What you need to bring and where to go

BDO Kabayan is a savings account designed for overseas Filipino workers and their families in the Philippines. To open one, you go to any BDO branch in the Philippines with a valid ID and proof of address. The account itself is free to open and has no monthly maintenance fee, though BDO does charge for certain transactions like wire transfers or international fund movements.

You do not need to be physically present if you are abroad — a family member or authorized representative can open the account on your behalf using a special power of attorney form. BDO provides this form, and it must be notarized. The representative still brings the same documents: your valid ID (photocopy is acceptable), proof of address, and the notarized authorization letter.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or government-issued document showing your current address. The document should be dated within the last three months. If you are opening the account in person from abroad, you can use your passport as ID, though BDO may ask for additional documentation depending on the branch.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid ID, proof of address dated within three months, and an initial deposit to open a Kabayan account at any BDO branch in the Philippines.
  • If you are abroad, a family member can open the account using a notarized power of attorney letter and photocopies of your documents.
  • The account has no monthly maintenance fee, but BDO charges for international transfers and some other services.
  • The minimum opening deposit varies by branch but is typically between 1,000 and 5,000 Philippine pesos.
  • Once opened, you can manage the account online through BDO Online Banking or the BDO Mobile app if you set up digital access.

The minimum deposit and account set up

BDO requires an initial deposit to open the account. The minimum amount varies slightly by branch, but it is typically between 1,000 and 5,000 Philippine pesos. Some branches may waive or reduce this if you are opening the account as part of a remittance transaction — meaning money is being sent to the account at the same time you open it.

After you deposit the opening amount, the account is active when ready. You can begin using it to receive money transfers, make withdrawals, or set up automatic payments. The BDO teller will give you a passbook (the physical record of your account) and, if you request it, a debit card. The debit card takes three to five business days to arrive by mail if you are in the Philippines, or longer if you are abroad.

If you want online access, you need to register for BDO Online Banking at the branch or through the BDO website. This requires your account number and a one-time password sent to your registered phone number. Once registered, you can check your balance, view transaction history, and set up fund transfers from any device with internet access.

Documents the branch will ask for

Bring originals and photocopies of your valid ID. Acceptable IDs include a passport, driver's license, PRC license, postal ID, or any government-issued identification with your photo and signature. BDO will keep the photocopy and return the original to you.

Bring proof of address — a recent utility bill, water bill, electricity bill, lease agreement, or barangay certificate showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last three months. If you do not have a recent document in your name, a barangay certificate (issued by your local barangay office) is usually accepted as proof of residence.

If someone is opening the account on your behalf, bring a notarized special power of attorney. This document must state that the representative has authority to open a savings account in your name. The notarization must be done by a Philippine notary public; notarization from abroad is not accepted. The representative also brings their own valid ID and proof of address.

What happens at the branch

Walk into any BDO branch during business hours and tell the teller you want to open a Kabayan savings account. They will give you an account opening form to fill out. This form asks for your name, date of birth, address, occupation, and the source of your funds (for example, overseas employment or remittances from family). The form is straightforward and takes five to ten minutes to complete.

Hand the completed form and your documents to the teller. They will photocopy your ID and proof of address, verify the information, and ask you to sign the form and your passbook. You will then make your initial deposit — the teller will count it, record it in your passbook, and give you a receipt. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the branch is.

Before you leave, ask the teller whether you want a debit card and whether you want to register for online banking. If you want online banking, the teller can register you on the spot using your phone number. You will receive a one-time password by text message to set up your account online.

Opening the account through a remittance

Many overseas workers open a Kabayan account at the same time they send their first remittance. If you are sending money from abroad through BDO or a partner remittance service, you can ask the sending agent to open the account as part of the transaction. The receiving family member goes to a BDO branch with the same documents (valid ID and proof of address) and tells the teller they are receiving a remittance and want to open a Kabayan account.

The branch will open the account and deposit the remittance directly into it. This often waives or reduces the minimum opening deposit because the remittance itself counts as the initial deposit. The process is the same — the family member fills out the account form, provides documents, and receives a passbook and receipt. The remittance usually arrives in the account within one to two business days if sent domestically, or two to five business days if sent from abroad.

Setting up online and mobile access

Once your account is open, you can register for BDO Online Banking through the BDO website or ask the branch teller to register you. You will need your account number (printed on your passbook) and a valid phone number where you can receive text messages. BDO sends a one-time password to that number, which you use to create your online login credentials.

After you log in, you can check your balance, read statements, transfer money between your own accounts, and set up bill payments. The BDO Mobile app offers the same features and works on both iOS and Android phones. You read the app, log in with the same credentials you created for online banking, and have access to your account from your phone.

If you forget your password or lose access to your registered phone number, you can reset it at any BDO branch or by calling BDO customer service. You will need to provide your account number and valid ID.

Fees and charges to know about

The Kabayan account has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement. However, BDO does charge for certain services. International wire transfers (sending money out of the Philippines) typically cost between 500 and 1,500 Philippine pesos depending on the destination country and the amount. Receiving international transfers is usually free.

Domestic fund transfers between BDO accounts are free if done through online banking. Withdrawals at any BDO ATM are free. If you withdraw from a non-BDO ATM, you pay the ATM operator's fee (usually 11 to 20 pesos). Replacement passbooks cost around 50 pesos. Replacement debit cards cost around 150 pesos if lost or damaged.

Some branches charge a small fee (usually 50 to 100 pesos) for services like issuing a bank certificate or processing a fund transfer request in person. Ask the teller about any fees before you request a service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Kabayan account if I am still in the Philippines but planning to work abroad?

Yes. The account is designed for overseas workers, but you do not need to be working abroad to open one. You can open it before you leave, and it will be ready to receive remittances once you start working. Bring your valid ID, proof of address, and initial deposit to any BDO branch.

What if the branch says they need more documents than what you listed?

Different branches sometimes have slightly different requirements, especially if the account is being opened by a representative. If the branch asks for additional documents, ask them to explain which requirement it satisfies. You can also call BDO customer service at 1-800-631-8000 (toll-free in the Philippines) to confirm what documents are needed before you go back.

How long does it take to receive the debit card?

If you are in the Philippines, the debit card arrives by mail within three to five business days. If you are abroad and the card is mailed to a Philippines address, it takes the same time. If you need the card urgently, ask the branch whether they have cards available to issue on the spot, though this is not always possible.

Can I change the phone number registered to my account after I open it?

Yes. You can update your phone number at any BDO branch by bringing your valid ID and passbook. You can also update it through BDO Online Banking if you still have access to your old phone number. The new number takes effect when ready.

What if I lose my passbook?

Go to any BDO branch with your valid ID and request a replacement passbook. The cost is around 50 pesos. The replacement is issued on the spot, and your account continues to work normally. Your account number does not change.