How to Open Overseas Filipino (OF) Bank Account Online for OFWs

OFBank is a digital-only bank that provides products and services tailored to the needs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Land Bank of the Philippines, and it is mandated to provide fast, safe, and cost-effective remittance services.

While there are a number of OFW bank accounts you can create from different Philippine private banking institutions, what separates Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank) from the rest is that it is a digital-only bank. This means you can open an account and make banking transactions without having to visit any physical branches.

Also Read: OFW Hospital: FREE for OFWs and OFW Dependents

In addition, OFBank is also a trailblazer in utilizing artificial intelligence to facilitate an electronic know-your-customer (e-KYC) process for its online account opening through its Digital Onboarding System with Artificial Intelligence (DOBS AI).

Some of the services that OFBank is mandated to deliver include providing an effective remittance method, offering credit facilities and financial assistance, and helping to strengthen the government’s presence in the remittance market.

If you are an OFW looking for a comprehensive banking solution that can cater to your unique needs, then Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank) is definitely worth considering. With its digital-only platform and artificial intelligence-powered account opening process, OFBank is poised to provide OFWs with a convenient and hassle-free banking experience.

Overview

The Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank) was first founded as the Philippine Postal Savings Bank Inc. (PPSB) in 1906. The Bank stopped operating in 1976 as a result of intense competition from private banks. Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) announced plans to acquire PPSB and convert it into a bank that caters to the needs of overseas-based Filipinos.

The new bank, which was renamed as Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank), started operating recently. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Land Bank of the Philippines, and it is mandated to provide fast, safe, and cost-effective remittance services.

What is the Overseas Filipino (OF) Bank?

The Overseas Filipino (OF) Bank is the country’s solely digital and branchless state-owned bank. Formerly known as the Philippine Postal Savings Bank (PPSB) or Post Bank, it is the smallest of the three state-owned banks in the Philippines, together with the Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines.

In terms of assets, it ranks as the 16th largest thrift bank. The services it offers are designed to meet the needs of overseas Filipinos (OFs), overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and their families or beneficiaries.

In addition, OF Bank is a fully-owned subsidiary of Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), which was established in accordance with Executive Order No. 44, which President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed in September 2017.

OF Bank Logo

Below are the official logos of the Overseas Filipino Bank:

Types of OF Bank Deposit Accounts

• OF Bank Visa Debit Card – The OF Bank Visa Debit Card is a Peso savings account for overseas Filipinos (OF) and overseas Filipino workers (OFW), which enables you to send money back home via Visa Direct through partners in other countries.
• OF Bank Regular Debit Card – OF Bank Regular Debit Card is an interest-bearing Peso savings account for OF or OFW beneficiaries who are under 18 but at least 7 years old.
• OF Bank Visa Debit Beneficiary Card – With the OF Bank Visa Debit Beneficiary Card, OF or OFW beneficiaries who are 18 years of age or older can transfer money for free to any OF Bank or LANDBANK ATM account.

Types of OF Bank Loans

Here are some of the existing OFW bank loans that an OFW or seaman can apply for under OF Bank:

OFW Reintegration Program

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and LANDBANK have partnered on the OFW Reintegration Program, which offers business opportunities to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). You can now start and run your own business in substitute of your overseas employment with help from an OF Bank credit line.

Multi-purpose Loan

Soon, OF Bank will introduce its own lending program, the Multi-purpose Loan. Through the lending programs of OF Bank’s parent bank, OF Bank will, for the time being, assist you in financing your business requirements, be they for capital expansion or operational expansion.

Bahay para sa Bagong Bayani (3B)

A unique loan program created for OFWs is called Bahay para sa Bagong Bayani (3B). With loose and flexible terms, the LANDBANK Bahay para sa Bagong Bayani program allows OFWs to purchase, construct, or renovate their own homes.

OF Bank E-Banking Services

Here’s a list of online services you can avail through the online banking option of the OF Bank:

Retail Internet Banking

Retail Internet Banking is an alternative banking channel created specifically for OFWs that offers quick, reliable, and highly secure delivery of banking services. It is accessible every day of the week, 24 hours a day.

Alternative Payment Channel

OFWs can use alternative payment channels to pay for goods and services from both public and private institutions and businesses online.

OFBANK Mobile Banking App

The OF BANK Mobile Banking Application (MBA) is a free app that gives OFWs convenient access to the full range of services offered by OF BANK using their cellphones whenever and wherever they want.

The following services are all available through the Mobile Banking Application (MBA):

• Bills Payment
• Cardless Withdrawal
• Fund Transfer to own, anyone and other Banks
• Loan Application
• Mobilock
• One-time Pin (OTP)
• Online Account Opening
• Purchase Treasury Bonds
• Quick Balance

Leasing Facility

A leasing facility is a lease-to-own facility where an asset is directly purchased by an LLFC (Lessor) from a third party (often the supplier or manufacturer) and leased to the customer (Lessee).

Retail Treasury Bonds (RTB-27)

The Bureau of Treasury (BTr) offers Retail Treasury Bonds (RTB-27). With a starting balance of PHP 5,000.00, you are absolutely secured. Your contributions will help our nation recover from the pandemic.

Remittance

OFWs can send money home through remittance using LANDBANK or OF BANK Mobile Banking.

Benefits of OF Bank for OFWs

The following are some benefits of OF Bank to OFWs:

• For both senders and recipients, OF Bank offers the most efficient remittance option that is easy to use, affordable, fast, and safe.
• For OFWs and their dependents, OF Bank offers improved lending facilities and financial assistance designed to meet both personal and business needs.
• In order to gradually reduce the cost of bank remittance, OF Bank works to increase the government’s position in the remittance industry.

Requirements

If you plan to open a bank account with OF Bank, make sure your internet connection is secure and that both your active email address and active mobile number are available before opening an account with the OF Bank Mobile Banking App. For scanning and verification procedures, keep one (1) valid identification card from the list below on hand.

For Overseas Filipinos and Overseas Filipino Workers:

• Passport
• PRC ID
• UMID

For Beneficiaries:

• Company ID
• Driver’s License
• GSIS
• OFW ID
• OWWA ID
• Passport
• Postal ID
• PRC ID
• School ID
• Senior Citizen ID
• SSS
• UMID
• Voter’s COMELEC ID

Remember to check that the information you enter in the application matches the information on your preferred ID.

How to Open an OFW Bank Account Online – Step by Step

Check out the procedure below on how to open an OFW Bank Account.

Step 1: Download the OF Bank Mobile Banking App from the App Store or Google Play.

Step 2: On the Login screen, enter your credentials (user ID and password).

Step 3: To continue, click the “Continue” button on the welcome screen.

Step 4: On the reminders page, select the relevant description (OFW, Overseas Filipino, or beneficiary) that pertains to you. Then click “Proceed” button.

Step 5: Select the “Confirm” button to confirm that you have read and accepted the Terms and Conditions Agreement.

Step 6: Complete the required information in the section titled “Profile Details.”

Step 7: To confirm the mobile number connected to your account, enter the one-time PIN (OTP) and press the “Submit” button. To verify your email address, follow to the same process.

Step 8: Create a user profile and password.

Step 9: Continue by selecting Security Questions and Answers and then clicking the “Next” button.

Input your personal, financial, and account information in Step 10.

Step 11: Upload your valid ID and take a selfie.

Step 12: Review the information that has been provided and press the “Confirm” button.

Step 13: Check your email for a confirmation to see if you successfully created an OF Bank account.

Video: How to Open an Overseas Filipino Bank Account Online

If you want to open an Overseas Filipino Bank (OFW) account but you’re not sure how to go about it, we’ve got you covered. Check out LANDBANK Official’s YouTube video below to know more about the process in opening an OF Bank account online.

The steps are quite easy and convenient , so you won’t have any trouble following along. After watching the video, you should be able to open your own OFW bank account in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any further questions regarding “OF Bank”, see the list of frequently asked questions and answers below.

1. What is OF Bank?

The Overseas Filipino Bank (OF Bank), the nation’s first branchless bank, is a fully owned subsidiary of Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and only operates online.

2. What is the purpose of OF Bank?

The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their beneficiaries’ banking and financial needs were the focus of OF Bank’s creation. In accordance with its unique mission, OF Bank is dedicated to implement these needs by offering dependable and secure financial products and services, including the provision of high-quality and effective international remittance services.

3. What types of accounts does OF Bank offer?

The following ATM Savings Accounts are provided by OF Bank for overseas Filipino workers, or OFWs, and their beneficiaries:

• OFBank Visa Debit Card for Beneficiaries
• OFBank Regular Debit Card for Beneficiaries (for clients below 18 years old, but at least 7 years of age)
• OFBank Visa Debit Card for Overseas Filipinos and Overseas Filipino WorkersDoes the hospital offer free medical examinations to OFWs?

4. Do I have to submit a hard copy of my ID card?

No. Your ID will only be submitted online via the OF Bank Mobile Banking App. You will be required to take a picture of a valid, photo-containing document or ID from the list above in the OF Bank Mobile Banking App during the account opening application procedure.

5. How do I send money to my beneficiary’s LANDBANK or OF BANK account?

The OF Bank Mobile Banking App allows users to transfer money to their beneficiary’s LANDBANK or OFBank ATM without paying a fee.

6. What should I do if my credit OF Bank card is stolen or lost?

Call the OF Bank Customer Care Hotline at (+632) 8-405-7000 or PLDT Domestic Toll Free at 1-800-10-405-7000 right away to report the situation. You can send an email at customer.care@mail.ofbank.com.ph.

Additionally, you can instantly block your card via the iAccess online banking service at https://www.lbpiaccess.com.

Summary

The Overseas Filipinos (OF), migrant workers, and their beneficiaries in this digital age have evolving financial needs, hence OF Bank, a digital-only bank, was established to meet those needs. With today’s financial technology, it is much simpler to get access to digital banking options and other important financial services, such quickly and securely creating a bank account online from another country.

OF Bank aims to keep working to offer OFWs and their families in the Philippines safe, reliable, and secure digital banking services. An overseas bank account and online remittance services are both great solutions if you want to be able to send money to the Philippines quickly and securely.

Contact Information

Overseas Filipino Bank
Website: www.ofbank.com.ph
Customer Care Hotline: (02) 8405-7000 or
Toll-free number: 1-800-10-405-7000,
Email: customer.care@mail.ofbank.com.ph