Yes, you can deposit to a BDO Kabayan account through multiple channels
A BDO Kabayan savings account is a deposit account offered by Banco de Oro (BDO), one of the Philippines' largest banks. You can add money to it through BDO branches, ATMs, online banking, mobile app transfers, and third-party bank transfers. The method you choose depends on where you are, how much you're depositing, and how quickly you need the money to appear in the account.
BDO Kabayan accounts are designed for overseas Filipino workers and their families, but the deposit methods work the same way as any BDO savings account. The account holder — the person whose name is on the account — can deposit money, and so can other people sending money to that account.
Key Takeaways
- You can deposit cash at any BDO branch or BDO ATM that accepts deposits, and the money appears in the account when ready or within the same business day.
- BDO online banking and the BDO mobile app let you transfer money from another BDO account to your Kabayan account when ready, with no fees.
- Transfers from other Philippine banks (like Metrobank, BPI, or Unionbank) take one to two business days and may include a small transfer fee.
- International wire transfers to a BDO Kabayan account are possible but require the account holder to provide their bank details to the sender.
- The account holder's name must match exactly on any transfer or deposit, or the bank may hold the money while they verify it.
Depositing cash at a BDO branch or ATM
The simplest way to add cash is to walk into any BDO branch during business hours with your account number or ATM card. Tell the teller you want to deposit to your Kabayan account, hand over the cash, and they will process it on the spot. The money shows up in your account when ready. You will receive a deposit slip as proof of the transaction.
If you have a BDO ATM card, you can also use BDO cash deposit machines — these are ATMs that accept cash deposits, not just withdrawals. Insert your card, select "Deposit," enter the amount, and feed the bills into the slot. The machine counts them and confirms the deposit. The money is usually in your account within minutes, though BDO says it can take up to the same business day. These machines are available 24/7 at BDO branches and some partner locations.
If you do not have an ATM card yet, you can still deposit at a branch by showing your passbook or any government-issued ID with your account number on it. Some branches may ask for additional identification depending on the amount.
Transferring from another BDO account online or through the app
If you have another BDO account (your own or someone else's), you can transfer money to your Kabayan account using BDO online banking or the BDO mobile app. Log in, select "Transfer," choose "BDO to BDO," enter the Kabayan account number, type in the amount, and confirm. The transfer is when ready and free — there are no fees for moving money between BDO accounts.
This method works 24/7, even outside banking hours and on weekends. The money appears in the Kabayan account within seconds. You will receive a confirmation number and a record of the transaction in your app or online banking history.
If you are sending money from someone else's BDO account to your Kabayan account, that person needs to log into their own BDO online banking or app and initiate the transfer themselves. You cannot transfer from another person's account without their login credentials.
Transferring from other Philippine banks
You can receive money from accounts at other Philippine banks — Metrobank, BPI, Unionbank, Security Bank, China Bank, and others. The sender initiates the transfer from their own bank using their online banking, mobile app, or by visiting a branch. They will need your BDO account number and your full name as it appears on your Kabayan account.
These transfers usually take one to two business days to arrive. The exact timing depends on which bank is sending the money and whether the transfer happens during banking hours. A transfer sent on a Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday. Some banks charge the sender a small fee (typically 25 to 50 Philippine pesos) for the transfer, though some waive it for transfers under a certain amount.
Make sure your name on the Kabayan account matches exactly how the sender enters it. If there is a mismatch — for example, if your account says "Maria Santos" but the sender enters "M. Santos" or "Maria S." — the bank may delay the deposit while they verify the account. Providing your full legal name reduces this risk.
International wire transfers to your Kabayan account
Money can be wired to a BDO Kabayan account from banks outside the Philippines. The sender needs to provide BDO's international wire details, which include the bank's SWIFT code (BNORPHPH), your account number, and your full name. The account holder should give this information to the person sending the money.
International wire transfers typically take three to five business days, depending on the sending bank and any intermediate banks involved. The sender's bank usually charges a wire fee (often 20 to 50 US dollars or equivalent), and BDO may charge a receiving fee as well. The exact fees depend on the amount and the sending bank's policies.
International wires are commonly used by overseas Filipino workers sending money home. The sender can initiate the wire at their bank's branch or online banking portal. Once BDO receives the wire, they will deposit it into the Kabayan account and notify the account holder.
What happens if you deposit under someone else's name
If someone else deposits cash to your Kabayan account at a BDO branch, they can do so by providing your account number. The teller will process the deposit, and the money will go into your account. The person making the deposit does not need to be the account holder — they just need to know your account number.
However, if the deposit is a large amount (generally over 50,000 Philippine pesos in a single transaction), BDO may ask the person depositing the cash where the money came from. This is a standard anti-money-laundering requirement. They may ask for identification and a brief explanation. The deposit will still go through, but the bank needs to document the source.
For transfers from other banks or international wires, the account holder's name must match the name on the receiving account. If the names do not match, the receiving bank will hold the money and contact the account holder to confirm it is correct before releasing it.
Timing and when money appears in your account
| Deposit Method | When Money Appears | Available 24/7 |
|---|---|---|
| Cash at BDO branch | when ready or same business day | No — branch hours only |
| BDO cash deposit ATM | Within minutes to same business day | Yes |
| BDO to BDO transfer (online/app) | when ready | Yes |
| Transfer from other Philippine bank | One to two business days | No — depends on sending bank |
| International wire transfer | Three to five business days | No — depends on sending bank |
Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding Philippine national holidays. If you deposit on a Friday evening or over a weekend, the money may not show up until the following Monday or Tuesday, depending on the method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ATM card to deposit cash to my Kabayan account?
No. You can deposit cash at any BDO branch by showing your passbook or government-issued ID with your account number. An ATM card is only required if you want to use the 24/7 cash deposit machines. If you do not have a card, visiting a branch during business hours is the alternative.
Can I deposit a check to my BDO Kabayan account?
Yes. You can deposit a check at a BDO branch or through the BDO mobile app using mobile check deposit (if your account has this feature enabled). At a branch, endorse the check, provide it to the teller, and they will process it. Checks typically take three to five business days to clear.
What is the maximum amount I can deposit in one transaction?
There is no single deposit limit, but BDO may ask questions about deposits over 50,000 Philippine pesos for anti-money-laundering compliance. The person depositing the cash may need to provide identification and explain the source. This does not prevent the deposit — it is a standard verification step.
If I send money from my BDO account to my Kabayan account, will there be a fee?
No. Transfers between BDO accounts are free, whether they are the same account type or different types. You can move money between your regular savings account and your Kabayan account without paying anything.
Can someone in another country deposit directly to my Kabayan account?
Yes, through an international wire transfer. They will need your BDO account number, your full name, and BDO's SWIFT code (BNORPHPH). They initiate the wire at their bank, and it arrives in three to five business days. Their bank and BDO will both charge fees for this service.