Used to be a BPI fan, but have switched most of my accounts to BDO. They have most of the same services now (online payments, etc.), and truth to tell, BDO is now the Mini-Stop of the local banking world: there’s an ATM in every corner.

I don’t really have problems with BPI; I still maintain one checking account there, and I still think it’s one of the best banks locally.

However, BDO – since all the changes and mergers and such – has become a much-improved entity with a similar caliber of services. Then, the added convenience of BDO being everywhere helped me make the decision to move.

Hey Allan! Thanks for dropping by.

I’ve been planning to open an account in BDO, both for my business and personal use. Love the fact that some branches are open beyond the normal banking hours. I’ve also noticed a lot of online entrepreneurs with BDO accounts. I just have to look at the interest rates and maintaining balance.

How is their online banking service like? This is top priority for me since I hate lining up in a bank just to pay a bill.

I have both BPI and BDO. I like the personal touch provided by BPI people (especially the managers!). I am also aware how stressful it is for them to maintain a smile and utmost courtesy to all clients. Have you heard that there are are bank staff who pass away while taking a short break in their seats? That is how stressful their job is. So the next time you see one when you bank, bless them with prosperity and love for all their efforts. I think a depositor should also be nice to them. Kindness begets kindness, right?

Chen. Agree. BPI so far has been great. We definitely need to do our own share of gratitude and kindness.

I agree, I’m a happy BPI customer. However recently, for a reason still unknown to me, I have a hard time accessing their website =( it’s either down or it gives me this “delay” error.

Regarding BDO, you just can’t ignore the fact that they’re doing many things right. One example is the obvious extended working hours. I’ve become a recent customer as well. But then my inquiry about activating my online bank access was met with a “come back when you’ve printed & signed the form etc etc” was simply unacceptable! I guess this could be a hasty reflection of how backwards banking in PH is.

Hi Mikey. Online banking I would think is still not as robust as other countries. I’m an online freak and do all my transactions online (including banking such as paying bills) and that has been my priority when I open a bank account. BDO is indeed getting there and they just need a little bit of tweaking.

I have been banking with BDO. My comment has to do with there lack of customer service. I used my ATM debit card for a transaction at Pure Gold. I was told that the ATM card had not worked when it in fact had. After paying in cash, I found out that the money had also been deducted from my checking account. I have been more than 40 days trying to get this resolved. BDO insists that at a minimum it will take 45 Business days to refund my 800 pesos. I think it could have been quicker in 1945. I was able to get confirmation from Pure Gold, Master Card, and my checking account in minutes after the purchase. BDO insists that it takes them 45 business days. Are they communicating by turtle? How could it take this long in the yr 2010? I think the lack concern for people whose transactions are not large enough to get there full attention. I am changing banks. If anyone knows of a bank that is willing to provide customer service please let me know.