What you need to open a GoTyme account

GoTyme is a digital bank run by a partnership between Gothamel Financial Services and Banco de Oro. You open an account entirely through your phone — there is no branch to visit. To start, you need a valid government-issued ID (a passport, driver's license, or national ID card), a Philippine phone number, and an email address. You also need to be at least 18 years old.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if your documents are clear and your phone has a stable internet connection. GoTyme does not charge a monthly fee to keep an account open, and there is no minimum balance requirement.

Key Takeaways

  • You read the GoTyme app, take photos of your ID, and complete a video verification step where you show your face and ID to a live person.
  • Your account number and debit card details arrive in the app within minutes, though a physical card takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
  • You can start using your account to receive money or pay bills when ready after verification, even before your physical card arrives.
  • GoTyme accounts are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to 500,000 pesos, the same protection as traditional banks.

read the app and start verification

Go to the Google Play Store (if you use Android) or the Apple App Store (if you use iPhone) and search for "GoTyme." read the official app from GoTyme Financial Services. Open the app and tap "Create Account" or "Sign Up."

Enter your email address and create a password. You will receive a verification code in your email — check your inbox and spam folder, then enter the code in the app. This confirms that the email address belongs to you.

Provide your ID and take a selfie

The app will ask you to take clear photos of both sides of your government-issued ID. Make sure the ID is fully visible, not blurry, and that all text is readable. Hold the ID flat and photograph it in good lighting. The app will guide you through this step with on-screen instructions.

Next, the app will ask you to take a selfie — a photo of your face. You will also need to show your ID to the camera so the app can confirm that the person in the selfie matches the person on the ID. Follow the app's prompts, which usually ask you to move your head slightly or hold the ID at a certain angle.

Complete the video verification call

After you submit your photos, GoTyme will schedule a video call with a live representative. This call usually happens within a few minutes, but it may take up to a few hours depending on how busy the system is. You will receive a notification in the app when it is your turn.

During the call, the representative will ask you to confirm your personal details — your full name, date of birth, and address. They will also ask you to show your ID to the camera again and to show your face. This step confirms that you are the person opening the account and that your ID is genuine. The call typically lasts two to five minutes.

Set up your PIN and account preferences

Once the video call is complete, the app will ask you to create a six-digit PIN. This PIN protects your account when you log in or make transfers. Choose a number you can remember but that is not obvious — avoid birthdays or repeating numbers like 111111.

The app will also ask you to choose how you want to receive notifications (usually through the app or by text message) and whether you want to set up biometric login (using your fingerprint or face recognition). These steps are optional but recommended for security.

Your account is ready to use

Within minutes of completing verification, your account number and temporary debit card details will appear in the app. You can use these details when ready to receive money transfers, pay bills online, or make purchases with your phone. Your account is protected by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), which means deposits up to 500,000 pesos are insured if the bank fails.

A physical debit card will be mailed to the address you provided during registration. Delivery usually takes one to two weeks. Until it arrives, you can use your temporary card details in the app or request a virtual card number for online purchases.

What to do if verification fails

If the app rejects your ID photo, make sure the entire ID is visible in the frame, that the lighting is clear, and that no part of the ID is bent or covered. Try again with a new photo. If your selfie is rejected, make sure your face is clearly visible, you are in good lighting, and you are not wearing sunglasses or a hat.

If the video call representative cannot verify your identity, they may ask you to resubmit your ID photos or reschedule the call. This sometimes happens if the ID is expired, if the photo on your ID does not match your current appearance, or if there is a technical issue with the video connection. If you are having trouble, you can contact GoTyme support through the app's help section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a GoTyme account if I do not have a Philippine address?

GoTyme requires a Philippine address for account registration and card delivery. If you are a Filipino citizen living abroad, you can use a Philippine address where you receive mail — this might be a family member's address or a business address. You will need to provide this address during registration.

What happens if my phone is lost or stolen after I open my account?

Contact GoTyme support when ready through the app's help section or by calling their customer service number. They can temporarily freeze your account to prevent unauthorized transactions. Once you have a new phone, you can log in with your email and password, and your account will be restored.

Can I use GoTyme if I am under 18 years old?

No, GoTyme requires account holders to be at least 18 years old. If you are younger, you may be able to open a savings account through a traditional bank with a parent or guardian as a co-owner, but GoTyme does not offer this option.

Is my money safe in a GoTyme account?

Yes. GoTyme is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (the Philippine central bank) and your deposits are insured by the PDIC up to 500,000 pesos per account holder per bank. This is the same protection you would have at any traditional bank.

Can I transfer money from GoTyme to another bank?

Yes. You can transfer money from your GoTyme account to other Philippine banks using the app. Transfers usually arrive within one to two business days. Some transfers may have small fees depending on the receiving bank, though GoTyme does not charge a fee on its end.