What you need to bring to BPI
BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) requires two forms of identification and proof of address to open a savings account in person. Bring a government-issued ID — a passport, driver's license, or national ID card — plus one more ID (a company badge, school ID, or credit card work). You will also need a recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement showing your current address.
If you are opening an account for a minor, bring the child's birth certificate and the parent or guardian's two IDs and proof of address. BPI also accepts online account opening for adults 18 and older, which requires fewer documents but still needs a valid ID and a way to verify your address.
Bring your initial deposit in cash or via debit card. The minimum opening balance varies by account type — standard savings accounts typically start at 1,000 PHP, though some promotional offers may be lower. Ask the branch what the current minimum is when you arrive, as it can change.
Key Takeaways
- You need two forms of ID, proof of address, and a minimum opening deposit to open a BPI savings account in person at any branch.
- BPI offers online account opening for adults, which is faster than visiting a branch but still requires ID verification and proof of address.
- The account opening process takes 15 to 30 minutes in branch; online accounts are activated within one to two business days.
- Your ATM card and passbook arrive by mail within five to seven business days after account opening.
- BPI savings accounts earn interest, but the rate depends on your account type and balance — ask the teller for the current rate before you open.
Opening an account at a BPI branch in person
Walk into any BPI branch during business hours with your documents and initial deposit. Tell the teller you want to open a savings account. They will hand you an account opening form to fill out — it asks for your name, address, date of birth, employment status, and the source of your funds. Answer honestly; BPI uses this information for anti-money-laundering compliance, not to judge you.
The teller will verify your ID and address, take a photocopy of both, and process your deposit. They will assign you an account number on the spot and give you a temporary receipt. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes. Before you leave, ask for the current interest rate on your account type and whether there are any monthly fees — most BPI savings accounts have no maintenance fee, but some specialty accounts do.
Your ATM card and passbook will arrive by mail within five to seven business days. You can start using your account immediately with your account number, even before the card arrives — you can deposit or withdraw at any BPI teller window using your temporary receipt or account number.
Opening an account online through BPI's website or app
BPI allows adults 18 and older to open a savings account online without visiting a branch. Go to the BPI website or download the BPI mobile app, then look for the "Open an Account" or "New Account" option. You will need a valid government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or national ID) and a way to verify your address — a utility bill photo or bank statement uploaded as a PDF or image file.
The online form asks the same questions as the in-branch form: name, address, date of birth, employment, and source of funds. After you submit, BPI will send you a one-time password (OTP) to your phone number to confirm your identity. The verification process takes one to two business days.
Once approved, your account is active and you can transfer money into it from another bank account you own. Your ATM card and passbook arrive by mail within five to seven business days. Online-opened accounts work exactly like branch-opened accounts — same interest rates, same fees, same access to all BPI services.
What happens after you open your account
Your account number is live immediately, whether you opened in branch or online. You can deposit money at any BPI teller window, transfer funds from another bank using your account number and routing information, or set up automatic deposits from your employer. You cannot withdraw or use your ATM card until it arrives, but you can ask a teller to withdraw cash for you at any branch using your account number.
Interest on your savings account is calculated daily and credited monthly or quarterly, depending on your account type. The interest rate varies — ask the teller what rate applies to your account when you open it. Some BPI savings accounts offer higher rates if you maintain a minimum balance or make regular deposits; others have no conditions.
Check your account activity through the BPI website or mobile app once you receive your ATM card. You can also request a passbook update at any branch to see your transaction history and current balance in writing.
Account types and which one to choose
BPI offers several savings account types, each with different features and interest rates. The standard BPI Savings Account has no monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement after opening, and earns interest. The BPI Savings Maximizer offers a higher interest rate but requires a higher minimum balance — typically 50,000 PHP or more, depending on the current promotion.
If you are under 18, ask about the BPI Youth Savings Account, which is designed for minors and has lower minimums. If you are a senior citizen (60 and older), BPI offers a Senior Citizen Savings Account with special rates and benefits.
Ask the teller which account type makes sense for how much money you plan to keep in savings. If you are starting with a small amount and may not maintain a high balance, the standard savings account is usually the best choice. If you have a larger sum and want to earn more interest, the Savings Maximizer may be worth the higher minimum.
Documents checklist for opening a BPI savings account
| Document Type | In-Branch Opening | Online Opening |
|---|---|---|
| Government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, national ID) | Required (original) | Required (photo upload) |
| Second form of ID | Required (original) | Not required |
| Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, lease) | Required (original or photocopy) | Required (photo upload) |
| Initial deposit | Required (cash or debit card) | Not required at opening; transfer after account is active |
| Birth certificate (for minors) | Required (original) | Not applicable |
What to do if you have trouble opening an account
If a BPI branch tells you they cannot open an account because your address proof is too old or your ID is expired, ask what documents they will accept instead. BPI's rules allow some flexibility — a utility bill older than three months may still work if you have a recent bank statement, or vice versa. If the branch is being strict, try a different branch or call BPI's customer service line to ask what documents may have access to.
If you opened an account online and your verification is taking longer than two business days, log into your BPI app and check the status. If it shows "pending," wait one more day. If it shows "rejected," the app will tell you why — usually because the ID photo was blurry or the address proof was unreadable. You can resubmit clearer photos without starting over.
If you never receive your ATM card or passbook after 10 business days, visit a BPI branch with your account number and ID. The teller can reorder the card or issue a temporary card while you wait for the replacement to arrive. There is no charge for reordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a BPI savings account if I don't have a permanent address?
BPI requires proof of address, but it does not have to be a home address. A workplace address, a relative's address where you are staying, or even a PO box can work if you can show a utility bill or bank statement in that name. If you are homeless or in temporary housing, call BPI's customer service to ask what alternatives they accept.
How much money do I have to put in when I open the account?
The minimum opening deposit is typically 1,000 PHP for a standard BPI savings account, but this varies by account type and current promotions. Ask the teller or check the BPI website for the exact minimum before you go to the branch. Some promotional offers may have lower minimums.
Can I open a BPI account if I'm not a Filipino citizen?
Yes, BPI opens accounts for foreign nationals and overseas Filipino workers. You will need a valid passport and proof of address (which can be a hotel booking, lease agreement, or employer letter). Some branches may ask additional questions about the source of your funds, but this is standard anti-money-laundering procedure, not a barrier to opening.
What's the difference between opening online and opening at a branch?
Online opening is faster and requires fewer documents, but you cannot deposit cash immediately — you have to transfer money from another bank account after your account is active. In-branch opening lets you deposit cash on the spot and get a temporary receipt, but takes longer. Both result in the same account with the same features and interest rates.
When will I start earning interest on my savings?
Interest begins accruing the day your account opens, even if you only have the minimum deposit. It is calculated daily but credited to your account monthly or quarterly, depending on your account type. Ask the teller when your first interest payment will appear.