BDO's minimum balance requirement depends on the account type you choose
BDO (Banco de Oro) requires you to maintain a minimum balance in your savings account, but the amount varies. A regular BDO Savings Account typically requires a minimum balance of ₱1,000, though some branches or promotional periods may differ. If your balance falls below this amount, BDO charges a monthly maintenance fee of ₱50 until you bring it back up.
The bank also offers higher-tier savings products with different minimums. A BDO Savings Account with higher interest rates or additional features may require ₱10,000 or more to maintain. Before opening an account, ask the branch representative which specific product you are opening, because the minimum and the fee structure are tied to that product, not to "BDO savings accounts" as a category.
The maintenance fee is deducted automatically from your account on the date BDO processes monthly charges. If you fall below the minimum for multiple months, the fee applies each month until your balance recovers.
Key Takeaways
- A standard BDO Savings Account requires a minimum balance of ₱1,000 to avoid a monthly maintenance fee.
- If your balance drops below the minimum, BDO charges ₱50 per month until you restore it.
- Premium or promotional savings products may have higher minimums, ranging from ₱5,000 to ₱10,000 or more.
- The maintenance fee is deducted automatically during BDO's monthly processing cycle, usually mid-month.
How the minimum balance is calculated
BDO calculates your minimum balance based on your account balance on a specific date each month, usually the last banking day of the month or the date BDO processes monthly charges. The bank looks at your balance on that single date, not an average across the month. This means you can dip below ₱1,000 for most of the month and still avoid the fee if you deposit money before the calculation date.
However, relying on this timing is risky. If you miss the deposit window or the processing date shifts, you will incur the fee. A safer approach is to keep at least ₱1,000 in the account at all times.
What happens if you do not maintain the minimum
Each month your balance stays below the minimum, BDO deducts ₱50 from your account. This fee compounds the problem: if you have ₱500 and the fee is charged, your balance becomes ₱450, which is even further below the minimum. If you do not deposit money, the next month's fee will be charged again.
Multiple consecutive months of fees can drain a small account quickly. A balance of ₱500 with monthly ₱50 fees will reach zero in ten months if no deposits are made. BDO may also close the account if it remains inactive or dormant for an extended period, though the specific timeframe varies by branch and account status.
Minimum balance requirements for different BDO savings products
BDO offers several savings account variations, each with its own minimum balance requirement:
| Account Type | Minimum Balance | Monthly Fee (if below minimum) |
|---|---|---|
| BDO Savings Account (Regular) | ₱1,000 | ₱50 |
| BDO Savings Account (Premium/High-Yield) | ₱5,000 to ₱10,000 | ₱50 to ₱100 |
| BDO Savings Account (Youth/Student) | ₱0 to ₱500 | None or minimal |
Student and youth accounts often have lower or no minimum balance requirements as an incentive to build banking habits early. If you are under 18 or a full-time student, ask whether you may have access to for these products. The interest rate you earn may also differ based on your account type and balance tier.
How to avoid the maintenance fee
The simplest way to avoid the ₱50 monthly fee is to keep at least ₱1,000 in your account at all times. This is a one-time decision that costs nothing and requires no ongoing action.
If ₱1,000 is difficult to maintain, consider whether a different account type suits you better. Some banks offer savings accounts with no minimum balance requirement, though they may pay lower interest or have other trade-offs. Alternatively, if you use BDO for checking or other services, you might consolidate your banking there to keep a higher balance across all accounts.
If you have already been charged fees, contact your BDO branch and ask whether they can reverse one or two months of charges as a courtesy, especially if the account is new or if you have been a long-term customer. BDO does not always reverse fees, but it is worth asking.
When the minimum balance requirement changes
BDO occasionally updates its minimum balance requirements or fee structures. These changes are usually announced in advance through your branch or through statements. If you receive notice of a change, read it carefully to understand whether your current account is affected and when the new requirement takes effect.
If BDO raises the minimum balance for your account type and you cannot meet it, you have the option to switch to a different account product with a lower minimum, or to close the account and move your money elsewhere. Some banks grandfather existing customers under old terms for a period of time, but this is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my BDO savings account open with zero balance?
No. If your balance reaches zero, you will still be charged the ₱50 monthly maintenance fee (which will overdraft your account into negative territory). BDO may also close the account if it remains inactive or negative for several months. Keep at least ₱1,000 to avoid fees and account closure.
Does BDO charge the maintenance fee on the same day every month?
BDO typically charges monthly fees mid-month, but the exact date varies by branch and processing schedules. Check your statements to see when fees are deducted from your account. Do not assume a specific date; instead, keep your balance above the minimum at all times.
What if I had the minimum balance but fees were charged anyway?
Contact your BDO branch with your account statements showing your balance on the calculation date. If you did maintain the minimum and were charged in error, the branch can investigate and reverse the fee. Bring your passbook or request a statement printout as proof.
Is the ₱1,000 minimum the same at all BDO branches?
The standard minimum for a regular BDO Savings Account is ₱1,000 nationwide, but some branches may offer promotional accounts with different minimums. When you open an account, confirm the exact minimum and fee structure in writing so there is no confusion later.
Can I transfer money to my BDO savings account from another bank to meet the minimum?
Yes. Money transferred from another bank counts toward your BDO balance. However, transfers between banks can take one to three business days to clear, so do not wait until the last day of the month to transfer if you are trying to meet the minimum by the calculation date.