Requirements for opening BPI savings account – Philippines
Requirements for opening BPI savings account
If you are an OFW who doesn’t have yet a bank account in the Philippines, I suggest you better start processing now.
Opening your bank account while abroad might be easier. It would not only give you peace of mind of keeping your hard-earned money in a more safe place, but it will also save a lot of your time. Doing it here in the Philipines is not as convenient as in other countries.
So as long as you have the time do your part in researching the possibility of finally opening your Philippines bank account. Prioritize it and start saving.
A few of the inconvenience we had face is the unbelievable long queue, in addition, and the worst is the incomplete information for opening a bank account and the requirements. Expect that a few of your time will be wasted.
I’ve shared in my previous blog that we went to BPI twice and did not manage to open an account.
The first and second attempt
- The first was because my husband doesn’t have a 1×1 photo brought with him, in this digital era, I don’t know why banks don’t have any means to capture the photo on the site and save in their file? Because of this, the 3 hours that hubby endure standing and queuing while in under the sun just go to nothing.
- The second attempt, which lasts for 4 hours hasn’t also turned well. This time we went to another branch having the said requirements from the first branch. Unfortunately, there are two requirements which have not been told to us, again there are 2 documents that are not us with us, the proof of billing and barangay certificate.
Our discussion with the branch manager
We explained to the branch manager that we don’t have these two documents as we are an OFW, and the first branch we approached never ask for this aside from the valid ID and photo. He was firm, straightforward and looks don’t care about our complaint.
After explaining our point in the same tone as he has, we reach a good solution. As consideration for the wasted two days and tons of time, he told us to come back the following day and just bring at least the proof of billing of the residence we are currently staying along with the passport copy and 1×1 photo. Another compensation, he told us that we can directly look for him and no need to take the queue. Thankfully! it is a relief as the daily long queue in their branch is totally a burden.
The below photo was in the first branch we went to, the queue was on each side. The left side is for senior citizens and corporate clients, while the right side which already occupied the street is for those who have transactions over the counter and for customer service. If you are familiar with this place you can imagine how long the queue was.
Though our bank opening transactions has been settled, hubby and I are analyzing if this document requirement and process is reasonable for opening a savings account?
Hubby and I feel lost about this process, I think this is the effect of being not in the Philippines for more than a decade. However, this processing and the more transactions to come excites me. it is like a new beginning, a new experience, knowledge, and story I can share with you.
So if you are a clueless OFW like us, and planning to open an account with BPI be sure to prepare the below, don’t go to the branch without ensuring you have the complete requirements to avoid wasting your time as the staffs are strict and not flexible.
Requirements for opening BPI savings account
1 valid ID (one of the below)
- Passport including those issued by foreign governments
- Driver’s license
- Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
- Postal ID
- Voter’s ID
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
- Social Security System (SSS) card
- Senior Citizen card
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
- Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) ID
- Government office and Government-owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) ID (e.g. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) IDs)
- ID issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
- Company IDs issued by private entities or institutions registered with or supervised or regulated either by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or Insurance Commission (IC)
- PhilHealth Health Insurance Card ng Bayan
- National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
- Police Clearance
- Baranggay Certification
- Seaman’s Book
- Alien Certificate of Registration / Immigrant Certificate of Registration
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification
- Professional ID cards issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
Proof of Billing
- Electric, water, phone, or internet bill are fine
Photo
- It should be a 1×1 colored photo
Initial Deposit
- A minimum of Php 3,000
How long it takes to collect the ATM?
10 working days. we applied on August 24 and the debit card is ready for collection on Sep 7.
The total process is actually easy. However, due to the effect of the COVID Pandemic like in the operation days, hours, and other restrictions the simple process became chaotic.
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