I’ve been asking a lot of questions when I was writing How to Open a Philippine Bank Account in Canada.
Different kinds of emails arrived in my inbox. Auto reply. Promises of writing back. And a lot of “not possible at the moment.”
My time didn’t go to waste since I learned how to open a ChinaCheck Plus account in the Philippines. It might come in handy in the future for me and right now for you.
I’ve mentioned ChinaCheck Plus in a post about Philippine checking account that comes with a debit card. It is one of the interest-bearing checking account with withholding tax.
In this post, we’ll get into the details on what are the requirements and what to like about ChinaCheck Plus, one of the China Bank peso checking accounts.
Steps on How to Open a ChinaCheck Plus
- Should have an established and existing banking relationship with China Bank.
- Gather all the requirements (refer to the list below).
- Make a personal visit to any China Bank branch in the Philippines. It is required so that branch officers can assist you.
Tip: Account opening is subject for review and evaluation by the branch.
ChinaCheck Plus:
Initial Deposit Requirement – PHP 5,000.00
Minimum Monthly Average Daily Balance (ADB) Requirement – PHP 5,000.00
Minimum Balance to Earn Interest – PHP 20,000.00
Interest Rate – 0.125% per annum, subject to 20% withholding tax
PDIC Coverage (maximum deposit insurance for each depositor): PHP 500,000.00
Documentation:
- TellerCard
- Monthly Statement of Account
- Passbook (optional)
Access Points:
- Branch
- ATM
- TellerPhone
- China Bank Online
- BancNet POS
- BancNet Online
Requirements to Open an Account
Do not forget to bring at least two (2) valid IDs, two (2) 1×1 ID pictures, and additional identification so that the branch officer can identify your identity.
Acceptable Valid IDs:
- Driver’s License
- Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) ID
- National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
- Police Clearance
- Postal ID
- Voter’s ID
- Barangay Certification
- Government Service and Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
- Social Security System (SSS) Card
- Senior Citizen Card
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
- Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) ID
- Seaman’s Book
- Government Office and GOCC ID
- Certification from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP)
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID
- Company IDs issued by private entities or institutions registered with or supervised or regulated either by the BSP, SEC or IC
- School ID, duly signed by the principal or head of the school (for students who are beneficiaries of remittances or fund transfers who are not yet of voting age)
Contact Information:
China Bank Building
8745 Paseo de Roxas corner Villar Street, Makati City 1226 Philippines
ATM Concerns: (632) 885-5559
Lost Credit Card: (632) 885-5888
Domestic Toll-Free No (PLDT): 1-800-1888-5888
Domestic Toll-Free No (Digitel): 1-800-3888-5888
International Toll-Free Countries:
Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore USA Australia Canada China Japan Korea Thailand
Fax: (632) 519-0143
Email: online@chinabank.ph
Website
Final Thoughts
I’ve got you covered on how to open a ChinaCheck Plus account but it’s up to you to figure out if this is the right checking account for you.
With a low initial deposit that is equal to the maintaining balance of PHP 5,000.00, you can have a checking account that comes with ATM card. Affordability with convenience.
Don’t forget to consider that the interest rate has 20% withholding tax. So you better weigh things.
Will the tax exceed the profit gain from the interest?
If yes, why not keep the balance low so as not to earn an interest and tax. It can be one of your Philippine checking accounts or not. At least now you know the pros and cons.
If you already have a ChinaCheck Plus account, share your feedback in the comment.
Photo Credit: chinabank.ph
Share Your Thoughts