How to open account in BDO: Guide on types of accounts and requirements for Filipinos

BDO¹ offers a range of checking and savings accounts, including PHP and USD account options. You may be able to open your account remotely using a video call - or you might prefer to visit a branch and get everything set up with the help of a team member.

This guide covers how to open an account in BDO online and in person, including a step by step guide and a look at how much deposit is needed to open a BDO account. We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

Requirements to open BDO account

The BDO account opening requirements are fairly similar across all of the available account types - but there are a few important differences to note. In general, you will need to have one or more eligible ID documents, and pay a minimum opening deposit amount to activate your account.

The identity documents needed can include one of the following:

• Passport
• Driver’s License
• PRC ID
• UMID
• SSS ID
• PhilySys ID
• School ID for children

Or, if you don’t have any of these, you can choose to provide 2 different documents from a secondary list, such as a voter ID or a company ID card. The full list of acceptable documents is available on the BDO website.

In many cases you can use BDO to open an account online by uploading an image of your ID document, signature samples and a selfie, and then arranging a video call with a member of the team to check your suitability for the account you’ve selected. However, it’s helpful to know that how to open a BDO savings account might look different to how to open a joint account in BDO for example, so double checking the details for the account you select is still essential.

If you’re opening your account online, you will need to make arrangements to pay in your minimum opening deposit within 7 days after your video appointment. If you don’t the account will be closed and you may be liable for fees. There are several ways to pay in your minimum opening deposit including making an online transfer or depositing cash at a BDO ATM.

Open BDO savings account

BDO offers several different PHP denominated savings account options, including:

• BDO Passbook savings account
• BDO ATM savings account
• BDO Kabayan savings accounts
• BDO time deposit accounts

These accounts can usually be opened remotely as long as you have access to a smart phone or laptop. There are different minimum opening deposit amounts for each account which you’ll need to check to ensure the product is suitable for you. There’s also usually a minimum amount you must hold before you can earn any interest, and a minimum amount which you must maintain to avoid additional monthly fees. Here’s a quick summary:

*Details correct at time of research - 29th September 2025

Open joint account in BDO

BDO offers some of its savings and checking accounts as a joint account which you can open either as an ‘AND’ account or an ‘OR’ account⁶.

If you have an ‘AND’ account, all signatories to the account are required to complete any transaction. If you prefer an ‘OR’ account, any one of the account owners can transact without requiring the permission of the other account holders.

If you want to open a BDO joint account you will need to get in touch with the bank directly to check the options available, based on the type of account you want.

Open dollar account in BDO

If you prefer to hold your funds in USD you can also do so with BDO. There are USD savings account options⁷, including easy access and time deposit accounts⁸.

How much you need to pay to open an account in BDO can vary quite a lot depending on the account type. You can open a USD savings account with a deposit of 200 USD, but for a time deposit you will need to have 1,000 USD or more to lock away.

If you choose a USD savings account you must hold 500 USD or more to avoid fall below fees, and to earn any interest.

Not all USD accounts can be opened online - you might find you need to head in to a local branch to get your account open. We’ll look at how to open a dollar account in BDO in more detail next.

How to open account in BDO: Step-by-step guide

You can open a BDO account in a branch and have a team member talk you through all the requirements and forms. Or if you prefer you might be able to set up your account remotely - this option is not available for all account types.

How to open BDO account online

To open your BDO account remotely you can take the following steps:

1. Download and complete the account opening form for the account you prefer
2. Prepare your ID documents, a selfie, and a photo of your signature samples
3. Book a video call with a member of the BDO team
4. Open your account on the video call and then pay in your minimum opening deposit within 7 days

Your minimum opening deposit can be paid in by visiting a branch, sending an online payment or using an ATM deposit machine.

How to open BDO account in-person

You may find that you are required to open your BDO account in person at a branch. USD time deposit accounts can only be set up in a branch for example, and for more complex account types such as joint accounts, you may need to get face to face service.

If you need to open your account in a branch, a member of the service team will help you complete the forms and pay in your minimum deposit. Remember to take along your ID for verification purposes.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How much is the initial deposit to open a BDO account?

The initial deposit to open a BDO account depends on the account type. You need to make an opening deposit of 5,000 PHP for a BDO Passbook savings account, or 2,000 PHP for a BDO ATM savings account for example.

Bear in mind that there are other important minimum amounts to consider, including a minimum daily balance of 10,000 PHP for the passbook account and 2,000 PHP for the savings account, to avoid fall below fees.

What are the BDO requirements for foreigners to open an account?

The BDO requirements for foreigners depend on the specific account you select. You may be asked to bring along or show your passport when you open your account, with additional documents proving your legal right to stay in the Philippines. You might also have to show your employment using a company ID or a letter from your workplace.

Can I open my BDO account at any branch?

Yes. You can open your BDO account by going along to any branch in person. Some accounts can also be opened online, using a verification by video call.

1. BDO
2. BDO Passbook savings account
3. BDO ATM savings account
4. BDO Kabayan savings accounts
5. BDO time deposit accounts
6. BDO deposit account terms
7. BDO USD savings account
8. BDO USD time deposit