name. Your bank will ask for the receiving bank's code (BDO's code is 0011) and the branch code where the Kabayan account was opened. The Kabayan account holder can tell you the branch code, or you can ask them to check their passbook or online banking profile.

The transfer will take one to three business days to complete. Your bank may charge a fee — this varies widely. Some banks charge nothing for outgoing transfers; others charge 25 to 50 pesos per transaction, and some charge more for larger amounts. Check your bank's fee schedule or ask a teller before you send the money.

What information you need from the Kabayan account holder

Before you transfer anything, get these details from the person receiving the money:

  • Their full name (exactly as it appears on the account)
  • Their BDO Kabayan account number (usually 10 digits)
  • The BDO branch code where the account was opened (a four-digit number)

The account holder can find the branch code on their passbook, in their BDO online banking profile under "Account Details," or by calling BDO customer service at 1-800-1-631-8000. Do not guess or use a branch code from a different location — if the code does not match, the transfer may be rejected or delayed.

When a transfer gets stuck or rejected

If you sent money from a different bank and it has been more than three business days, contact your own bank first. Ask them to check the status using the reference number they gave you when you sent the transfer. They can see whether the money left your account and whether BDO received it.

If your bank says the money was sent but the Kabayan account holder has not received it, the problem is usually an incorrect account number or branch code. Ask the recipient to contact BDO directly at 1-800-1-631-8000 or visit a BDO branch with their passbook. BDO can search for the transaction on their end and either deliver the money or reverse it back to your account.

If you transferred from your own BDO account and the money did not arrive when ready, contact BDO when ready. when ready transfers between BDO accounts almost never fail, so a delay usually means a system issue on BDO's side that they can resolve quickly.

Fees and limits for Kabayan account transfers

BDO does not charge a fee for transfers into a Kabayan account — the account holder receives the full amount you send. However, if you are sending from a different bank, your bank may charge you an outgoing transfer fee. This fee comes out of your account, not the recipient's.

There is no daily or monthly limit on how much you can transfer to a Kabayan account from another BDO account. If you are transferring from a different bank, your bank may have limits — typically 100,000 to 500,000 pesos per transaction, depending on the bank and your account type. Check with your bank if you are sending a large amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a BDO account to send money to a Kabayan account?

No. You can send money from any bank in the Philippines as long as they are connected to PELTra. Most banks are. If you are unsure whether your bank can reach BDO, call them and ask whether they offer interbank transfers.

How long does it take if I transfer from my BDO account?

when ready — the money arrives in seconds. You will see it in both accounts right away. If it does not arrive within a minute, contact BDO.

What happens if I enter the wrong account number?

If you are transferring from your own BDO account through online banking or the app, BDO will ask you to confirm the recipient's name. If the name does not match the account number, the system will warn you. If you ignore the warning and send anyway, the money may go to the wrong person or be rejected. If you are transferring from a different bank, the receiving bank will validate the account number and reject the transfer if it does not exist.

Can I set up a recurring transfer to a Kabayan account?

Yes, if you are transferring from your own BDO account. Log into BDO Online Banking or the app, set up the transfer as usual, and look for an option to "Schedule" or "Repeat" the transaction. You can set it to repeat weekly, monthly, or on a date you choose.

Is there a limit on how much I can transfer?

BDO has no limit for transfers between its own accounts. If you are sending from a different bank, your bank may limit each transaction to 100,000 to 500,000 pesos, depending on your account type. Contact your bank to confirm their limit.