What you need to open a BDO Kabayan account

A BDO Kabayan savings account is designed for Filipinos living abroad who want to keep money in the Philippines. You can open one in person at a BDO branch, or online through BDO's website if you already have a BDO account. The account itself is free to open — there is no enrollment fee.

The basic requirement is that you must be a Filipino citizen with a valid passport or national ID. If you are opening in person, bring your original ID and a photocopy. You will also need a minimum opening deposit, which varies depending on the branch and current promotions, so call ahead to confirm the exact amount your local branch requires.

If you are opening online, you will need an existing BDO account to link it to, since the online process uses your current BDO profile. If you do not have a BDO account yet, you will need to open a regular BDO savings account first, either in person or through their online banking system.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid Philippine passport or national ID and a minimum opening deposit to open a BDO Kabayan account in person at any BDO branch.
  • If you open online, you must already have an active BDO savings account to link your Kabayan account to.
  • There is no monthly maintenance fee for a Kabayan account, though your opening deposit amount depends on your branch.
  • You can manage your Kabayan account through BDO's online banking system and mobile app once it is open.

Opening a Kabayan account in person at a BDO branch

Walk into any BDO branch with your original ID and a photocopy. Tell the teller you want to open a Kabayan savings account. They will give you an account opening form to fill out — this asks for your personal information, address in the Philippines, and contact details. You do not need to bring your passport if your national ID is current; either one works.

Once you complete the form, hand it back with your ID copies and your opening deposit. The teller will process the account on the spot. You will receive a passbook (a small booklet that records your deposits and withdrawals) and your account number. Some branches also issue a debit card when ready, though this can take a few days at others. Ask the teller whether your branch does this before you leave.

The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Before you go, call the branch to confirm they have the account type in stock and to ask what the current minimum opening deposit is, since this can change.

Opening online if you already have a BDO account

Log into BDO's online banking portal using your existing account credentials. Look for the option to open additional accounts — this is usually under "Account Services" or "My Accounts." Select "Kabayan Savings Account" from the list of account types available.

The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and choose a starting balance. You can transfer money from your existing BDO account to fund the new Kabayan account, or you can leave it at the minimum required amount. Once you submit, the account opens when ready and appears in your online banking dashboard.

You will not receive a physical passbook with an online-opened account unless you request one. You can track all transactions through your online banking portal and mobile app instead. If you want a passbook for record-keeping, visit a BDO branch and ask them to issue one.

What happens after your account opens

Your Kabayan account works like a regular savings account. You can deposit money in person at any BDO branch, transfer money from another BDO account online, or receive transfers from family members abroad. Interest accrues on your balance, though the rate changes based on how much money you keep in the account and current market conditions.

You can withdraw money at any BDO ATM using your debit card, or withdraw in person at a branch using your passbook. There are no limits on how many withdrawals you can make per month, and there is no monthly maintenance fee. Some branches charge a small fee if you request a replacement passbook or debit card, but basic account use is free.

Keeping your account active

BDO does not close Kabayan accounts for inactivity the way some banks do, but it is still a good idea to use your account regularly. Make at least one deposit or withdrawal every few months to keep the account in active status. If your account sits completely unused for several years, BDO may freeze it, and you would need to visit a branch to reactivate it.

If you move or change your phone number, update your information with BDO as soon as possible. You can do this online through your banking portal or by visiting a branch with your ID. Keeping your contact details current ensures BDO can reach you if there is ever a problem with your account.

Transferring money into your Kabayan account from abroad

Family members or friends outside the Philippines can send you money directly into your Kabayan account through international money transfer services. BDO partners with services like Western Union, MoneyGram, and various remittance companies. Your relatives abroad can initiate a transfer using your account number and the BDO branch code, and the money arrives in your account within one to three business days.

The sender pays the transfer fee, not you. The exchange rate and fees vary depending on which service they use and which country they are sending from. Your relatives should ask their bank or money transfer service what the total cost will be before they send.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Kabayan account if I am outside the Philippines right now?

Yes, if you already have a BDO account, you can open a Kabayan account online from anywhere. If you do not have a BDO account yet, you will need to open one first, which you can also do online. You will need a valid Philippine passport or national ID number to complete the online process.

What is the difference between a Kabayan account and a regular BDO savings account?

A Kabayan account is designed specifically for overseas Filipinos and makes it easier to receive international transfers. The account itself works the same way as a regular savings account — you can deposit, withdraw, and earn interest. The main difference is that Kabayan accounts are optimized for receiving money from abroad and have lower minimum opening deposits than some other BDO accounts.

Do I need a Philippine address to open a Kabayan account?

Yes, you will need to provide a Philippine address on your account opening form. This is where BDO will send any mail related to your account. You can use the address of a family member or a relative's home if you do not currently live in the Philippines.

Can I use my Kabayan account debit card outside the Philippines?

Yes, your BDO debit card works at ATMs and merchants worldwide. You will be charged a foreign transaction fee by BDO, and your bank abroad may also charge a fee. Check with BDO about their current international ATM withdrawal fees before you travel.

What if I lose my passbook or debit card?

Visit any BDO branch with your ID and ask for a replacement. There is usually a small fee for a replacement passbook or debit card. In the meantime, you can still access your account online and through the BDO mobile app, and you can withdraw money at a branch by showing your ID.