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

BPI¹ has a full range of account types including savings, checking and USD products. There are variable requirements in place for BPI accounts which usually mean paying a minimum opening deposit amount and showing your government issued ID.

This guide covers how to open an account in BPI, including who can open a BPI account online, and who will need to visit a branch instead. We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

Requirements to open BPI account

Before you can open your BPI account, you’ll need to make sure you are eligible for the product you’ve selected. If you’re a new customer to BPI, you’ll usually have to visit a branch to set up your first account, with your government issued ID document, and your minimum opening deposit amount. Once you have one BPI account open you are then able to add further accounts through the BPI app or online banking system.

We’ll cover how to open a checking account in BPI if you have a savings account already, and what’s needed if you’re a new customer, a little later.

Open BPI savings account

The BPI open account requirements for a savings account² vary a lot depending on the type of product you prefer. There are often minimum opening deposits to pay - but these can be low for basic accounts, making them more accessible. Some premium accounts aimed at high earners have very high minimum deposit amounts, in return for higher rates of interest.

As well as standard savings account products, BPI also offers time deposit accounts³ in both PHP and USD. With these accounts you must agree to leave your funds untouched for a fixed period - making an early withdrawal would mean losing your interest and in some cases paying penalty charges.

Here’s a summary of the minimum deposit amounts for standard BPI saving account products, to give you a feel for the range of options available⁴.

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

Open checking account in BPI

You can open a regular checking account with BPI as a personal customer, and there are also accounts aimed at business owners and entrepreneurs⁵.

If you’re wondering how to open a savings account in BPI which can also function as a checking account solution, the Maxi One account may be a good choice. This account offers features for everyday spending, like a checking account, but also has a variable interest rate which increases when you hold over 1 million PHP.

Here’s a summary of the minimum deposit amounts needed for different BPI checking account products.

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

Open dollar account in BPI

BPI offers USD accounts which are intended for savings, and also has a direct deposit USD pensions account.
To open your dollar saving account with BPI you must make an initial deposit of 500 USD or more, and you must maintain at least this balance to avoid paying fall below fees⁶.

We’ll cover how to open a dollar account in BPI in person and digitally, next.

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

BPI only usually offers digital account opening solutions to existing customers. The first time you want to open an account with BPI you will normally need to go to a branch and take along your ID to get verified. BPI is rolling out increased options for digital account opening⁷, so do double check on the specific account you prefer, to see if digital account opening has been launched, before you go to a branch in person.

Here are the options for how to open an account with BPI, depending on your situation.

How to open BPI account online

If you have a BPI account already, and want to add an additional account - opening a USD account to use alongside your PHP checking account for example - you can do so digitally⁸. You’ll need to be registered with BPI online before you can use the service. Once you’re set up with BPI online, you need to take the following steps to open a new BPI account⁹:

1. Login to the BPI app and go to More
2. Tap on Products and select New Deposit Account
3. Click Let's Start and select the account you want to open
4. Follow the prompts to confirm the account details and terms
5. Authenticate your application via Mobile Key

After completing the authentication step for security, your new account will be available in the BPI online banking service for you to use.

You can not open a joint account online, for this service you’ll need to visit a branch¹⁰.

How to open BPI account in-person

To open your first BPI account - or if you want a joint account - you'll normally need to go to a BPI branch. Take along your government issued ID for verification purposes¹¹, and remember you’ll need to make your opening deposit on the day - you may be able to deposit cash or pay using a digital transfer from another account.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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

If you want a BPI account for day to day use, you can get a regular checking account with a minimum opening deposit of 10,000 PHP. There are also various savings account products which have their own opening balance requirements - from 1 PHP through to 2 million PHP for the top tier of account options.

Is there a 200 pesos requirement to open a BPI account?

There is not a 200 pesos requirement for a BPI account. Accounts have different requirements in terms of opening deposit amounts, and in some cases, minimum holding balance rules which dictate how much you need to leave in your account before paying fall below fees.

How to open an account in BPI with no maintaining balance?

There is no BPI maintaining balance with the #SaveUp and #MySaveUp accounts offered in partnership with GCash, but for checking accounts and most of their savings account products you’ll need to maintain the minimum balance level to avoid paying fall below fees.