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Money is the force behind the momentum which allows us to take our families to dates, do grocery shopping, house maintenance, sending remittances, starting up businesses, to raising retirement funds.
What is the best way to contain money?
Wallets come in different forms and sizes.
Some wallets are designed to hold more cards than cash, some are bulky like carrying a stone in your pocket, others are slim and compact, taking up as little space in your pocket like a handkerchief does.
Your wallet must be suited according to your preferences and lifestyle.
Though wallets are a no-nonsense container to carry your cash around, it doesn’t keep track of your spending, that is, unless you are completely shrewd and mindful of your expenses.
The best way to contain money, the metaphorical wallet that keeps track of your expenses and savings, and the most logical, is to open a savings account among the top banks in the country.
Just as mentioned like the wallet above, you may pick the kind of savings account that’s best suited for you.
Entrusting your hard earned cash with a bank is amongst the first steps towards financial literacy and financial maturity.
Related: How to Save More Money
Gathered in this list are the top banks in the Philippines with information, comparisons to help you figure out which one is most suited for you.
Top Banks in the Philippines
Banks lend money to people and businesses. Banks are amongst the cornerstones of society.
With money, buildings, companies and businesses are born, hence, employment becomes available throughout society.
The four primary types of banks in the Philippines are as follows:
- Universal and commercial banks – offers the widest range of financial services. Operates across cities and countries.
- Thrift banks– Are known to invest savings acquired from depositors.
- Rural and cooperative banks – banks invested in developing rural economy and communities.
- Non- banks with quasi-banking functions– offers limited services because of a lack of a full banking license, but is still able to provide bank-related financial services.
Some of these banks have been around throughout different phases of Philippine history, and behind these banks, The Banko Sentral is the overseeing monetary authority that supervises operations, activities of all banks in the Philippines.
The Banko Sentral also issues directive policies so that banks may have provisions on gains and losses on loans, cash flows, how to deal with bankruptcy, and all the workings and innings of investments.
Below is the list of the top banks in the Philippines, ranked by total assets, deposit liabilities, loans and receivables (net), and capital – as of March 2018 via The Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (amounts in Million Pesos).
| Rank | Bank | Total Assets | Total Deposit Liabilities | Total Loans and Receivables, net | Total Stockholders Equity (Capital) |
| 1 | BDO UNIBANK INC | 2,665,307.23 | 2,177,537.86 | 1,813,446.47 | 298,798.40 |
| 2 | METROPOLITAN BANK & TCO | 1,705,575.78 | 1,340,618.83 | 987,409.52 | 207,671.22 |
| 3 | BANK OF THE PHIL ISLANDS | 1,649,267.36 | 1,351,914.31 | 1,000,994.61 | 186,071.50 |
| 4 | LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES | 1,633,082.18 | 1,442,902.13 | 694,707.30 | 108,366.74 |
| 5 | PHIL NATIONAL BANK | 788,835.37 | 614,770.12 | 437,488.56 | 110,115.10 |
| 6 | SECURITY BANK CORP | 703,319.61 | 422,303.72 | 361,613.94 | 103,960.29 |
| 7 | CHINA BANKING CORP | 637,450.79 | 537,961.78 | 377,261.91 | 74,797.58 |
| 8 | DEVELOPMENT BANK OF THE PHIL | 617,949.77 | 428,457.83 | 292,814.15 | 47,564.67 |
| 9 | UNION BANK OF THE PHILS | 547,357.25 | 397,024.27 | 237,092.69 | 68,746.66 |
| 10 | RIZAL COMMERCIAL BANKING CORP | 475,765.14 | 294,783.22 | 284,530.46 | 68,100.03 |
| 11 | UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK | 304,955.91 | 263,312.73 | 156,187.33 | 16,377.08 |
| 12 | EAST WEST BANKING CORP | 301,766.73 | 241,908.36 | 192,390.45 | 39,693.33 |
| 13 | CITIBANK, N.A. | 294,974.75 | 204,903.21 | 174,744.03 | 15,758.09 |
| 14 | ASIA UNITED BANK CORPORATION | 204,086.77 | 164,848.47 | 126,750.88 | 27,557.24 |
| 15 | HONGKONG & SHANGHAI BANKING CORP | 165,642.58 | 102,266.53 | 57,230.76 | 13,633.92 |
| 16 | PHIL TRUST COMPANY | 154,251.70 | 131,694.21 | 48,392.72 | 21,772.28 |
| 17 | BANK OF COMMERCE | 127,614.88 | 108,483.22 | 62,460.91 | 15,421.53 |
| 18 | MAYBANK PHILIPPINES INCORPORATED | 109,684.66 | 81,868.71 | 71,137.67 | 12,672.85 |
| 19 | ROBINSONS BANK CORPORATION | 102,828.65 | 86,563.76 | 54,779.03 | 12,625.21 |
| 20 | PHIL BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS | 98,367.14 | 73,295.23 | 51,349.86 | 12,193.34 |
Related: Complete List of Bank Codes (BRSTN) & SWIFT Codes (BIC) of Philippine Banks
What is a Savings Account?
It’s a bank deposit account that lets you store money securely and earn interest at the same time.
Think of it as a safe and secure piggy bank that can hold up to millions of pesos with the added benefit of growth via interest.
Benefits of Having a Savings Account?
What are the advantages of having a savings account? As you’ll learn in a bit, there are plenty. The following points make it clear why everyone should have one.
- It’s PDIC-insured.
Your money is insured by the government for up to Php500,000. This means your savings are protected (as long as it’s below 500k) even in the event of financial downturns or issues with your bank.
- A safe place to stash your money (with small interest)
Having a couple of thousand pesos stashed in your home is understandable (for daily expenses, bills, etc.,) but keeping beyond a significant amount of cash for savings doesn’t really make sense in today’s world.
Not only is it riskier, you also miss out on the advantages of compound interest and the conveniences of having a bank account (ATM card, link to cashless payment schemes, etc.,) if you keep a pile of money as savings at home.
- You can easily withdraw your money anytime
Having a savings account lets you access your money easily, almost anytime and anywhere. Need cash to buy some groceries? Simply go to the nearest ATM terminal to withdraw.
Need emergency funds for hospital bills? No need to visit your nearest bank to get some cash. Having a savings account lets you enjoy all the conveniences of ATM services.
- Linkability to various e-wallets and online services
Each day, we’re inching closer to having digital payment transactions become a common thing. There’s a lot of stuff you can buy and have delivered right at your footstep without ever needing cash or to visit a physical store.
Pay bills with a few swipes and taps on your phone. The advent of digital and mobile technology allowed astounding developments in e-commerce and financial tools that make our lives so much easier.
Having a savings account lets you leverage these tools for your own convenience.
- Doesn’t require a large initial deposit
Banks typically require just 1,000 pesos to open a savings account with an ATM card.
For as little as a thousand pesos (some banks don’t even require a minimum deposit), you can start building up your savings and take advantage of the conveniences brought about by digital e-commerce and financial services.
- Emergency fund use
Open a dedicated savings account for emergency funds. This way, you’ll be better prepared financially when unexpected problems arise.
- Highly liquid (your money is not tied up for a long time)
The high liquidity of your money in a savings account makes withdrawing funds easy and no-fuss. There are no lock-in periods (unless it’s time deposit) so you can withdraw money anytime.
- Automatic deposits make saving easier
This is one of the best reasons to open a savings account. All banks offer a deposit feature that lets you allocate funds from your payroll (or some other linkable source) automatically per the preferences you have chosen.
This feature not only takes away the hassle of constantly having to deposit funds yourself, but it also makes saving money friction-less and automatic, ensuring you’re always building up on your assets.
- Convenient
It’s like having another wallet with you that lets you access your money easily and take advantage of the myriad of online and mobile payment solutions available today.
Features of Savings accounts?
The following are features common in all savings accounts offered here in the Philippines.
- PDIC Insured
Savings of up to Php500,000 are insured by PDIC. It means no matter what happens, you’re guaranteed to get your funds as long as the amount is below half a million.
- Opening Balance
How much money you need to deposit in order to open an account.
- Base Interest Rate
Dictates how much your money will earn.
- Balance to Earn Interest
Required balance in order for your money to earn via interest. If it doesn’t meet the minimum, your money is simply sitting there, not growing at all.
- Maintaining Balance
How much you should keep in your savings account in order to avoid incurring any fees or charges.
- Fees and Charges
Payment for services and/or incurring any penalties.
- Online banking services
The platform on which your bank is accessible via internet access or mobile.
Best Savings Accounts in the Philippines
1. BDO
Established in 1968, in terms of assets, BDO leads the pack of Universal and Commercial banks. BDO’s financial services are flexible and it has a full fledged network of ATMS and offices across the country.
Best Savings Accounts from BDO Unibank:
| Product Name | Interest Rate | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| BDO Optimum Savings Account Personal | 1.25% | PhP30,000 | PhP 30,000 | PhP 30,000 |
| BDO Optimum Savings Account Corporate | 1.25% | 50,000 | PhP 50,000 | 50,000 |
| BDO Prime Savers | 0.25% | 2,000 | 2,000 | 5,000 |
| BDO Smart Checking Account Statement- Business | 0.25% | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| BDO Smart Checking Account Statement – Personal | 0.25% | 15,000 | 15,000 | 15,000 |
| BDO Smart Checking Passbook Personal | 0.25% | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| BDO Smart Checking Passbook Business | 0.25% | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| BDO Power Teens Club | 0.25% | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| BDO Peso Passbook Savings Account | 0.25% | 5,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| BDO Peso ATM | 0.25% | 2,000 | 2,000 | 5,000 |
| BDO Junior Savers Club | 0.25% | 100 | 100 | 2,000 |
| BDO Direct Deposit Peso Savings Account | 0.25% | 0 | 0 | 5,000 |
| BDO Peso Checking Account | 0,00% | 5,000 | 5,000 | Non earning |
2. Metrobank
Founded in 1962. Another contender amongst the country’s universal banks, Metrobank offers an assortment of financial services for the Filipino consumer with its network of branches and ATMs across major Philippine cities and branches around Taipei and Europe.
Best Savings Accounts from MetroBank:
| Product Name | Interest Rate | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| Metrobank AccountOne Regular Checking Account | 0.25% | 25,000 | 25,000 | 50,000 |
| Metrobank US Pensioner Savings Account | 0.25% | 500 | 500 | 10,000 |
| Metrobank SSS Pensioner Passbook Savings Account | 0.25% | 100 | 100 | 10,000 |
| Metrobank Passbook Savings Account | 0.25% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Metrobank OFW Passbook Savings Account | 0.25% | 0 | 0 | 10,000 |
| Metrobank SSS Pensioner Debit/ATM Card Savings Account | 0.25% | 100 | 100 | 10,000 |
| Metrobank Debit/ATM Card Savings Account | 0.25% | 2,000 | 2,000 | 10,000 |
| Metrobank OFW Debit/ATM Card Savings Account | 0.25% | 0 | 0 | 10,000 |
| Metrobank Fun Savers Club | 0.25% | 100 | 500 | 4,000 |
| Metrobank Regular Checking Account | 0.00% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 0 |
3. BPI
BPI was known as El Banco Español Filipino de Isabel II during its time of establishment in 1851, making this bank the oldest amongst the banks listed here.
BPI pays special attention to Filipino families and OFWs by catering and customizing their services to suit the needs of the modern Filipino family.
Best BPI Advance Savings Accounts:
| Product Name | Interest Rate | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| BPI Advance Savings Account | 0.75% | 100,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 |
| BPI Maxi-One Checking Account | 0.25% | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| BPI Pamana Padala | 0.25% | 500 | Waived as long as there are 4 remittances in a year | 5,000 |
| BPI Kaya Savings | 0.25% | 200 | none | 1,000 |
| BPI Padala Moneyger | 0.25% | 0 | Waived as long as there are 4 remittances in a year | 5,000 |
| BPI Save-Up High Automatic Savings | 0.25% | 0 | 1,000 | 5,000 |
| BPI Save-Up Automatic Savings + Insurance | 0.25% | 0 | 1,000 | 5,000 |
| BPI Pamana Savings Account with Life Insurance (Passbook) | 0.25% | 75,000 | 75,000 | 75,000 |
| BPI Pamana Savings Account with Life Insurance (Debit/ATM Card) | 0.25% | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| BPI Passbook Savings | 0.25% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 25,000 |
| BPI Maxi – Saver Savings with Passbook | 0.25% | 75,000 | 75,000 | 75,000 |
| BPI Maxi-Saver Savings with ATM | 0.25% | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| BPI Jumpstart Savings | 0.25% | 100 | 500 | 2,000 |
| BPI Express Teller Savings | 0.25% | 500 | 3,000 | 5,000 |
| BPI Easy Saver | 0.25% | 200 | NA | 1,000 |
Best BPI Direct Savings Accounts:
| Product Name | Interest Rate | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| BPI Direct Savings Direct Express Teller Savings | 0.50% | 500 | 500 | 500 |
| BPI Direct Savings BPInoy Savings | 0.50% | 0 | None as long as remittance is sent every 3 months | 500 |
| BPI Direct Savings Direct Maxi-Saver Savings | 0.50% | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| BPI Direct Savings Save-Up Automatic Savings + Insurance | 0.50% | 0 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
Best Savings Accounts from BPI Family Savings Bank:
| Product Name | Interest Rate | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| BPI Family Savings Maxi-Saver Savings with Passbook | 0.50% | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| BPI Family Savings Maxi-Saver Savings with ATM | 0.50% | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| BPI Family Savings Save-UP Automatic High Savings | 0.50% | 0 | 1,000 | 3,000 |
| BPI Family Savings Save-Up Automatic Savings + Insurance | 0.50% | 0 | 1,000 | 3,000 |
| BPI Family Savings Get Started Savings Account with Life Insurance – Passbook | 0.25% | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| BPI Family Savings Get Started Savings Account with Life Insurance + ATM | 0.50% | 5,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| BPI Family Savings Jumpstart Savings | 0.50% | 100 | 500 | 1,000 |
| BPI Family Savings Passbook Savings | 0.50% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 25,000 |
| BPI Family Savings Easy Saver | 0.50% | 200 | NA | 1,000 |
| BPI Family Savings Express Teller Savings | 0.50% | 500 | 1,000 | 3,000 |
BPI Checking Accounts:
| Product Name | Interest Rate | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| BPI Express Teller Checking Account | 0.00% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 0 |
| BPI Bizlink Checking Account | 0.00% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 0 |
Related: How to Open a Checking Account in the Philippines
4. Landbank
Established in 1963, Landbank is a Government-owned credit institution which primarily caters to rural areas.
During its beginnings, its mission was to help farmers and fishermen through revenues. Landbank is one of the first commercial banks which educated financial management to rural communities.
Best Savings Accounts from Landbank:
| Product Name | Interest Rate | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| ATM Savings Account | 0.10% | 500 | 500 | 2,000 |
| Current Account with ATM Access | 0% | 5,000 | 5,000 | Non earning |
| Easy Savings Plus (ESP) | 0.10% | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| High Yield Savings Account (HYSA) Institutional | Varies weekly | 1,000,000 | ||
| PESO EASY (Earning Access and Sure Yield) Check Individual | .10% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| PESO EASY (Earning Access and Sure Yield) Check Institutional | .10% | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| PESO EASY (Earning Access and Sure Yield) Check With ATM Access | .10% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Regular Current Account Individual | 0 | 5,000 | 5,000 | Non earning |
| Regular Current Account Institutional | 0 | 10,000 | 10,000 | Non earning |
| Regular Savings Passbook Account Individual | .10% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Regular Savings Passbook Account Institutional | .10% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Regular Peso Time Deposit | varies | 1,000 | 0 | varies |
| US Dollar Savings Account Individual | .15% | USD 100 | USD 500 | USD 500 |
| US Dollar Savings Account Institutional | .15% | USD 1,000 | USD 1,000 | USD 1,000 |
| US Dollar Time Deposit | varies | USD 1,000 | ||
| High Yield US Dollar Time Deposit | 2% 2 yr term
2.5% 3 yr term | USD 2,000 |
5. Security Bank
Security Bank was the first private and Filipino-owned financial institution that rose from the turmoil that was World War II.
Today, Security bank counts amongst the most stable banks in the country.
Best Savings Accounts from Security Bank:
| Product Name | Interest Rate | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| Security Bank eSecure Savings Account | 1.20% | 500 | 500 | 5,000 |
| Security Bank Premium Build Up Savings Account | 1.00% | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| Security Bank Regular Build Up Savings Account | 0.50% | 5,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| Security Bank All Access Account | 0.20% | 5,000 | 25,000 | 100,000 |
| Security Bank Money Builder | 0.10% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Security Bank Easy Savings Account | 0.10% | 5,000 | 5,000 | 100,000 |
6. PNB
PNB was established by the Philippine government during the American Occupation in 1916.
This universal bank which was fully privatized in 2007, caters mostly to the Philippine government, agencies, local units, and corporations under the government.
Best Savings Accounts from PNB:
| Product Name | Interest Rate | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| PNB Superteller ATM | 0.100% | 3,000 | 3,000 | 10,000 |
| PNB Debit MasterCard | 0.100% | 3,000 | 3,000 | 10,000 |
| TAP MasterCard | 0.100% | none | none | 10,000 |
| PNB Passbook Savings | 0.100% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 15,000 |
| SSS Pensioners ATM and Passbook | 0.100% | 100 | 100 | 5,000 |
| Direct Deposit Program Peso | 0.100% | 100 | 100 | 5,000 |
| Direct Deposit Program US Dollar | 0.100% | USD200 | USD200 | USD1,000 |
| PNB Prime Savings Account | 0.125%*
0.250%** | 50,000 | 50,000 | 100,000 |
| Regular Checking Account Individual | 0.00% | 10,000 | 10,000 | Non earning |
| Regular Checking Account Corporate | 0.00% | 10,000 | 10,000 | Non earning |
| Budget Checking Account | 0.00% | 5,000 | 5,000 | |
| PNBig Checking Account Individual | 0.100% | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| PNBig Checking Account Corporate | 0.100% | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| Priority One Checking Account | 0.100% | 25,000 | 25,000 | 30,000 |
| Combo Checking Individual | 0.100% | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| Combo Checking Corporate | 0.100% | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| PNB Dollar Savings Account Fees and Charges | 0.100% | USD500 | USD500 | USD1000 |
| PNB Greencheck Account | 0 | USD2000 | USD2000 | Non earning |
| Euro Savings Account | 0.100% | 500 Euro | 500 Euro | 500 Euro |
| PNB Renminbi Savings Account | 0.25% | CNY 2500 | CNY 2500 | CNY 2500 |
| Japanese Yen Savings Account | 0 | JPY 50,000 | JPY 50,000 | Non earning |
7. DBP
DBP is the second largest state owned bank.
As one of the country’s largest controlled corporations, it is both a development bank which deploys banking solutions to agricultural and industrial enterprises, and a thrift bank for small and medium enterprises as well as social services.
Best Savings Accounts from Development Bank of the Philippines:
| Product Name | Interest Rate | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| Savings Account with ATM or Passbook | Varies weekly | 500 | 500 | 500 |
| US Dollar Account – Individual | Varies weekly | USD100 | USD500 | USD500 |
| US Dollar Account – Corporate | Varies weekly | USD1,000 | USD1,000 | USD1,000 |
| Wisdom Account | Varies weekly | USD100 | USD100 | USD500 |
8. UnionBank
One of Union Banks innovations is that it started the online banking movement in the Philippines. With the EON Cyber Account, this electronic savings account plugged in the beginning of electronic transactions.
Best Savings Accounts from UnionBank:
| Product Name | Interest Rate | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| UnionBank Regular Savings Account | 0.10% | 100,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 |
| UnionBank Dollar Access Account | 0.10% | US$10,000 | US$10,000 | US$25,000 |
| UnionBank Regular Checking Account | 0.0% | 100,000 | 100,000 | Non earning |
9. RCBC
Founded in 1960, RCBC began its operations as a development bank, until it was licensed by the Banko Sentral of the Philippines for commercial and investment banking.
Ever since then, RCBC has become one of the most stable and continuously growing financial institutions in the country. It also manages numerous remittance offices in over 24 countries to cater to overseas Filipino workers and businesses.
Best Savings Accounts from RCBC:
| Product Name | Interest Rate | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| RCBC Savings Bank Dragon All-in-one – Personal Account | 0.38% | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| RCBC Savings Bank Dragon Savings – Corporate Account | 0.38% | 25,000 | 50,,000 | 50,000 |
| RCBC Savings Bank Dragon Savings – Personal Account | 0.38% | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| RCBC Savings Bank Basic Checking – Corporate | 0.25% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 50,000 |
| RCBC Savings Bank Basic Checking – Personal | 0.25% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 25,000 |
| RCBC Savings Bank Basic Savings Corporate | 0.25% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 50,000 |
| RCBC Savings Bank Dragon Savings – Corporate Account | 0.25% | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| RCBC Savings Bank Dragon Savings – Personal Account | 0.25% | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| RCBC Savings Bank Basic Savings Personal | 0.15% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| RCBC Savings Bank Basic Savings ATM | 0.15% | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| RCBC Savings Bank SSS Pensioner Account with ATM | 0.00% | 100 | 100 | 0 |
| RCBC Savings Bank SSS Pensioner Account with Passbook | 0.00% | 100 | 100 | 0 |
10. UCPB
United Coconut Planters Bank was used to be known as First United Bank during its inception on May 1963.
As the name implies, UCPB is heavily invested on developing Coconut Farms, farmers and the manufacturing of Palm oil.
Best Savings Accounts from UCPB:
| Product Name | Interest Rate | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| UCPB U-remit Peso Checking Account | 0.25% | 2,000 | none | 5,000 |
| UCPB U-remit Passbook Savings Account | 0.25% | 100 | none | 500 |
| UCPB U-remit ATM Savings Account | 0.25% | 0 | none | 500 |
| UCPB Regular Peso Savings Account (Passbook) | 0.25% | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| UCPB Regular Peso Savings Account (ATM) | 0.25% | 2,000 | 2,000 | 10,000 |
| UCPB Multi One | 0.25% | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| UCPB Start2Save Junior Savings Account | 0.25% | 100 | 100 | 1,000 |
| UCPB Regular Current Account | 0.00% | 5,000 | none | 0 |
11. Chinabank
Chinabank was the first privately owned local commercial bank in the Philippines. In its year of inception during 1920, Chinabank’s initial clientele were Chinese-Filipino Businessmen.
After decades in the business, China Bank now offers a wide range of financial services in the country such as deposits, trusts, investments, remittances and cash management.
Best Savings Accounts from Chinabank:
| Product Name | Interest Rate | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| Chinabank MoneyPlus Savings | 0.25% | P20,000 | P20,000 | P50,000 |
| Chinabank Overseas Kababayan Savings | 0.13% | waived | waived | P1,000 |
| Chinabank ATM Savings | 0.13% | P2,000 | P2,000 | P10,000 |
| Chinabank Chinabank ChinaCheck Plus | 0.13% | P5,000 | P5,000 | P50,000 |
| Chinabank Passbook Savings | 0.13% | P5,000 | P5,000 | P10,000 |
12. EastWest Bank
EastWest Bank is the 10th largest privately owned domestic commercial bank in the Philippines – which was founded back in July 6, 1994 by its parent company Filinvest Group.
Best Savings Accounts from EastWest Bank:
| Product Name | Interest Rate | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| EastWest Basic Savings | 0.125% | P100 | P100 | P500 |
| EastWest Kiddie Savings | 0.125% | P2,000 | P2,000 | P2,000 |
| EastWest Passbook Savings Account | 0.125% | P5,000 | P5,000 | P10,000 |
| EastWest Passbook Savings w/ Debit Card | 0.125% | P10,000 | P10,000 | P25,000 |
| EastWest Regular Savings w/ Debit Card | 0.125% | P2,000 | P2,000 | P10,000 |
| EastWest Super Saver (****10M+) | 0.125%*
0.375%** 0.50*** 0.75**** | P500,000 | P500,000 | P500,000 |
13. ING Philippines
ING is a global bank that operates in more than 40 countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
They’ve been doing business in the Philippines for more than 3 decades, focusing on providing wholesale banking services to local and international corporations.
In 2013, they established their Shared Business Services which now runs their global banking operations.
| Product Name | Interest Rates | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| ING Savings Account | 2.5% (starting April 1 2020) | None | None | None |
Additional Features:
- Easily open a savings account using just your smartphone
- Generate e-Statements via ING’s official mobile app (free)
14. CIMB Bank
Established just two years ago (2018), CIMB bank quickly became one of the most popular options when it comes to mobile banking, thanks to its focus on mobile technology.
They bagged the most number of awards when it comes to digital banking and now boasts of having a total of 2 million customers.
| Product Name | Interest Rates | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| CIMB Upsave Account | 4% per annum | None | None | None |
| CIMB Fast & Fast Plus Account | 0.5% per annum (Fast) & 0.75% per annum (Fast Plus) | Php1,000 | None | None |
| GSave Account | 4.1% per annum | None | None | None |
Additional Features:
CIMB UpSave Account
- Free life insurance coverage of up to Php2 million with a minimum average balance of Php100,000. No medical check-up, zero fees, and zero premiums required.
CIMB Fast & Fast Plus Account
- Open an account using just your smartphone
- Contactless transaction feature via CIMB Bank Visa debit card at contactless payment terminals that support Visa.
GSave
- Open and maintain a CIMB savings account via GCash
- Move funds in and out via GCash
15. Citibank
Citibank Philippines is the biggest foreign commercial bank in the country when it comes to assets and revenue.
Aside from consumer banking services, they also provide corporate, treasury, and transactional banking services to Filipinos.
| Product Name | Interest Rates | Initial Deposit | Maintaining Balance | Balance to Earn Interest |
| CitiBank Peso Bonus Saver Account | 0.6% to 2.04% per annum | Php50,000 | Php50,000 | Must deposit Php20,000 monthly to enjoy increased interest of up to 2.04% |
| CitiBank Peso High Rate Saver | 0% if less than 100k ; 100k to 2million at 0.7% | Php100,000 | None | Php100,000 |
| CitiBank e-Saver | 0.7% per annum | Php100,000 | None | Php100,000 |
| CitiBank Dollar Saver | 0.10% per annum | N/A | None | USD$1,000 |
So there you have it. Feel free to make comparisons amongst these different savings accounts to figure out what is best suited for your needs.
How to open a savings account in the Philippines
Opening a savings account is a fairly easy process and the steps are generally the same across most banks. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.
Step 1: What is it for?
The first step is to be clear on what you plan on using the new savings account for.
Is it going to be your main savings fund? Then best to get one that offers the best interest rates. Is it for receiving payments/income (e.g, for freelancers, self-employed)?
Then get one that features seamless transfer payment features and easily links to most payment providers (e.g, PayPal, Skrill, etc.,).
As you can see, it’s all about leveraging each bank’s strengths for your specific purpose.
Don’t simply open a savings account with a popular bank just because they’re well-known. Rather, pick one that offers features perfectly suiting your needs.
Step 2: Decide on the bank and check out the requirements
After reviewing your options, take your pick and learn about the requirements for opening a savings account.
Most banks typically require just a valid ID or two along with the completed application forms. Some newer banks even allow you to open an account via just your smartphone (check out CIMB and ING offerings).
Step 3: Visit the bank and submit the requirements
Approach the desk of the new accounts officer and submit the requirements. The entire process is fairly quick and shouldn’t take more than an hour in most cases (unless there’s a long queue)
Step 4: Get your ATM card and change your PIN.
Most banks will ask you to return at a later date to pick up the ATM card.
They will contact you via text or email. Once notified, drop by the bank and secure your ATM card. They will provide instructions on how to customize your PIN.
Step 5: Sign up for online and mobile banking
Almost all banks today offer an online platform for managing your account. While optional, you should take advantage of it.
It lets you do a variety of things like pay for bills and send or receive money—all via your web browser or mobile app. It also lets you link to mobile wallets and e-commerce platforms (like GCash, Coins, Shopee Pay, etc.,), allowing you to conveniently transact online and take advantage of promos and discounts.
Related: 11 Best Time Deposit Accounts in the Philippines
6 Things to consider before opening a savings account
1. Location
Pick a bank with a branch close to your home so it will be convenient to drop by if needed
2. Online Services
Choose a savings account with a bank that provides easy online access and has excellent service uptime. Options to send or receive money and pay bills via online banking are useful features to have.
Also Read: 9 Best Prepaid Cards (Visa/Mastercard) in the Philippines
3. Fees and Charges
Not all banks implement the same charges for their savings account. Do some bit of research and compare rates before signing up.
4. Transaction Limits
Some banks have smaller limits than others. If you think you’ll need access to bigger amounts in cases of emergency, pick one with higher limits.
5. Interest Rates
Pick the best rate for your savings goal (compare the best savings accounts using the tables for each of the top banks in the country we’ve shared above).
6. Minimum Maintaining Balance
Some banks require a higher minimum maintaining balance so if you want the least amount possible make sure to check your options.
Types of Savings Accounts in the Philippines
Before opening an account, consider the main reason why doing it in the first place.
A basic savings account is good for easy access and convenience while money market types may present better interest rates at the cost of having stricter conditions.
ATM or Passbook Savings Account
The most simple type of savings account.
You should opt for the ATM option if you need to access the money often (e.g, for receiving payment from freelancing gigs) otherwise a passbook savings account will be better in terms of safeguarding your money (less temptation to access it since it’s more inconvenient)
Money Market
Banks offer this type of savings account for people who want a more robust way of growing their money versus regular savings accounts.
A higher maintaining balance is usually required though along with lesser number of allowed monthly withdrawals.
Also, if you’re interested with credit card applications, Grit has you covered over on this list of the best credit cards in the Philippines.
Read Next:
14 Best Digital, Mobile, and Online Banks in the Philippines- 12 Best Time Deposit Accounts with High-Interest Rates in the Philippines
- 15 Budgeting Tips: How to Budget Your Income and Expenses Effectively
- How to Increase Your Net Worth
- How to Invest in Bonds in the Philippines
- How to Get a Health Insurance in the Philippines
- Personal Finance In the Philippines: Tips and Statistics
- How to Invest in Cooperatives in the Philippines
Every when does these interest rates works or applies? Annually? Quarterly? Monthly? Thanks.
YOu Have to talk to them Directly and they will discussed to you.
how much is 1.20% of 5000 p.a? , (p.a=12 months) am i correct?
Yes, that’s 12 months.
Grateful for sharing this usable pieces of information! Thanks Sir Mark Dela Cruz!
ERRATUM:
* “this” to “these” 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this information! Will be using this as a guide and sharing it to friends and family. God bless!
Thank you very much.
Very small interest rates from the banks. Better if you will just loan your money to somebody needing money though there is a risk of being not paid.
Metrobank interest p.a now change to .125%.
Thanks for the heads up – we’ll update this post.