For such a long time, I’ve been curious on how to open a Philippine bank account in Canada through online banking.
You see one of my money-related mistakes is not opening a bank account while I’m still in the Philippines. Now I’m realizing the consequences.
But I’m not yet ready to give up because of urgency and necessity.
If I will be approved for a Pag-IBIG housing loan, then I need to have a chequing account in any banks in the Philippines. (This obstacle in buying my dream house is a story to tell in another blog post.)
I’ll share my banking journey in this blog post that will keep on changing in time.
In the following days, I’ll write more about banks in the Philippines so if you are interested on this topic, don’t forget to subscribe.
How to Open a Philippine Bank Account in Canada
Let’s clear one thing first. I’m looking for ways on how to open a checking account in any of the Philippine banks. If you are looking for something else, that can be a future blog post if you let me know.
I’ve chosen and asked the best banks ranked by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The responses are found later in the post. For now let’s face the facts.
It is not possible to open a Philippine bank account in Canada online. You have to visit any branch to open a checking account.
But OFWs working abroad in other countries can open a Philippine bank account through the international branches and subsidiaries.
Why is it that Filipinos can open a Canadian bank account in a branch or online through Tangerine and PC Financial?
I’ll be honest; I envy the Canadian policy in banking. What about the bank policy in the Philippines?
As of this writing, I haven’t received a positive response from one of the top Philippine banks.
Top 10 Best Banks in the Philippines in 2017
As of December 31, 2016, the following are the top 10 banks in the Philippines based on the total assets (in million pesos):
- BDO Unibank Inc. – 2,198,231.09
- Metropolitan Bank and TCO – 1,552,519.86
- Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) – 1,451,040.50
- Landbank of the Philippines – 1,395,366.42
- Philippine National Bank (PNB) – 711,285.44
- Security Bank Corporation – 695,661.47
- China Banking Corporation – 552,868.39
- Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) – 535,780.39
- Union Bank of the Philippines – 458,743.68
- Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) – 419,292.95
The ranking has a total of 41 universal and commercial bank group but I only chose the top 10 in my research on how to open a Philippine bank account.
I’m not sure if I can inquire to all the banks. Still, it’s something to consider whenever the time permits.
International Offices of the Top Banks in the Philippines
I decided to add the international offices or branches of the top banks to give you an idea of the expansion of Philippine banks in Canada. I also added the responses I received within a day from some banks. For the rest . . . it may take forever.
1. BDO has a international branch in Hong Kong.
Address: G/F, Euro Trade Centre, 13-14 Connaught Road C., Hong Kong
Tel. No: (852) 2868-0323
Tel. No: (852) 2901-0223 (English, Fukien, Tagalog)
Tel. No: (852) 2901-0201 (English, Cantonese)
Business Days/Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
2. Metrobank has international branches in North America, Asia, and Europe through the Metro Remittance, Inc.:
Vancouver Office
Address: 4292 Fraser St. Vancouver, British Columbia V5V 4G2
Tel. No: 1 (604) 874 – 3373
Fax: 1 (604) 874-3374
Email: vancouver@metroremittance.ca
Business Days/Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Toronto Office
Address: 569 St. Clair Ave. West Toronto, Ontario M6C 1A3
Tel: 1 (416) 532-9779 / 1 (416) 532-3223
Fax: 1 (416) 534-4040
Email: toronto@metroremittance.ca
Business Days/Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
I’m still waiting for the reply of Metrobank if it is possible to open a Philippine checking account in the international office.
Update: A reader confirmed that he was able to open a Metrobank account in Canada, specifically in Toronto.
3. Bank of the Philippine Islands has no office in Canada.
We may only allow account opening if the client is personally present at the branch so we may conduct the necessary verification procedure.
The overseas offices of BPI are located in Hong Kong, Japan, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom.
4. Landbank of the Philippines has only branches in the Philippines.
5. Philippine National Bank (PNB) has overseas offices including eight in Canada. Just like in Metrobank, I’m still waiting for a reply. Out of 10 Philippine banks, PNB sent me a positive response when I’m just about to give up. (Not really though).
Account opening is done at any of our branches . . . .
If you are living in Canada, you can choose the closest PNB branch to open a checking account.
Related Post:
- How to Open a PNB account in Canada (or specifically in Calgary)
- PNB Deposit Savings Account Fees and Charges
- How to Open a PNB Online Account
6. Security Bank Corporation has only branches in the Philippines.
As of now all Security Bank branches are in the Philippines. If you want to open a checking account, you will need to visit any Security Bank branches.
7. China Banking Corporation has only branches in the Philippines.
Allow us to explain that clients interested in our China Check Plus must at least have an established and existing banking relationship with China Bank. To open an account, a personal visit to any Chinabank branch here in the Philippines is required so that our branch officers may assist you.
8. Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has overseas subsidiary office for remittance:
iRemit Global Remittance
Customer Service 24/7 CALL CENTER
Tel. No: (632) 706-9999 and 706-2737
Fax: (632)706-2767
Email: iask@iremit-inc.com
9. Union Bank of the Philippines has only branches in the Philippines.
10. Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) has no office in Canada.
What to Do If You Cannot Open a Philippine Bank Account Overseas
It’s disappointing how slow the Philippines is in adapting banking technology. Well, we must have patience and consider few tips while waiting for any improvement:
- Open a prepaid debit card to start saving.
- Open a bank account when having a vacation in the Philippines.
- Stay updated with the this blog post and bank regulations.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the lack of Philippine bank account hinder you to start investing. You can save (through banks in Canada) and invest (through Philippine online discount brokerage) while working abroad.
With more and more Filipinos working abroad, the BSP and banks in the Philippines should offer more convenient way of online banking and learning financial literacy.
Filipinos can help the Philippine economy by investing in themselves (books, courses, etc.) and by becoming stockholder to fund the projects of local companies.
Were you able to open a Philippine bank account (savings, checking, etc.) while working overseas? Share your experience and thoughts.
Resource: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
A few years have passed since the last comment on this blog. Does anyone know if BDO now accepts applications (online) for new checking accounts (monthly mortgage pmts) for either dual citizenships? I dont have PI ID — only Canadian. I’ve also seen “BDO LLP” as a list of payee in my Simplii account btw… do you all think stuffs changed now since the pandemic?
Thanks
Hello, if opening an account is possible in Metrobank in Canada, can you also deposit money at that branch?
I can only speak of my experience in depositing money to my PNB account. PNB doesn’t have a bank branch in Calgary so I use Remitly to deposit to my PNB account. The fee is as low as less than $3 and to confirm the transaction, I log in to my online PNB account from there I can transfer the fund to other Philippine bank accounts.
Came to this post while searching for ways to open a bank acct while in Montreal. I do have a Metrobank acct that I use for paying monthly amortizations sa condo in PH but suddenly couldn’t log in using fingerpint scanner and even if I manually enter the username and password. It happened when they change from metrobankdirect to metrobank online. To make the story short, it’s the worst customer service ever! Almost 1 month of sending messages to facebook and emails, no solution yet. So now I’m getting my money from Metrobank and planning to open another bank acct.
I called the Metrobank Remittance office in Toronto and was told they do not open chequing accounts, but do open savings accounts. But the only way a Canadian citizen can open one is if they have Philippine ID.
Hi Brian thanks for the tips. I hope you can let us know how you are able to open a Philippine bank account. Will you consider having a dual citizenship to get a Philippine passport which would probably suffice as an alternative to a Philippine ID?
I am frustrated right now as I cannot complete purchasing a house because I cannot open a checking account here in Toronto. To make my deposit I need to issue a postdated cheque so I assume if I open a BDO account I can open a checking but I was wrong they do not open a checking.
Anybody knows other ways to get a checking account in Peso currency? I need to check other Bank that has Peso currency account that may be possible or my reservation for the house will default at the end of this month.
I’m literally in the same situation now lol. I’m gonna try to open up a BDO account now (2022) since maybe things have changed, crossing fingers. I’ll let y’all know soon enough.
@Pwede Padala Gal,
Hi,
May update ka na ba kung puwedeng magbukas ng bank/chequing account as Metrobank sa Pilipinas through online? Nandito din Ako da Toronto, at gusto ko rin sanang mag-open ng account sa Metrobank, or more preferably sa BDO.
Salamat in advance.
Happy new year everyone!
I can’t find if someone is able to open an account in Metrobank online. But you can call to inquire in the remittance office of Metrobank in Toronto. It might be possible though we have different banks in mind. I was able to open a PNB account through its remittance office. Let me know the outcome so we can share it to our kababayan.
Update:
Yup, puwede magbukas ng Metrobank account sa Pilipinas dito sa Toronto. Tinawagan ko yung number nila dito sa Toronto. Although they only open either a SAVINGS account or a PASSBOOK account, and not a chequing account.
May list of requirements nga lang such as:
• Passport (Canadian or Philippine)
• Government issued ID (e.g. Driver’s license, health card, etc.)
• A paycheque or a pay stub in the last three months
• If a dual citizen (Canadian and Filipino), you need to show your dual citizenship certificate
• Birth Certificate
One can go to their office here in Toronto and bring the original copies of the listed requirements, and also their photocopies.
Then they will forward these documents to your chosen Metrobank office location in the Philippines.
Up to three months daw ang processing time.
Nakalimutan ko na ang processing fee. Pero nominal amount lang naman.
I hope this info helps.
Cheers,
Salamat sa detailed information Johnny.
My investment company only deposits withdrawals in either BPI or BDO. I wish they will open a branch somewhere close to Toronto.
Just an FYI, PNB branch in Winnipeg, MB is currently not accepting any application to open any accounts. As per what the teller said, PNB is currently in the process of changing their atm machines in the Philippines so their priority is with the Philippine based customers. I’m not sure if all the Canadian provinces are on hold tho.
Thanks for the information Rochelle.
I spoke to the PNBRCC South Alberta manager and he said at least a month to process the account. As I understood it, I can get the account info soon, so I thought I will not have a problem giving the details to my insurance where to deposit my check, even without the ATM.
I will meet with him this weekend to submit my application and initial deposit. I will make sure to clarify on that. I thought this will finally resolve my problem on how to handle the Phil check.
Good luck! I hope that’s possible. Hope you can update us.
Hi, PPG! Question, from the time you submitted your application, how long did they process your account? Were you able to access the account online right away? I’m more concerned that the account should be activated the soonest (even without receiving the ATM right away) because I will instruct my insurance to deposit the check to this account.
Within a week I received an email confirming my transaction but I have to wait for the ATM card to set up the online account. you can call the PNB representative before you open an account to brace yourself for any outcome, good or not.
Hi Everyone!
I will be facing the same issue with Ms. Quitoras, my insurance policy will mature this February.
Thankful for the info you shared here, Ms Pwede Padala Gal. I contacted PNB Business Manager here in Calgary and will open an account soon. And to confirm, yes, we can open an account as Canadian citizens – just not a joint account.
I’m glad I found this blog! Thank you!
Welcome! “We can open an account as Canadian citizens – just not a joint account.” This is news to me TwoTwenty. Heads up: It’s been 3 months and I haven’t receive my ATM. I’ll follow up again and keep the post updated. Thanks for dropping by!
What are the requirements in opening a bank account if you are already a Canadian citizen? I’m having difficulty clearing out a Philippine check, a proceeds from insurance so I have to go home, open an account so I can deposit my check.
You have to be a Filipino citizen to open a bank account. (Correct me if I’m wrong.) Or you could also get a dual citizenship in the Philippines or here in Canada through the Embassy or Consulate. Let me know how it goes.
Have an account at RCBC, this is how I transfer money to nephews/nieces school fees. Until, I moved and had to change internet server. my email has changed. During the internet transition, me log in password was entered incorrectly – dont know how that happen, using iphone and wifi , i think was the problem.
Now i am hooped! Gone to all the departments of RCBC, short answer! i was advised to visit a branch. That’s it. Explained I am in Canada and that is not possible. Oh , they are sorry for the inconvenience. To change my email – have to visit the branch. LOL!!! to change or reset the password, can be done by phone and temporary password sent to your email. How silly is that?
Rosemarie as what they say, the struggle is real. I’m amazed/annoyed how the banking system in the Philippines is way behind the Internet. The latest model of cellphones and gadgets makes its way in the Philippines so fast other countries cannot catch up but the online banking or anything related to online, not to mention the Internet speed is lagging behind in the ancient era.
May the odds ever be in your favour. May you keep us in the loop about the RCBC fuss.