What you need to bring to BDO to open a savings account
BDO (Banco de Oro) requires two pieces of identification and proof of your current address before you can open a savings account. One ID must be government-issued with your photo — a passport, driver's license, or national ID card. The second can be any valid ID, including a company ID, school ID, or another government ID.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your name and current address. The document should be dated within the last three months. If you don't have a utility bill in your name, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord stating your address works as well.
You'll also need to bring money to fund the account. BDO savings accounts have a minimum opening deposit that varies by account type — some accounts require as little as 1,000 pesos, while others may ask for more. Ask the bank teller which account types are available and what each one requires before you hand over your documents.
Key Takeaways
- Bring one government-issued photo ID and one additional valid ID, plus a utility bill or lease dated within three months showing your current address.
- You must have money ready to deposit when you open the account — the minimum opening deposit depends on which savings account type you choose.
- Visit any BDO branch during business hours; you do not need an appointment, though arriving early in the morning usually means shorter lines.
- The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll receive your passbook and debit card on the same day or within a few days depending on the branch.
- If you're opening an account for the first time at any bank, tell the teller — BDO staff can explain which account features match your needs.
Steps to complete at the BDO branch
Walk into any BDO branch during business hours and go to the new accounts desk or ask a staff member where to start. You do not need an appointment. Hand your IDs and address proof to the teller and tell them you want to open a savings account.
The teller will ask you to fill out an account opening form. This form asks for your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and occupation. Answer honestly and write clearly — the bank uses this information to set up your account and to contact you if there are questions later. If you're unsure about any question, ask the teller to explain it.
Once the form is complete, the teller will verify your documents, confirm your opening deposit amount, and process your account. They will give you a passbook (a small booklet that records your deposits and withdrawals) and may issue a debit card on the spot or tell you when to return to pick it up. Some branches mail the card to your address instead.
Types of BDO savings accounts and what sets them apart
BDO offers several savings account options, and the one that fits you depends on how much you plan to keep in the account and how often you'll use it. The most common account for people new to banking is the BDO Savings Account, which has a low minimum opening deposit and allows unlimited deposits and withdrawals.
If you want to earn interest on your money, BDO also offers higher-yield savings accounts, though these usually require a larger minimum balance to keep earning interest. Ask the teller which accounts are currently available and what interest rate each one pays — rates change, so the teller can tell you the current rate for each account type.
Some accounts come with a debit card automatically; others require you to request one. Some have monthly fees if your balance falls below a certain amount, while others do not. The teller can walk you through the differences and help you choose the account that matches how you plan to use it.
What happens after you leave the branch
Your account is active as soon as the teller finishes processing it. You can start depositing money and making withdrawals right away using your passbook. If you received a debit card on the same day, you can use it at ATMs and stores when ready.
If your debit card is being mailed to you, the teller will tell you how long delivery usually takes — typically five to ten business days. You can still use your passbook to withdraw money at any BDO branch while you wait for the card to arrive.
Keep your passbook safe. It is the record of your account activity, and you'll need it if you ever need to prove your account balance or transaction history. If you lose it, you can request a replacement at any BDO branch, though there may be a small fee.
Using your account once it's open
Once your account is open, you can deposit money by visiting any BDO branch with your passbook and handing cash to a teller. You can also deposit money at a BDO ATM if your debit card is active — the ATM will accept cash and add it to your account. Some BDO branches also accept deposits through their mobile app if you set up online banking.
To withdraw money, use your passbook at any BDO branch, or use your debit card at any BDO ATM or at stores that accept debit cards. Your debit card works like a prepaid card — you can only spend the money that's actually in your account.
Check your passbook regularly to make sure all your deposits and withdrawals are recorded correctly. If you notice a mistake, tell a teller at any BDO branch as soon as you can. The sooner you report an error, the faster the bank can fix it.
Setting up online banking and mobile access
BDO offers online banking through their website and a mobile app so you can check your balance and move money without visiting a branch. To set this up, visit a BDO branch and ask a teller to enroll you in online banking. They will give you a username and temporary password, and you'll create your own password the first time you log in.
Once you're enrolled, you can log into your account from any computer or smartphone to see your balance, review your transaction history, and transfer money between your own accounts. You can also set up alerts so the bank texts or emails you when your balance drops below a certain amount.
Keep your online banking password private and change it regularly. Do not share it with anyone, including BDO staff. If you forget your password, you can reset it through the website or by visiting a branch with your ID.
What to do if something goes wrong during the opening process
If the teller tells you that one of your documents is not acceptable, ask what document would work instead. Rules can vary slightly between branches, so if one branch turns you away, try another BDO location. Bring a different form of address proof or a second ID if you have one.
If you don't have enough money for the minimum opening deposit, ask the teller what the lowest-cost account option is. Some BDO accounts have very low minimums. If you still can't meet the minimum, you can come back when you have saved enough — there's no penalty for waiting.
If you have questions about which account type to choose or how the account works, ask the teller before you sign anything. They are there to help, and it's better to understand your account fully before you open it than to be confused later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a BDO savings account online instead of going to a branch?
BDO does not currently allow you to open a savings account entirely online. You must visit a branch in person with your IDs and address proof. However, once your account is open, you can manage it online or through the mobile app.
What if I don't have a government-issued ID?
You need at least one government-issued photo ID to open an account at BDO. If you don't have a passport or driver's license, you can get a national ID from your local civil registry office. This process takes time, so plan ahead if you're in this situation.
How long does it take to get my debit card after I open the account?
Some BDO branches issue a debit card on the same day you open your account. Others mail it to your address, which usually takes five to ten business days. Ask the teller when you open your account which option applies at that branch.
Is there a monthly fee for a BDO savings account?
Some BDO savings accounts have no monthly fee. Others charge a small monthly fee if your balance falls below a certain amount — usually 1,000 to 5,000 pesos depending on the account type. Ask the teller about fees before you choose which account to open.
Can someone else open an account on my behalf?
No. You must be present in person with your own ID and address proof. BDO will not open an account for someone else, even if they have a letter from you giving them permission.