What BPI charges to keep a savings account open

BPI requires you to maintain a minimum balance in your savings account to avoid a monthly maintenance fee. The exact amount depends on which type of BPI savings account you hold — BPI has several versions, and each one sets its own floor.

If your balance drops below the required minimum on any day of the month, BPI charges you a maintenance fee. That fee is deducted from your account automatically. The fee amount and the minimum balance threshold both vary by account type, so you need to know which account you opened.

The most common BPI savings accounts are the BPI Savings Account (the basic version) and the BPI Savings Account Plus. Some customers also hold specialty accounts tied to payroll or specific programs. Each has its own rules.

Key Takeaways

  • BPI's basic savings account typically requires a minimum balance of around 1,000 to 2,500 PHP, though this can change and varies by account type.
  • If your balance falls below the minimum on any day of the month, BPI deducts a monthly maintenance fee directly from your account.
  • The maintenance fee itself is usually between 100 and 300 PHP per month, depending on your account type.
  • You can find your specific minimum balance requirement on your account opening documents, your BPI passbook, or by calling BPI customer service at 1-800-1-888-BPI (1-800-1-888-274).
  • Some BPI accounts waive the maintenance fee if you maintain the minimum balance or meet other conditions like regular deposits or payroll credit.

Minimum balance amounts by BPI savings account type

BPI offers several savings account products, and each sets its own minimum balance requirement. The BPI Savings Account (the entry-level option) typically requires a minimum balance of 1,000 to 2,500 PHP. The BPI Savings Account Plus usually requires a higher minimum, often 5,000 PHP or more. Some accounts marketed to payroll customers or students may have lower minimums.

These amounts are not fixed across all branches or all time periods. BPI updates its requirements periodically, and some branches may offer promotional rates or waived minimums for limited periods. The amount you were quoted when you opened your account may not be the amount in effect today.

The clearest way to confirm your specific minimum is to check your account opening documents (the contract you signed when you opened the account) or your BPI passbook, which usually lists the requirement on the inside cover. If you cannot find those, call BPI's customer service line.

Monthly maintenance fees when you fall below the minimum

If your account balance drops below the required minimum on any single day during the calendar month, BPI charges you a monthly maintenance fee. This fee is not a one-time charge — it happens every month your balance stays below the minimum.

The fee amount typically ranges from 100 to 300 PHP per month, depending on your account type. Basic savings accounts usually incur lower fees than premium or plus versions. The fee is deducted automatically from your account, so you do not receive a separate bill — it simply reduces your balance further.

This creates a compounding problem: if your balance is already low, the fee makes it even lower, and you may fall further below the minimum the next month. Some customers find themselves in a cycle where the monthly fee keeps their balance perpetually below the threshold.

How to avoid the maintenance fee

The simplest way to avoid the maintenance fee is to keep your balance at or above the required minimum at all times. For most BPI savings accounts, this means maintaining 1,000 to 2,500 PHP (or higher, depending on your account type) in the account every single day of the month.

Some BPI accounts offer fee waivers under specific conditions. For example, certain accounts waive the maintenance fee if you receive a salary or payroll deposit each month, or if you maintain a combined balance across multiple BPI accounts. A few promotional accounts waive the fee for the first year or for customers under a certain age.

If you are struggling to maintain the minimum, contact BPI to ask whether your account type qualifies for any waivers or whether you can switch to an account with a lower minimum. Some branches may offer accounts with no minimum balance requirement, though these are less common and may come with other restrictions (like lower interest rates or limited transactions).

Where to find your account's specific minimum balance requirement

Your account documents are the most reliable source. When you opened your BPI savings account, you received a contract or agreement that listed the minimum balance requirement. This document should be in your records at home. The requirement is usually stated clearly near the beginning or in a section about account terms and conditions.

Your BPI passbook (the physical booklet BPI gives you) also typically shows the minimum balance on the inside front cover or on the first page. If you have not received a passbook or cannot find yours, you can request one at any BPI branch.

You can also call BPI customer service at 1-800-1-888-BPI (1-800-1-888-274) and provide your account number. A representative can tell you the exact minimum balance for your account and the current maintenance fee amount. Online banking may also display this information in your account settings or account details section, though not all BPI online platforms show it prominently.

What happens if you cannot maintain the minimum

If you consistently cannot keep your balance above the minimum, you have a few options. The first is to transfer money into the account before the end of each month to bring it above the threshold, even if you withdraw it again the next day. This prevents the fee from being charged, though it requires active management.

The second option is to switch to a different BPI account type with a lower minimum or no minimum requirement. Not all branches offer these accounts, and they may have trade-offs (lower interest, fewer features), but they exist. Visit your branch and ask what options are available for your situation.

The third option is to close the account and move your money elsewhere. If the maintenance fee is larger than any interest you earn, and you cannot maintain the minimum, keeping the account open costs you money. Some other banks offer savings accounts with no minimum balance requirement and no maintenance fee, though their interest rates may be lower.

Interest rates and how the minimum balance affects them

BPI's savings account interest rates are separate from the minimum balance requirement. The rate you earn on your balance does not change based on whether you are above or below the minimum — the minimum only determines whether you pay a fee.

However, the interest rate itself varies by account type and by how much money you have in the account. A basic savings account earns a lower rate than a plus account, and some accounts offer tiered rates (higher rates on larger balances). You can find the current interest rate for your account type on BPI's website or by asking at a branch.

For most customers, the interest earned on a savings account is small — often less than the monthly maintenance fee. This is why maintaining the minimum balance is important: if you do not, the fee wipes out any interest you would have earned, and you end up losing money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum balance for a BPI savings account?

Most BPI savings accounts require a minimum balance between 1,000 and 2,500 PHP, though some accounts require more. The exact amount depends on which type of account you opened. Check your account documents, passbook, or call BPI customer service at 1-800-1-888-274 to confirm your specific requirement.

How much does BPI charge if I go below the minimum balance?

BPI typically charges a monthly maintenance fee of 100 to 300 PHP if your balance falls below the minimum on any day of the month. The exact fee depends on your account type. The fee is deducted automatically from your account each month you remain below the minimum.

Can I avoid the maintenance fee?

Yes. Keep your balance at or above the required minimum every day of the month. Some accounts also waive the fee if you receive a monthly payroll deposit or if you maintain a combined balance across multiple BPI accounts. Ask your branch whether your account qualifies for any waivers.

What if I cannot maintain the minimum balance?

You can switch to a different BPI account type with a lower minimum, or close the account and move your money to a bank with no minimum requirement. Some BPI accounts have no minimum at all, though they may offer lower interest rates or fewer features.

Does the minimum balance affect how much interest I earn?

No. The interest rate you earn is the same whether your balance is above or below the minimum. However, if you fall below the minimum, the monthly maintenance fee is usually larger than the interest you would earn, so you lose money overall.