Applying for an Eastwest Bank Basic Savings Account

Image from eastwestbanker.com

First, let me admit that the main reason why I opened an Eastwest Bank basic savings account is because of the hopes that I would be asked to apply for their credit card. I've tried applying for an Eastwest credit since last year both via online, direct to bank, or though an agent, and was declined four times already. This time, armed with some knowledge I gathered from the PinoyExchange community, I tried my luck. True enough, during the mandatory Know-Your-Customer (KYC) phase and while filling up their application form, I was asked if I wanted to apply for a credit card. Mission accomplished. Getting approved or not would be in another blog post.

At the same time, I had the need to open a savings account solely for the purpose of maintaining money I make for a small money-making business I am in with an officemate. I would need a savings account with no or minimum maintaining balance, zero ATM withdrawal fee, zero annual fee and easy accessibility within my home and workplace. With these reasons, the choices I have came down to Eastwest and Unionbank. Since I already have the GetGo Debit Card with an annual fee of Php500 and Php10 ATM withdrawal fee, plus the fact that a lime colored debit card is nice to look at, Eastwest took the cake.

Here's a rundown of its features:

Though I have no use of this information at the moment, one would be delighted to know that Eastwest Bank is affiliated with PayPal, and you can have your PayPal earnings be withdrawn to your account with no additional charge.

My Experience

REQUIREMENTS:

1. 2 Valid IDs
2. Billing Statement
3. Initial deposit of Php100
4. Recent photo

I initially opted to open an account on a branch that's nearby my workplace.  However, they were kind of strict when it comes to having complete requirements. I only have one valid ID with me at that time and have no recent ID photo. Good thing the branch that's near my residence address allowed me try apply without a recent photo. It's also a plus factor that the branch in P. Tuazon is more accomodating than the one in Eastwood. That's one important aspect of banking I am looking on a bank. Application only took about 30-40 minutes depending on how fast you fill up the application form. I was then told to wait 5-7 banking days for the card to be claimed.

Fastforward. After only 4 banking days, a representative from the P.Tuazon branch called up my home landline and informed that my card is ready for pick up. That was fast indeed. I just hope that they also approve my credit card application, but for now, it does not matter. I'll just wait for a no annual fee for life promo should I get declined. I'm more excited in using the lime colored card at the moment. Hehe.

Cheers!

Opening a PNB Deposit Account

Now that I have a Philippine National Bank (PNB) Essentials Mastercard, it's inevitable that I would have to pay for the things that  I swiped. I just received my first statement and the hours it took for me to withdraw my funds from my BDO account to paying via PNB bank deposit had me decided to open one so I could enroll it on their online banking system so I could pay my bills online. With it, instead of my funds coming from BDO, I would directly deposit my payments to PNB.

Like any other banks, one cannot open  a PNB bank account without bringing the necessary requirements. With that, one must secure them first before going to any PNB branch, so that your bank account application will be approved. It is also important to select first what PNB branch will you going to open an account. For me it is important that a branch is near my residence or place of work. Luckily, there are two PNB branches near where I lived and I chose to open one that is near a shopping mall.

Requirements in Opening a PNB deposit account

1.) At least two (2) valid id's.

A combination of 1 photo-bearing ID and 1 non photo-bearing ID or a combination of 2 photo-bearing ID's. Bringing both 2 non photo-bearing ID's might not be accepted.

2.) Initial deposit.

It ranges from Php3,000 to Php10,000 depending on the type of account you want to open. However,  I opted  for the TAP Mastercard which requires no initial deposit or maintaining balance but still offers an interest rate. You just have to pay a minimal amount of Php15 every month as an account fee. This is okay for me as I would only use the account for paying my PNB Essentials Mastercard bills.

3.)  2 pcs 1" x 1" or 2" x 2" personal picture. Luckily I had a recent one tucked under the innards of my bag at that time.

4.) Billing statement. I didn't know about this one until I was asked by the bank representative. I told them that all of my utility bills are enrolled under electronic statements of account and have managed to provide a screenshot of some. This is a bit weird for me because as most are encouraged to apply for an online SOA, PNB are still asking for a hard copy. Good thing the bank representative accepted my situation and allowed my application to push through.

I was then asked to complete and sign several forms, which I submit along with photocopy of my IDs and billing statement. The process took 45 minutes to an hour (including the waiting time) and I was told to be back after 10 business days to pick up my card.

It's waiting game again :)

52 Week Money Challenge - Game On!

I've known this challenge since two years ago but it is just now that I'm really going for it. I know  it has been 10 weeks from January but better late than never, right?

For those who have been living under a rock and who is not familiar of it, the premise of the 52 Weeks Money Challenge is simple: start the first week saving Php 50, and then  add the same amount every week for 52 weeks. By week 52, you will have Php 68,900. Tempting isn't?

Fifty pesos seems easy enough to keep weekly, but there will come a week (generally by Week 40 onwards), that you would have to save at least Php 2,000 a week. This may seem a burden to some so instead of having Php50 as a base amount, you can try saving Php 20, which will yield a decent Php 27,560 at the end of the year. If you want, a thirty peso-base will yield Php 41,340, while a Php 40 base will give you Php 55,120.

I'm personally aiming for the Php50 base. I even bought myself a cute coin bank (I couldn't find a large jar) from Clipper. I'm still thinking of what to do with the amount I will save, maybe a trip or two, who knows?  Wish me luck!

I'm gonna be happy indeed at the end of the year. LOL.