The fastest way depends on where you're sending from
If you're sending money to a BDO Kabayan account from within the Philippines, you can use BDO's own transfer system, a partner bank, or a money transfer service. If you're sending from abroad, your options narrow to international money transfer services and some remittance networks that work with BDO. The account holder's name, account number, and the bank code (BDO's is 0011) are what you'll need either way.
BDO Kabayan accounts are designed for overseas Filipinos and their families, so the bank has built multiple pathways to fund them. Some are when ready, some take a day or two, and some cost nothing while others charge a fee. Which one works best for you depends on whether you're in the Philippines or abroad, how much you're sending, and how quickly the money needs to arrive.
Key Takeaways
- From within the Philippines, you can transfer to a Kabayan account through BDO's online banking, at any BDO branch, through another bank's online system, or via a money transfer service like Cebuana Lhuillier or LBC.
- From abroad, international money transfer services like Wise, OFW.com, and Remitly connect directly to BDO Kabayan accounts, though fees and exchange rates vary between services.
- You will need the account holder's full name, BDO account number, and BDO's bank code (0011) for any transfer method.
- Transfers within the Philippines usually clear within hours to one business day; international transfers typically take one to three business days depending on the service.
- Some methods charge a flat fee, others charge a percentage, and some charge nothing—compare the total cost before you send, especially for large amounts.
Sending from a BDO account in the Philippines
If you have your own BDO account, the simplest method is BDO's online banking platform or mobile app. Log in, select "Transfer Funds," choose the Kabayan account holder as the recipient (or add them if this is your first time), enter the amount, and confirm. The money usually arrives within the same day, often within minutes during business hours. There is no fee for BDO-to-BDO transfers.
If you don't have online banking set up or prefer to do it in person, visit any BDO branch with your ID and the Kabayan account holder's details. Tell the teller you want to transfer to another BDO account. You'll fill out a form with the recipient's name, account number, and amount. This also costs nothing and clears by the next business day.
Sending from another Philippine bank
Most Philippine banks participate in the InstaPay or PESONet systems, which let you transfer to BDO accounts from your own bank's app or website. InstaPay transfers are when ready and cost around 10 to 15 pesos; PESONet transfers take until the next business day and usually cost 25 to 50 pesos. You'll need the Kabayan account holder's full name, account number, and BDO's bank code (0011).
Log into your own bank's app, select "Send Money" or "Transfer," choose BDO as the destination bank, enter the account number and amount, and confirm. The money goes directly to the Kabayan account. If your bank doesn't offer these systems, you can still visit a BDO branch and ask them to receive a transfer from your bank—this takes longer and may cost more.
Sending through a money transfer service in the Philippines
Services like Cebuana Lhuillier, LBC, M. Lhuillier, and Palawan Express let you hand over cash at their physical locations, and the money goes to the Kabayan account. You'll need to tell them the account holder's name and account number. Fees typically range from 50 to 150 pesos depending on the amount and the service. The money usually arrives within a few hours to one business day.
This method is useful if you don't have a bank account yourself or prefer not to use online banking. Walk into any branch, tell them you want to send money to a BDO Kabayan account, provide the recipient's details and the amount, pay the fee, and you're done. Ask for a receipt with a reference number so you can track the transfer if needed.
Sending from abroad using international money transfer services
If you're outside the Philippines, services like Wise, OFW.com, Remitly, MoneyGram, and Western Union all connect to BDO Kabayan accounts. Each has different fees, exchange rates, and speed. Wise and OFW.com tend to offer the best exchange rates for large amounts; Remitly and MoneyGram are faster but may cost more. Western Union and MoneyGram also let you send cash in person at their locations worldwide.
To send through any of these services, you'll create an account (online or in person), provide the Kabayan account holder's name and account number, enter the amount you want to send, and pay the fee. Most services show you the exact fee and the amount the recipient will receive before you confirm. Transfers usually arrive within one to three business days, though some services offer same-day or next-day options for a higher fee.
What information you need to provide
No matter which method you use, you'll need to give the same core details: the account holder's full name (exactly as it appears on their BDO account), their BDO account number (usually 10 digits), and BDO's bank code, which is 0011. Some services also ask for the account holder's address or phone number, but the name, account number, and bank code are the essentials.
Double-check the account number before you send. A wrong digit will either bounce the transfer back or send it to someone else's account. If you're unsure, ask the account holder to confirm their details, or call BDO's customer service line at 1-800-631-8000 (within the Philippines) and give them the name and account number to verify it's correct.
Fees and exchange rates across different methods
| Method | Cost | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| BDO to BDO (online or branch) | Free | Same day or next day | Domestic transfers, no fee |
| InstaPay (other Philippine banks) | 10–15 pesos | when ready | Quick domestic transfers |
| PESONet (other Philippine banks) | 25–50 pesos | Next business day | Larger domestic amounts |
| Money transfer service (Cebuana, LBC, etc.) | 50–150 pesos | Hours to 1 day | Cash-based domestic transfers |
| International service (Wise, OFW.com, Remitly) | Varies; 1–3% of amount | 1–3 business days | Overseas senders, competitive rates |
| Western Union or MoneyGram | Varies; typically 5–10% of amount | Minutes to 1 day | Fast international transfers, in-person options |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to a Kabayan account if I don't know the exact account number?
No. The account number is required for any transfer method. If you don't have it, contact the account holder and ask them to provide it. You can also call BDO at 1-800-631-8000 and give them the account holder's name and date of birth; they may be able to confirm the account number for you.
What happens if I send money to the wrong account number?
The transfer will go to whoever owns that account number. If it's a BDO account, the money arrives there. If the account number doesn't exist, the transfer bounces back to you within a few days, and you'll get a refund. Always verify the account number before sending, especially for large amounts.
How long does an international transfer to a Kabayan account take?
Most international money transfer services deliver within one to three business days. Some offer expedited options that arrive the same day or next day, but these cost more. The exact timing depends on the service, the country you're sending from, and whether the transfer happens on a weekend or holiday.
Which international money transfer service has the lowest fees?
Wise and OFW.com typically offer the lowest fees and best exchange rates for larger amounts (usually 500 USD or more). Remitly and MoneyGram are faster but charge more. For small amounts under 100 USD, the difference in fees may be small, so speed or convenience might matter more than the rate.
Can I send money to a Kabayan account from a credit card?
Most international money transfer services accept credit cards, though they may charge an additional processing fee. Some services like Western Union and MoneyGram accept credit card payments at their physical locations. Check the service's website or ask at the location before you send to confirm they take credit cards and what the fee is.