BPI Online: The Ultimate Guide

Online banking makes things more convenient for us on many fronts. Whether it’s paying for groceries, deliveries, signing up for loans, or donating for causes, offsite cashless transactions are truly a life saver.

It is proving to be all the more useful during the COVID-19 pandemic where social distancing is not only encouraged but is a law, noncompliance of which is subject to heavy penalties.

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is a pioneer in online banking, advocating for banking adaptability with technology since 1999. They currently have 8 million creditors that are enjoying a seamless, digitized banking experience with their e-banking service, BPI Online.

What is BPI Online?

BPI Online is BPI’s e-banking service that gives their clients free mobile access to their bank accounts as well as a digitized way to manage their money. Its website and mobile app was launched in 2019.

If you have a BPI account, you can access BPI Online by browsing its website through an internet browser or by downloading its mobile app.

How does BPI Online work?

With BPI Online, you can get things done wherever you are, anytime. You can:

• Inquire your balance.
• Pay bills to over 600 billers and merchants.
• Transfer money to other banks with ease via instapay or qr code.
• Access your transaction history and view your bank statements.
• Load your e-wallets and prepaid accounts.
• Activate your mobile key and verify your online banking transactions through biometrics or a nominated pin.
• Personalize your account settings through the browser or mobile app. You can even schedule your bills payment.
• Set your debit card control limits by personalizing withdrawal or purchase limits and toggling on/off certain features.
• Turn on your push notifications to get instant alerts whenever money or prepaid card load is sent to you.
• Enroll up to 99 billers for hassle-free bills payments.
• Set a branch appointment.

How to use BPI Online

You can use BPI Online by visiting their its website through an internet browser or by downloading its mobile app. You can enroll your additional account online if you have one—no need to go to the bank for your account enrollment.

To enroll in BPI Online, you need to have a deposit, credit card, or loan account.

How to create a BPI Online account

1. Download and open the BPI Mobile app.
2. Tap the Login button.
3. Select “Register Now.”
4. Tap “Get Started.”
5. Verify your identity by providing the required information:
6. BPI product type (Deposit/Credit Card/Consumer Loan)
7. Account number
8. Birthdate
9. Enter the captcha code, then tap “Next.”
10. Create a username and password for your BPI Online account.
11. Type the password again, then tap “Next.”
12. Enter your email address twice.
13. Read the Terms and Conditions and tick the agree box.
14. Tap the “Yes, send me the code” button to receive your one-time PIN (OTP) via SMS.
15. Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number. Tap the Submit button. A notification confirming the successful creation of your BPI Online account will appear.

How to check your balance

1. Log in to your online account and select “My Accounts.”
2. All your BPI accounts and their corresponding balance will appear on your screen.
3. To view your electronic BPI statement of account, go to “Other Services” on the menu.
4. Select “My Statements.”
5. Choose the account and statement date you wish to view.
6. Select “Download.”

How to send money from BPI to a non-BPI account:

1. Log in to your BPI Online account.
2. Choose “Transfer Money” > “Transfer to another bank.”
3. Choose the bank where you’ll transfer funds.
4. Provide the required information.
5. Review your money transfer details. Click on “Confirm.”
6. Enter the OTP you’ll receive via SMS. Click on “Submit.”
7. The transferred amount will be credited to the recipient account in real-time after the transaction is completed.

How to pay bills via BPI Online

1. Log in to BPI Online or BPI Mobile app.
2. Tap the icon with three horizontal stripes to access the menu.
3. Tap “Payments/Load” > “Pay Bills.
4. Choose the BPI account where the bills payment amount will be deducted.
5. Enter the amount to pay.
6. Choose a biller to be paid. Tap the Next button.
7. Review your transaction details. Once done, tap the Confirm button.
8. Tap the “Yes, send me the code” button.
9. Enter the six-digit OTP sent to your mobile number. Tap the Submit button.
10. Wait for 1-3 banking days from your transaction date for your bills payment to be posted in your biller’s record.

Pros and cons of BPI Online

The COVID-19 pandemic has made online banking even more necessary these days, so it is important to know what more benefits we can reap from this service and the risks that come with it.

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What are the pros to using BPI Online?

Convenience

E-banking services like BPI Online allows us to save time and track our finances everywhere anytime. At the tip of our fingers, we can fund transfer, create a QR code for receiving and transferring money, and shop and order things online. You can also load your phone and e-wallets.

Saves time

Instead of queuing at the bank for important transactions, you can do it on your computer or phone which saves time and energy both for the bank and consumer.

Save money

We save money from transportation going to the bank or from ATM transactions. BPI Online also have low interest rates: 0.125% – 1.25% (0.25% for most accounts). Their minimum initial deposit is Php100 – Php250,000 and their minimum maintaining balance is Php 1,000 – Php 250,000.

Responsible banking

Instant access to your bank account means you can manage your money properly and diligently. The BPI Online app is also designed in a way that even the least tech-savvy user can understand and navigate it with ease.

Security

BPI Online sends OTP for logging into an account with a new device and completing transactions. It also enables fingerprint and face recognition for logging in to BPI Mobile app.

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What are the cons to using BPI Online?

Security threats

In spite of the security measures, threats continue to arise. Most of these threats involve preying on user’s gullibility to egg them into giving their credentials to hackers.

Phishing

BPI Online as well as any other e-banking service is still not immune to phishing and fraudulent emails that will trick their users into giving access to their accounts.

Internet access

A user needs to have internet access to be able to use the service. This is a big disadvantage for those who have less than ideal network connection.

Sluggish phone customer service

Their toll-free hotline is not immediately available for any concerns regarding the service which can be frustrating.

How to contact BPI Online

If you notice any transaction you didn’t make, report it right away by calling the BPI hotline at 889-10000 or by sending a message to [email protected]