What BDO requires you to keep in your savings account

BDO's minimum balance requirement depends on which savings product you open. Most BDO savings accounts require you to maintain a minimum daily balance of PHP 1,000, though some accounts have no minimum at all. If your balance falls below the required amount, BDO will charge you a monthly maintenance fee—typically PHP 150 to PHP 300, depending on the account type.

The exact requirement and fee structure varies by account. BDO offers several savings products aimed at different customers: basic savings accounts for everyday savers, high-yield accounts for larger deposits, and specialty accounts tied to specific goals. Each has its own rules about how much you must keep on hand and what happens when you don't.

Your account agreement and the fee schedule BDO gave you when you opened the account spell out your specific minimum. If you cannot find that document, you can call BDO customer service at 1-800-631-8000 or visit a branch with your account number to confirm the exact requirement for your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Most BDO savings accounts require a PHP 1,000 minimum daily balance; falling below it triggers a monthly maintenance fee of PHP 150 to PHP 300.
  • Some BDO savings products have no minimum balance requirement at all, so the rule depends on which account type you opened.
  • Your account agreement and fee schedule, provided when you opened the account, state your specific minimum and the exact fee you will pay if you drop below it.
  • You can confirm your account's minimum balance requirement by calling BDO customer service or visiting a branch with your account number.

How BDO calculates whether you meet the minimum

BDO measures your balance on a daily basis, meaning they check your account every single day to see whether you have at least the required amount. If your balance dips below the minimum on even one day during the month, you may be charged the maintenance fee at the end of that month. Some accounts use an average daily balance instead, which adds up your balance each day and divides by the number of days in the month—but most standard savings accounts use the daily minimum method.

The fee is usually deducted automatically from your account on the last day of the month or the first few days of the next month. You will see it listed on your statement as a maintenance fee, service charge, or account fee. Once the fee is charged, your balance drops further, which can trigger another fee the following month if you do not deposit more money.

Accounts with no minimum balance requirement

BDO offers at least one savings product with zero minimum balance requirement. The BDO Savings Account (sometimes called the Basic Savings Account) is designed for customers who want to save without worrying about maintaining a floor. You can open it and keep any amount in it—even PHP 1—without paying a maintenance fee.

The trade-off is usually a lower interest rate. Accounts with no minimum often pay less interest on your balance than accounts that require you to keep PHP 10,000 or more. If you are saving a small amount and do not expect to reach a higher threshold, the zero-minimum account may cost you less in fees than paying PHP 150 to PHP 300 per month on a higher-minimum account.

What happens if your balance drops below the minimum

The first consequence is the monthly maintenance fee. BDO will charge you PHP 150 to PHP 300 (the exact amount depends on your account type) at the end of the month in which your balance fell short. This fee is deducted directly from your account, lowering your balance further.

If your balance stays low for multiple months, you will pay the fee every month. There is no grace period or warning—the fee is automatic. Some accounts also have a minimum opening deposit requirement (often PHP 1,000 to PHP 5,000), which is separate from the daily minimum balance you must maintain afterward.

Repeated low balances and monthly fees can eventually make the account unprofitable for you. If you know you cannot maintain the minimum, switching to a zero-minimum account or moving your money to a different bank may save you money over time.

How to avoid the minimum balance fee

The simplest way to avoid the fee is to keep your balance at or above the required amount at all times. If your account requires PHP 1,000, make sure you never let it drop below that figure. Set a mental note or a phone reminder on the day you usually make withdrawals, so you can check your balance before you take money out.

If you regularly struggle to maintain the minimum, consider switching to a BDO account with no minimum requirement. You will lose some interest income, but you will eliminate the monthly fee. Over a year, avoiding twelve PHP 150 fees (PHP 1,800 total) may outweigh the interest you would earn on a higher balance in a premium account.

Another option is to set up a small automatic transfer from your paycheck or another account into your savings account each month. Even PHP 100 or PHP 200 per month can help you stay above the minimum without thinking about it. Many employers and banks allow you to split your direct deposit between checking and savings accounts.

Minimum balance rules for joint accounts and special accounts

If you open a joint savings account with BDO, the minimum balance requirement is the same as a single account—usually PHP 1,000. Both account holders are responsible for maintaining the balance, and either one can make deposits or withdrawals. If the balance falls below the minimum, the fee applies to the joint account just as it would to an individual account.

BDO also offers savings accounts tied to specific purposes—such as education savings or emergency funds—and these may have different minimums. Some goal-based accounts have higher minimums (PHP 5,000 or more) but pay higher interest rates. Others have no minimum at all. Check your account agreement or ask BDO directly about the rules for your specific product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I avoid the minimum balance fee by closing my account?

Closing your account stops future fees, but it does not reverse fees already charged. If you have been charged a maintenance fee, that money is gone. Some banks will reverse one or two fees if you call and ask, but BDO does not have a standard policy on this. It is worth calling customer service to ask, but do not count on a refund.

Does BDO charge a fee if I go below the minimum for just one day?

Yes. BDO checks your balance daily, and if it falls below the minimum on any single day during the month, you will typically be charged the maintenance fee at month's end. There is no exception for a one-day dip. If you know you will need to withdraw money, do it on a day when you can immediately deposit funds back in.

What is the interest rate on a BDO savings account with no minimum?

Interest rates on BDO savings accounts change based on market conditions and your balance tier. Zero-minimum accounts typically earn less interest than accounts requiring PHP 10,000 or more. Contact BDO directly or check their website for current rates, as they vary and are not fixed.

If I have multiple BDO savings accounts, do I have to maintain the minimum in each one?

Yes. Each account is separate, and each has its own minimum balance requirement. If you have two accounts that each require PHP 1,000, you must keep PHP 1,000 in each account—you cannot combine them. If one account falls below its minimum, you will be charged a fee for that account only.

Can I transfer money from my BDO checking account to my savings account to avoid the fee?

Yes. Transfers between your own BDO accounts are usually free and instant. If you see your savings balance dropping below the minimum, you can move money from checking to savings to stay above the threshold. Just make sure your checking account has the funds available.