How to Wire Money to a BDO Checking Account

Yes, you can wire money to a BDO checking account, but the process depends on whether you're sending from inside or outside the Philippines

BDO (Banco de Oro), the Philippines' largest bank by assets, accepts both domestic and international wire transfers to checking accounts. The main difference is in the routing information you'll need and the fees involved. Domestic transfers within the Philippines move faster and cost less. International wires from outside the Philippines require your account holder's full name, account number, and BDO's SWIFT code, which is BNORPHMM.

The person sending the money needs to initiate the wire through their own bank. You cannot start a wire transfer to yourself from BDO—the sender's bank controls the process and timing. If you're receiving money, you'll need to provide the sender with your account details in the correct format so their bank can process it without delays or rejections.

Key Takeaways

BDO's SWIFT code for international wires is BNORPHMM, and you'll also need the sender to have your full account number and the specific BDO branch code if sending from abroad.
Domestic wires within the Philippines typically arrive within one business day, while international wires usually take three to five business days depending on the sender's bank.
Both the sender and receiver pay fees—the sender's bank charges an outgoing wire fee, and BDO may charge a receiving fee that varies by branch and wire type.
If a wire is rejected or delayed, contact your BDO branch directly with the sender's bank name and the wire reference number, as BDO cannot retrieve funds sent to the wrong account.

What information the sender needs to provide to their bank

The sender must give their bank your complete BDO account details. For a domestic wire within the Philippines, they need your account number and the BDO branch where your account is held. For an international wire, they need your full legal name (as it appears on your account), your account number, BDO's SWIFT code (BNORPHMM), and often the branch code of your specific BDO location.

Some international banks also ask for an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). BDO does not use IBANs in the traditional sense, but some senders' banks may request a specific format. If the sender's bank asks for this, they should contact their own bank's international department to confirm what BDO requires, as the format can vary by sending country.

Accuracy matters. A single digit wrong in the account number will cause the wire to be rejected or sent to the wrong account. Have the sender double-check all details before submitting the wire. If you're unsure about your account number format, call your BDO branch or check your debit card and statements.

How long it takes for the money to arrive

Domestic wires sent within the Philippines usually arrive within one business day, often the same day if sent before the bank's cutoff time (typically 3 p.m.). International wires take longer because they pass through multiple banks and clearing systems. Most international wires arrive within three to five business days, though some take up to seven days depending on the sender's country and bank.

Weekends and Philippine holidays slow down processing. A wire sent on a Friday afternoon may not be processed until Monday. If the sender's country is observing a holiday, their bank may not send the wire until the next business day. Once BDO receives the wire, it typically posts to your account within hours, but the sender's bank controls when it actually leaves their system.

You can track the wire's status by asking your BDO branch for the reference number once the sender provides it. BDO can tell you whether the wire has been received and posted to your account. The sender can also track it through their own bank using the wire confirmation number they receive when they send it.

Fees you may encounter

Both the sender and the receiver typically pay fees. The sender's bank charges an outgoing wire fee, which ranges from $15 to $50 USD for international wires, depending on the bank. Some banks charge less for domestic wires or wires to certain countries. The sender should ask their bank about the exact fee before sending.

BDO may charge a receiving fee for incoming wires. This fee varies by branch and whether the wire is domestic or international. Domestic receiving fees are usually lower (often 50 to 150 Philippine pesos) than international fees (which can be 200 to 500 pesos or more). Some BDO accounts or account holders may have fees waived depending on their account type or balance requirements. Contact your BDO branch to confirm what you'll be charged before the wire arrives.

The sender's bank may also deduct a currency conversion fee if the wire is sent in a currency other than Philippine pesos. This is separate from the wire fee itself. If the sender is wiring from the United States in USD, for example, their bank converts it to pesos at their rate and may add a markup. The amount you receive will be less than what was sent due to these conversion costs.

What to do if the wire doesn't arrive or is rejected

If the wire doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your BDO branch with the sender's bank name, the amount sent, and the date it was sent. Ask for the wire reference number from the sender as well—this is the confirmation number their bank gave them when they sent it. BDO can use this to trace the wire through the banking system and tell you whether it's still in transit or has been rejected.

If the wire was rejected, it's usually because the account number was wrong, the name didn't match the account, or the receiving bank information was incorrect. Rejected wires are returned to the sender's bank, which then returns the money to the sender. This process can take one to two weeks. The sender will see the refund in their account and can then resend the wire with corrected information.

If the wire was sent to the wrong account due to an error in the account number you provided, BDO cannot retrieve it. The money belongs to whoever's account it was sent to. You would need to contact that account holder directly to request a return, which they are not obligated to do. This is why confirming account details before sending is critical.

Alternatives if a wire transfer isn't the right option

If the wire fee is too high or the timing doesn't work, other ways to move money to a BDO account exist. BDO's online transfer services allow transfers from other Philippine banks to your BDO account, usually with lower fees and next-day arrival. Remittance centers like LBC, Cebuana Lhuillier, and Palawan Express accept cash deposits and can send money to BDO accounts, though fees vary and the process takes one to three days.

If you're receiving money from abroad, money transfer services like Western Union, MoneyGram, and Wise (formerly TransferWise) often have lower fees than bank wires and can deposit directly to BDO accounts in some cases. Wise is particularly useful for international transfers because it uses the real exchange rate with minimal markup. These services are faster than traditional wires for some routes and may cost less depending on the amount and destination.

For recurring or regular transfers, ask the sender about setting up a standing order through their bank, which may have a lower per-transaction fee than a one-time wire. Some employers and government agencies also offer direct deposit to foreign accounts, which bypasses wire fees entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be present at the BDO branch when the wire arrives?

No. The wire will be deposited directly to your account and will be available to you once it posts, whether you're at the branch or not. You can check your balance online or at an ATM. If BDO charges a receiving fee, it will be deducted automatically from the deposit.

What if the sender's bank asks for a bank code instead of a SWIFT code?

SWIFT codes and bank codes are different. BDO's SWIFT code is BNORPHMM. If the sender's bank asks for a different code (sometimes called a routing number or sort code), they should contact their bank's international department, as the format depends on the sending country. Do not guess or use a code from another bank.

Can I receive a wire in a currency other than Philippine pesos?

BDO will convert foreign currency to pesos automatically. The conversion happens at BDO's exchange rate, which may be less favorable than the market rate. The sender's bank may also convert the currency before sending, so you could lose money to two separate conversion fees. Ask the sender to confirm the amount you'll receive after all conversions.

Is there a maximum amount I can receive by wire?

BDO does not publicly state a per-wire limit, but large wires (generally over $10,000 USD equivalent) may trigger additional verification or reporting requirements under anti-money-laundering rules. If you're expecting a large wire, contact your BDO branch in advance so they can prepare and avoid delays.

What happens if I provide the wrong account number?

If the account number is wrong, the wire will either be rejected and returned to the sender, or it will be deposited to someone else's account. BDO cannot retrieve money sent to the wrong account. Always verify your account number with your debit card or a recent statement before giving it to the sender.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.