Yes, you can open a BPI savings account entirely online through their website or mobile app
BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) lets you open most of their savings accounts without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes on your phone or computer. You'll need a valid government ID, a selfie, and proof of address — all uploaded during signup. The account opens immediately, though you may need to verify your identity by video call or in-branch within 30 days depending on which account type you choose.
Not every BPI savings product is available online. The most common ones — BPI Savings Account, BPI Express Savings Account, and BPI Online Savings Account — can all be opened remotely. Specialty accounts tied to specific programs or age groups may require a branch visit. Check the BPI website or app to see which accounts show an "open online" option before you start.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a BPI savings account online using the BPI website or BPI mobile app with just your ID, a selfie, and proof of address.
- The online signup process takes 10 to 15 minutes and your account opens immediately, though identity verification may happen later.
- You will need to fund your account with an initial deposit, which varies by account type — some require as little as 100 pesos.
- If you already have a BPI account or credit card, opening a linked savings account online is faster because BPI already has your information on file.
- Some account types require in-branch verification within 30 days of opening, so check the specific requirements before choosing an account.
What documents you need to open online
BPI requires three pieces of information to open an account online: a valid government-issued ID, a recent photo of yourself, and proof of your current address. Your ID can be a passport, driver's license, national ID, or PRC license — anything with your photo, signature, and issue date. Take a clear photo of both the front and back of your ID and upload it during signup.
For the selfie, take a photo of your face against a plain background in good lighting. BPI uses this to match your ID photo. For proof of address, upload a recent utility bill, bank statement, or government document dated within the last three months that shows your name and current address. A photo of the document on your phone works fine — you do not need to print or scan anything.
If you are opening a linked account (a second savings account when you already have a BPI account), you may skip the ID and address proof because BPI already has that information. You will still need to take a selfie for the new account.
Step-by-step process to open online
Start on the BPI website (bpi.com.ph) or download the BPI mobile app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Look for the "Open an Account" or "Sign Up" button on the homepage. You will be asked to choose which type of savings account you want — read the description of each to pick the one that matches your needs. If you see "open online" next to the account name, you can proceed.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, email address, and phone number. BPI will send a one-time password (OTP) to your phone to verify it is really you. Enter that code to continue. Next, upload your ID photos (front and back), your selfie, and your proof of address. Make sure all documents are clear and readable — blurry photos cause delays.
Review the account terms and conditions, then agree to them. BPI will ask you to set a PIN or password for your online banking access. Choose something you can remember but others cannot guess. Once you submit, your account opens immediately and you will see your account number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot.
Initial deposit requirements and funding your account
Most BPI savings accounts opened online require an initial deposit to activate. The amount varies: some accounts need as little as 100 pesos, while others require 1,000 or 5,000 pesos. The account details page will tell you the minimum. You can fund your account right away using a debit card, online banking transfer from another bank, or a GCash/PayMaya wallet if you have one linked.
If you already have a BPI checking or credit card account, you can transfer money from that account to your new savings account for free using BPI's online banking platform. This is usually the fastest way to meet the initial deposit requirement. If you do not have another BPI account, you can use a debit card from any Philippine bank or a digital wallet.
Your account will not be fully active until the initial deposit clears. This usually happens within a few hours if you fund it the same day you open the account. Some funding methods (like transfers from other banks) may take until the next business day.
Identity verification after opening
Depending on which account you open and how much information BPI already has about you, you may need to verify your identity after signup. This can happen in two ways: a video call with a BPI representative, or an in-branch visit. BPI will tell you which one applies to your account when you finish opening it online.
If BPI asks for a video call, they will send you a link via email or SMS. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Have your ID ready and be prepared to answer questions about yourself and why you are opening the account. If you need an in-branch visit, you have 30 days to go to any BPI branch with your ID. Bring the account number from your online signup.
Until verification is complete, your account may have limits on how much you can withdraw or transfer. Once verified, those limits lift and your account works normally. Verification usually finishes within a few days if you do it by video call, or the same day if you visit a branch.
What happens if your online application is rejected
BPI may reject an online application if your documents are unclear, your information does not match across documents, or if there is a problem with your identity verification. If this happens, BPI will send you an email explaining why. Read it carefully — it will tell you what went wrong and what to do next.
In most cases, you can reapply online after fixing the issue. If your ID photo was blurry, take a clearer one and try again. If your name on your ID does not match the name on your proof of address, bring both documents to a BPI branch and ask them to help you open the account in person. A branch officer can often open an account on the spot if your documents are in order, even if the online system rejected it.
If you are rejected multiple times, visit a BPI branch in person. Bring all your documents and ask to speak with an account officer. They can investigate why the online system is rejecting you and may be able to open the account manually.
Opening a second or linked savings account
If you already have a BPI account, opening a second savings account online is simpler. Log into your existing BPI online banking or mobile app and look for "Open a New Account" or "Link a New Account." You will not need to upload your ID or proof of address again because BPI already has that information.
You will still need to take a new selfie for the second account and choose which type of savings account you want. The process takes about 5 minutes. Your new account opens immediately and you can transfer money into it from your existing BPI account right away.
This is useful if you want to keep money separate for different goals — one account for emergency savings, another for a specific purchase, for example. BPI lets you open multiple savings accounts and manage them all from one login.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a BPI credit card or existing account to open a savings account online?
No. You can open a BPI savings account online as a completely new customer with just your ID, selfie, and proof of address. Having an existing BPI account makes the process slightly faster, but it is not required.
How long does it take to access my money after I open the account online?
Your account opens immediately and you can see your account number right away. However, you cannot withdraw or transfer money until your initial deposit clears, which usually takes a few hours to one business day depending on how you fund it. Identity verification may also add a few days before your account has full functionality.
Can I open a BPI savings account online if I do not have a smartphone?
You can start the process on a computer using the BPI website, but you will need a smartphone to take a selfie and upload documents. If you do not have a smartphone, visit a BPI branch in person to open an account instead.
What if my proof of address is older than three months?
BPI requires proof of address dated within the last three months. If your document is older, the online system will likely reject it. Visit a BPI branch with your ID and an older proof of address — a branch officer can often override this requirement if they can verify your identity in person.
Can I change my account type after opening it online?
Most BPI savings accounts can be converted to a different type by visiting a branch or calling BPI customer service. Some conversions happen immediately, while others may take a few business days. Check with BPI about whether the conversion affects your interest rate or account features.