Yes, you can open some Philippine bank accounts online, but only certain banks offer it and only to specific groups of people
Most major Philippine banks now let you open an account online without visiting a branch in person. BDO, BPI, Metrobank, and Unionbank all have online account opening for residents and overseas Filipinos. However, the process differs depending on whether you live in the Philippines, work abroad, or are a foreign national. Some banks require a video call with an officer. Others ask you to mail in documents. A few still require you to show up in person for final verification, even if you start online.
The fastest route is usually through a bank's official website or mobile app, not through a third party. You will need a valid ID, proof of address, and in most cases a Philippine phone number. If you are abroad and do not have a Philippine address, you can use a relative's address or a business address where you receive mail. The entire process typically takes three to seven business days once you submit all documents.
Key Takeaways
- BDO, BPI, Metrobank, and Unionbank accept online account openings for residents and overseas Filipinos, but the exact process and requirements vary by bank.
- You will need a valid government ID, proof of address, and usually a Philippine phone number to open an account online.
- Some banks require a video call with an officer as part of the verification process, while others accept documents by mail or email.
- If you are abroad, you can use a relative's Philippine address or a business address as your mailing address on the application.
- Account opening typically takes three to seven business days from the time you submit all required documents.
What documents you need to open an account online
Every Philippine bank that offers online account opening requires a valid government-issued ID. This can be a Philippine passport, national ID (PhilID), driver's license, or postal ID. The ID must be current and have your photograph, signature, and full legal name on it.
You also need proof of address. This is usually a recent utility bill, water bill, or credit card statement in your name. If you are abroad and do not have a Philippine address in your name, you can submit a letter from a relative or employer confirming your mailing address, along with a utility bill or lease agreement for that address. Some banks accept a government ID with an address printed on it as proof of address on its own.
A few banks ask for additional documents depending on the account type. If you are opening a savings account, most banks do not ask for more. If you are opening a checking account or a business account, the bank may ask for a certificate of employment, business registration, or tax identification number. Check the specific bank's website before you start the application to see what they require for your account type.
How the online opening process works at major banks
BDO lets you start an application on their website or the BDO Mobile app. You fill in your personal details, upload photos of your ID and proof of address, and choose your account type. BDO then sends you a link to schedule a video call with an officer. During the call, the officer verifies your identity and asks basic questions about the account. After the call, BDO processes your application and sends you your account number and debit card details within three to five business days.
BPI offers online opening through their website. You enter your personal information, upload your ID and proof of address, and select your account type. BPI does not always require a video call; instead, they may send you a one-time password (OTP) via SMS to verify your phone number. Once verified, BPI reviews your documents and notifies you by email or SMS when your account is ready. This can take two to five business days.
Metrobank allows online account opening through their website. The process is similar: you provide personal details, upload documents, and choose your account type. Metrobank may contact you by phone to verify your information before approving the account. They typically send your account details within three to seven business days.
Unionbank has an online account opening portal on their website. You fill in your information, upload your ID and proof of address, and select your account type. Unionbank may ask you to verify your identity through a video call or by visiting a branch in person if they cannot verify you online. Processing time is usually three to five business days.
Opening an account as an overseas Filipino
If you are a Filipino citizen living abroad, most banks treat you the same as a resident for online account opening. You can use your Philippine passport or any valid government ID. For proof of address, use your current address abroad — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement in your name. Some banks accept a letter from your employer or landlord confirming your address.
The main difference is that some banks may ask you to confirm your overseas address during the video call or in writing. This is normal and does not delay the process. A few banks ask overseas applicants to mail in original documents instead of uploading scans, which can add one to two weeks to the timeline. Check the bank's website or call their customer service line to ask whether they accept scanned documents from abroad.
If you do not have a Philippine phone number, some banks will let you use a mobile number from your country of residence. Others require a Philippine number. If you need a Philippine number, you can ask a relative to add you to their plan, or you can buy a prepaid SIM card online through a Philippine provider and have it mailed to you.
Opening an account as a foreign national
Foreign nationals can open bank accounts in the Philippines, but fewer banks offer online opening to non-residents. BDO and BPI are the most likely to accept foreign nationals online, but they usually require you to visit a branch in person for final verification, even if you start the application online. Metrobank and Unionbank may require a branch visit as well.
To open an account as a foreign national, you will need a valid passport and proof of address. If you are living in the Philippines, use your current Philippine address and a utility bill or lease agreement. If you are abroad, some banks will accept your overseas address, but you may need to mail in original documents or visit a branch when you are next in the Philippines.
Some banks ask foreign nationals for additional information, such as the purpose of the account, your employment status, or your source of funds. This is standard anti-money-laundering procedure and does not mean your application will be denied. Answer honestly and provide supporting documents if asked.
What happens after you submit your application
Once you submit all your documents, the bank enters a review period that typically lasts three to seven business days. During this time, the bank verifies your identity, checks your documents against their records, and may contact you by phone or email if they need clarification on anything. You do not need to do anything during this period except wait.
If the bank approves your account, they will send you an email or SMS with your account number, routing number, and instructions for setting up online banking. Your debit card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If the bank needs more information, they will contact you directly and tell you what they need.
If your application is denied, the bank will tell you why. Common reasons include missing documents, an address that could not be verified, or a mismatch between your ID and the information you provided. If this happens, you can reapply with corrected information or try a different bank.
Alternatives if online opening is not available to you
If you cannot open an account online because you are a foreign national or the bank requires a branch visit, you have two options: visit a branch in person or use a remittance service that offers account opening.
Visiting a branch is straightforward. Bring your valid ID, proof of address, and any other documents the bank requests. A bank officer will help you fill out the account opening form and verify your information on the spot. Your account is usually active the same day, and your debit card arrives within one to two weeks.
Some remittance services, such as Wise (formerly TransferWise) and PayMaya, let you open accounts that work like Philippine bank accounts for sending and receiving money. These are not traditional bank accounts, but they can receive wire transfers and let you withdraw cash at ATMs. They are faster to open online and do not require a Philippine address, but they have lower withdrawal limits and fewer features than a real bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Philippine address to open an account online?
No. If you are abroad, you can use your current overseas address. If you do not have a Philippine address in your name, you can use a relative's address with their permission and provide a letter from them confirming you receive mail there. Some banks accept a business address as well.
Can I open an account without a Philippine phone number?
Most banks prefer a Philippine phone number because they use SMS to send verification codes and account updates. If you do not have one, ask the bank whether they accept a foreign number. If not, you can buy a prepaid Philippine SIM card online or ask a relative to add you to their plan temporarily.
How long does it take to receive my debit card after opening an account online?
Your account is usually active within three to seven business days of approval, and you can use it for transfers and bill payments immediately. Your physical debit card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Some banks let you request a card to be picked up at a branch instead if you are in the Philippines.
What if the bank asks for a video call and I cannot do it at the time they offer?
Contact the bank's customer service and ask to reschedule. Most banks are flexible with video call times and will work with your schedule. If you cannot do a video call at all, ask whether the bank accepts phone verification or document verification instead.
Can I open more than one account at the same bank online?
Yes. Once your first account is open, you can usually open additional accounts through online banking or by calling the bank's customer service. The second account typically opens faster because the bank already has your information on file.