How to open a BPI savings account for students

Having an ATM card has been one of my dream luxury in life. When I was a little younger, watching flamboyant heiress or heir in dramas shop at malls using their cards made me wonder, how does it feel like to have one. You know, needing not to bring any physical cash wherever you go, sounds expensive, right?

Previously, on March 15, I decided to open my first ever bank account with BPI. Actually, my family gives me an allowance every week, but it doesn’t really suffice since I have to buy my personal needs with that money and sometimes I disburse it for school-related expenses. Thankfully, I was hired as a part-time writer last February, which up until now I was still pondering how did it happen. I was delighted of course, with the pay I received from it, I was able to open a savings account.

Read: Transfer Funds Through BPI Online Banking For Free

In this article, I am detailing my experience on behalf of those who are scheming to have their first bank account. I hope this will give you an idea about the process on how to open a savings account (or maybe it differs to the other branches or banks).

Steps in Opening a Bank Account

Step 1: Inquire.

Honestly, in this phase, I was shy to go by myself that’s why I asked my older sister to inquire for me. I think they are also accepting inquiries via call but since she’s already on the site that day (she is a BPI client ever since) so why waste the chance? As for me, I was already certain to entrust my little earnings with BPI so I just told her to ask about the requirements.

Step 2: Visit a BPI branch.

I went to the BPI branch in Paniqui, Tarlac since it’s the nearest branch from our municipality. That was March 15 at almost 9:00am in the morning. Upon arrival, the security guard asked me what type of transaction I would do, and I said I’m going to open an account. He gave me a form with mostly personal questions. I have to queue outside afterward since the bank is not yet open.

Step 3: Proceed to the Customer Service.

After several minutes of waiting, the guard started to call three to four people inside, respectively, whether to the bank teller or to the customer service area. I waited patiently inside until my number is called.

Step 4: Assessment.

The first thing I uttered to the bank officer is that, “Ma’am, I would like to open an account, po.” The bank officer asked right away what is it for and I just told her it’s for my allowance. I was greatful because the bank officer who assisted me was cheerful and kind which somehow alleviate the nervousness inside my chest. She asked me some personal questions, I fill-up and signed several forms again and she also took a picture of me. It really takes time to process the documents so I was finished around 11:30am as she informed me to pick up my card on March 22.

Read: Applying For A BPI Housing Loan? Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Here are the requirements I brought with me

Student ID
Certificate of Registration (to your school)
Barangay Clearance (but they also accept proof of billing such as utility bill)
Original copy of birth certificate
You may also want to prepare P3,000 for the initial deposit.

March 22 came on. I went back to the BPI to claim my card. The process was still the same, you sign a form, fall in line outside and then wait for your call inside before you proceed to the customer service area. After claiming my card, I made my way to the nearest ATM which is just outside to change my PIN. Unfortunately, that day, the ATM suddenly had intermittent service so I had to go back on March 24. I can change my PIN on the other branches but I chose not to since I don’t want further conflicts anymore.

From there, finally, I was able to change my PIN. Although, I didn’t get to take photos of the process because it’s exam week and I was in a hurry to pay my tuition fee. Don’t worry, changing your PIN is quick and easy since the instructions are already in the mini envelope they would hand you which contains your initiating PIN.

Steps in Changing Your PIN

Step 1: Go to a BPI ATM and insert your card.

Step 2: Enter your initiating PIN.

Step 3: Select PIN services from the menu.

Step 4: Select CHANGE PIN and enter your new 6-digit PIN twice.

To wrap it all up, if I will rate my first-time experience in opening an account with BPI, it’s gonna be 8/10. Is it worthy and recommendable for students like me? Requirements-wise, yes. In general, definitely!

A chunk of information, my debit card will be valid until March 2030. The maintaining balance is P3,000. The maximum daily withdrawal amount is P20,000 with a maximum daily withdrawal count of 6. If you’re looking for a sign to earn for future circumstances, perhaps, this is it!