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

UnionBank¹ offers checking, savings and foreign currency accounts to Filipinos and residents of the Philippines. Your account opening options might depend on your nationality and residence, with some customers able to get everything set up remotely.

This guide looks at how to open a UnionBank savings account, checking account or USD account. We’ll cover the account types, minimum balance requirements and how to get started. We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

Requirements to open UnionBank account

In general, the UnionBank open account requirements are as follows²:

• You must have one primary ID document, or two secondary ID documents
• You must complete the application form
• You must pay in your minimum opening deposit amount

The ways you can open your account depend on your nationality and residence. If you're a Filipino residing in the Philippines, with a local phone number and one of the following ID documents, you can apply online³:

• Passport
• SSS
• UMID
• PRC
• Digitized Postal ID
• Driver's License
• Philippine Identification (PhilID)

If you don’t have these documents you can also apply in a branch. In this case you have the choice to either take along one primary ID or 2 secondary ID documents. Here are the primary ID documents accepted:

• Passport
• PRC ID
• NBI Clearance
• GSIS e-card/GSIS ID (Membership ID)
• SSS ID/ Unified Multipurpose ID (UMID)
• Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP ID)
• School ID plus birth certificate
• Philippine Identification (PhilID)

Your other option is to take along two secondary ID documents which can include any of the above, as well as things like an employer or government worker card, a postal or voter ID.

If you’re a foreigner living in the Philippines you’ll need to apply in a branch, and you’ll be asked to take along your passport and your ACR I-card if you’ve been in the Philippines for over 180 days.

As well as your ID document you’ll also need to pay your minimum opening deposit, if one is needed, when you open your account. The minimum opening deposit amounts vary a lot - we’ll look at that in more detail next

Open UnionBank savings account

UnionBank has savings accounts which are intended for different customer needs. There may be a minimum opening balance needed, or you might have to hold a specific amount to avoid paying fees. Finally, all accounts have a minimum balance you must hold before any interest is paid out.

We’ll look in more detail at how to open an account in UnionBank online and in a branch, in a moment. First, here’s how much it is to open an account in UnionBank for savings, in PHP:

*Details correct at time of research - 30th September 2025

Open checking account in UnionBank

UnionBank checking accounts have different minimum balance requirements and may offer interest on your balance as well as helpful features like an ATM card to get cash. The most basic of all checking accounts doesn’t have interest, but is offered with a reasonably low minimum balance requirement, while more premium checking accounts have higher minimum balance needs.

*Details correct at time of research - 30th September 2025

Open dollar account in UnionBank

If you’re more interested in saving in USD to diversify your funds, or to save for a future trip or payment, you can also open a dollar account at UnionBank. There are two different account options which may pay interest on your balance - here are the minimum balance requirements for each:

*Details correct at time of research - 30th September 2025

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

Some UnionBank customers can open an account online using the UnionBank app. However, at the time of writing the availability of this service is limited, and some customers will still need to go to a branch to get verified. Here’s a rundown of your options for how to open a checking account in UnionBank.

How to open UnionBank account online

If you are a Filipino living in the Philippines, with a local phone number and one of the accepted forms of ID, you can open your first UnionBank account digitally through the UnionBank app.

You’ll need to take the following steps:

1. Download the UnionBank app
2. Find the account you want to open and tap the Open Account option
3. Follow the prompts to enter your personal and contact information
4. Upload an image of your ID document
5. Wait for the bank to verify you - usually within 24 hours

If there’s any problem with your account opening online, you’ll be notified by the bank. You may be asked to upload additional documents digitally, or to go to a branch to complete verification in person. Your debit card will be sent to you in the next 5 - 10 days.

If you already have a UnionBank account you can not open a second account digitally - this service is only available for new customers at the time of research (30th September 2025).

How to open UnionBank account in-person

If you prefer a face to face service, or if you’re a foreigner in the Philippines, you can open your UnionBank account in person at a branch. You’ll need to take along your ID documents and have the teller talk you through the account opening process. To activate your account you’ll then need to pay in your opening deposit amount, in cash or using an electronic transfer for example.

Need to manage multiple currencies? Convert to hold, send, or spend pesos and other foreign currencies with Wise

The Wise account is an easy way to hold and exchange 40+ currencies, including PHP, USD, CNY, and more. All you need to do is create a free account to get started.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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

UnionBank accounts have different initial deposit amounts. Checking accounts have a deposit starting from 10,000 PHP, while the UnionBank Savings + Account and the Personal Savings Account have no minimum opening deposit amount required, for example.

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

Foreign customers can only open a UnionBank account in a branch, and will need to use their passport as an ID document. You’ll also need your ACR I-card if you’re a long term resident or you’ve been in the Philippines for over 180 days.

How to open another account in the UnionBank app?

You can not add a new account in the UnionBank app at the time of research, but this is a planned feature which will soon be rolled out to existing customers. At the moment the account opening service is for new-to-bank customers only. Keep an eye out on the UnionBank website for details of the product update, or give the bank a call if you're not sure whether you can open your account in the app.

1. UnionBank
2. UnionBank FAQ - account information
3. UnionBank FAQ - online opening
4. UnionBank Savings + Account
5. UnionBank Personal Savings Account
6. UnionBank Regular Savings Account
7. UnionBank Regular Checking Account
8. UnionBank Power Checking Account
9. UnionBank Premium Deposit Account
10. UnionBank USD Savings Account
11. UnionBank USD Access Account