What you need to open a BDO Kabayan account from home
BDO's Kabayan Savings Account is designed for Filipinos living abroad who want to keep money in the Philippines. You can open one entirely online without visiting a branch, but you will need a few things ready before you start: a valid passport or Philippine ID, a mobile number, and an email address. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and BDO will send you a debit card by mail to your address in the Philippines or abroad.
The account itself has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement, which makes it straightforward to set up and keep open. You can deposit and withdraw money through BDO ATMs, online banking, or by visiting a branch if you are back in the country. The main limitation is that you must be at least 18 years old and a Filipino citizen or permanent resident of another country.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a BDO Kabayan account online using your passport or Philippine ID, a mobile number, and an email address.
- The account has no monthly fee and no minimum opening balance, so there is no cost to set up or maintain it.
- BDO will mail your debit card to an address you provide, either in the Philippines or abroad.
- Once open, you can manage your account through BDO's online banking platform or mobile app from anywhere.
Step-by-step process to open your account online
Start by going to BDO's official website and looking for the Kabayan account option under their savings products. Click on "Open an Account" or the equivalent link for online account opening. BDO will ask you to choose whether you want to open the account as an individual or with another person, and whether you are opening it from abroad or within the Philippines.
Next, you will enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, nationality, and contact details. Have your passport or Philippine ID in front of you because you will need to enter the document number and expiration date. BDO will also ask for your mobile number and email address — use ones you check regularly, because BDO will send you verification codes and account details to both.
After you submit your information, BDO will send a one-time password (OTP) to your mobile number. Enter this code to confirm your identity. You will then set up your online banking username and password, which you will use to log in and manage your account later. BDO may also ask you to verify your email address by clicking a link they send you.
Once you complete these steps, BDO will review your process. This usually takes one to three business days. If approved, you will receive a confirmation email with your account number. Your debit card will be mailed separately to the address you provided — delivery times vary depending on whether you are in the Philippines or abroad, but typically take two to four weeks.
What documents and information you will need
Have your passport or Philippine ID ready before you begin. BDO accepts either one, but the document must be valid (not expired). You will need to enter the document number, issue date, and expiration date, so keep the ID in front of you as you fill out the form.
You will also need a working mobile phone number and email address. BDO uses these to send you verification codes during the opening process and to contact you about your account later. If you do not have a mobile number in the Philippines, you can use an international number, but make sure it can receive text messages.
BDO does not ask for proof of income, employment, or residence during the online opening process. The account is designed to be straightforward to set up, so the information you provide during registration is usually all they need.
Setting up online banking and your debit card
Once your account is approved, you will automatically have access to BDO's online banking platform. Log in using the username and password you created during account opening. From there, you can check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and set up bill payments if you have other bills in the Philippines.
Your debit card will arrive by mail. When it comes, you will need to set up it before you can use it. BDO will send you instructions on how to do this — usually by calling a phone number on the back of the card or activating it through the online banking platform. Once activated, you can use the card to withdraw money from any BDO ATM or to make purchases online and in stores.
If you are abroad, you can still use your debit card to withdraw money from ATMs that accept Visa or Mastercard (depending on which type BDO issued you). International ATM withdrawals usually charge a fee, so check BDO's current rates before you withdraw.
Funding your account and moving money in
Once your account is open, you have several ways to put money into it. If you are in the Philippines, you can deposit cash at any BDO branch or ATM. If you are abroad, you can ask someone in the Philippines to deposit cash for you, or you can arrange an international wire transfer from your bank to your BDO account.
To receive a wire transfer, you will need to provide the sender with your BDO account number, the bank's routing information, and your full name as it appears on the account. BDO's website has a section on international transfers that lists the specific codes and details you need to give to the sending bank. Wire transfers usually take three to five business days and may include fees from both your sending bank and BDO.
Another option is to use a remittance service like Western Union, MoneyGram, or a Philippine remittance company. These services often have partnerships with BDO and can send money directly to your account. The fees and exchange rates vary by service, so compare a few before you choose one.
Troubleshooting common problems during account opening
If your process is rejected, BDO will send you an email explaining why. Common reasons include a document that has expired, a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name you entered in the form, or a technical issue with the verification process. If this happens, you can contact BDO's customer service to ask what you need to fix and whether you can resubmit your process.
If you do not receive the verification code on your mobile number, check that you entered the number correctly and that your phone can receive international text messages if you are using a number outside the Philippines. Wait a few minutes and request the code again. If the problem continues, contact BDO support — they can resend the code or help you verify your identity another way.
If you do not receive your debit card after four weeks, contact BDO to check on the status. Cards can be delayed in the mail, especially if you are abroad. BDO may be able to reissue the card or arrange for you to pick it up at a branch if you are in the Philippines.
Keeping your account active and find
BDO Kabayan accounts do not have inactivity fees, so you do not have to worry about the account closing if you do not use it for a while. However, it is a good idea to log into your online banking account every few months to make sure everything is working and to check for any suspicious activity.
Protect your online banking username and password the same way you would protect any other financial account. Do not share them with anyone, and do not use the same password for your BDO account as you use for other websites. If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, contact BDO when ready to lock your account and change your password.
If you lose your debit card or it is stolen, call BDO right away to report it. They can block the card so no one else can use it and issue you a replacement. Keep BDO's customer service number saved in your phone so you can reach them quickly if you need to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a BDO Kabayan account if I do not have a Philippine ID?
Yes. BDO accepts either a valid passport or a Philippine ID. If you have a passport, that is enough to open the account online. The document must not be expired.
How long does it take to get my debit card after I open the account?
Your account is usually approved within one to three business days. Your debit card is mailed separately and typically arrives within two to four weeks if you are in the Philippines, or four to six weeks if you are abroad. Delivery times depend on the postal service and your location.
What is the minimum amount I need to deposit to open the account?
There is no minimum opening balance. You can open the account with zero pesos and deposit money later whenever you are ready. There is also no monthly maintenance fee.
Can I use my BDO Kabayan debit card to withdraw money from ATMs outside the Philippines?
Yes, if your card is Visa or Mastercard branded. You can use it at ATMs that accept those cards in most countries. Each withdrawal usually charges a fee, which varies by BDO and the ATM operator. Check BDO's current international ATM fees before you withdraw.
What should I do if my online account opening process is rejected?
BDO will email you an explanation of why the process was rejected. Common reasons are an expired ID, a name mismatch, or a verification issue. Contact BDO customer service to ask what you need to correct and whether you can resubmit your process.