Banks in Cebu: Guide to Major, Savings and Digital Banks
BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Landbank, digital banks and more: which banks you will find in Cebu, how to open an account, and how to get a branch's official contact details.
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Banks in Cebu include every major Philippine bank, from BDO, BPI and Metrobank to government banks like Landbank and fast-growing digital banks that you can open from your phone. Rather than relying on old address lists, the most reliable way to find a branch address or contact number, such as a BPI Jones contact number, is the bank's official branch locator or hotline. This guide explains which banks operate in Cebu, how they differ and how to open an account.
Major banks in Cebu (universal and commercial banks)
Universal and commercial banks are the big names with branches in malls, business districts and town centres across Metro Cebu and the province. Most have several branches in Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Talisay, plus provincial towns.
| Bank | Type | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| BDO Unibank | Universal bank | Very large branch and ATM network, many branches inside malls with weekend hours |
| Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) | Universal bank | One of the oldest banks in Southeast Asia; absorbed Robinsons Bank in 2024 |
| Metrobank | Universal bank | Strong presence in business districts; owns thrift bank PSBank |
| Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) | Government bank | Handles many government payments and salaries |
| Philippine National Bank (PNB) | Universal bank | Long history, widespread branches |
| Security Bank | Universal bank | Popular for credit cards and business accounts |
| RCBC | Universal bank | Wide network, also linked with remittance services |
| UnionBank | Universal bank | Known for digital services; took over Citi's local consumer business |
| EastWest Bank | Universal bank | Several branches in Metro Cebu |
| China Banking Corporation (China Bank) | Universal bank | Strong among businesses and the Chinese-Filipino community |
Savings, thrift and rural banks in Cebu
Not every bank is a universal bank. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) classifies banks into several groups:
- Thrift banks (including savings banks), such as PSBank and China Bank Savings, focus on deposits, salary loans and housing or car loans.
- Rural banks serve smaller towns, farmers and small businesses, and many operate in Cebu province outside the city.
- Cooperative banks are owned by cooperatives and serve their members and communities.
Cebu has a long list of rural and cooperative banks. Because banks merge, close or rename over time, the most accurate list of all banks in the Philippines, including rural banks, is published by the BSP on its website (bsp.gov.ph). Always check that a bank is BSP-supervised before depositing money.
Digital banks in the Philippines
Digital banks have no traditional branches and operate through mobile apps. BSP has issued digital bank licences to a small number of banks, including:
- GoTyme Bank, which also has kiosks in some malls and supermarkets for account opening
- Maya Bank, linked to the Maya e-wallet
- Tonik Digital Bank
- UnionDigital Bank, part of the UnionBank group
- Overseas Filipino Bank, a Landbank subsidiary focused on OFWs
- UNObank
Other banks, such as CIMB Bank Philippines, are digital-first but hold a different type of licence. Digital banks often offer higher savings interest rates than traditional accounts, though rates change often. They are handy for everyday savings, but many people in Cebu still keep a traditional account for salary, loans and cheque services.
For e-wallets, see our comparison of GCash vs Maya.
How to find a branch address or contact number
Searching for something like "BPI Jones contact number" (for the BPI branch along Jones Avenue, now officially Osmeña Boulevard, in Cebu City) usually turns up outdated numbers on random websites. Instead:
- Use the official branch locator on the bank's website or app. It lists current addresses, branch hours and often a branch phone number.
- Call the bank's official hotline shown on its website or on the back of your card.
- Use in-app chat or secure messaging for account-specific questions.
- Visit in person with a valid ID if your concern involves account access or documents.
Never share your PIN, one-time passwords (OTPs) or full card details with anyone who calls or messages you, even if they claim to be from your bank. If your card is blocked or captured by an ATM, see our guide on what to do when your BPI ATM card is blocked.
How to open a bank account in Cebu
Requirements differ by bank and account type, but these are typical:
| Requirement | Filipino citizens | Foreign residents |
|---|---|---|
| Valid ID | Usually one or two government IDs, such as the PhilSys National ID, passport, driver's licence or UMID | Passport, plus ACR I-Card or visa documents |
| Proof of address | Sometimes requested (utility bill, barangay certificate) | Often requested (lease contract, utility bill) |
| Initial deposit | Varies by account; some basic accounts have low or no minimums | Varies; some banks set higher minimums |
| TIN | May be requested for some accounts | May be requested |
| Photo and signature | Taken at the branch or uploaded in app | Taken at the branch |
The PhilSys National ID has made account opening easier for many Filipinos; see our national ID guide. Some banks also offer basic deposit accounts with low opening amounts for first-time savers.
Is my money protected?
Deposits in BSP-supervised banks are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to a maximum amount per depositor per bank, which was raised to ₱1 million in 2025. Check the current limit and rules on the PDIC website (pdic.gov.ph).
Banking tips for Cebu residents and visitors
- Mall branches often open on weekends, which is handy if you work office hours.
- ATMs inside malls and banks are safer than standalone machines.
- Keep small bills for jeepneys, tricycles and markets; not everyone accepts cards.
- Convert currencies with care and compare rates; our currency converter gives a quick reference.
- Moving to Cebu? Pair this guide with our apartment rental guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BPI Jones contact number?
Branch phone numbers change, so we do not list them here. Use BPI's official branch locator on its website or app, or call the official BPI hotline listed on the bank's website, to get the current contact details for the branch along Jones Avenue (Osmeña Boulevard).
Is Robinsons Bank still operating in Cebu?
Robinsons Bank merged into BPI at the start of 2024, and its branches and accounts became part of BPI. Former Robinsons Bank clients should check BPI's official channels.
What is an example of a savings bank in the Philippines?
PSBank (Philippine Savings Bank) and China Bank Savings are well-known examples of thrift or savings banks in the Philippines.
Can foreigners open a bank account in Cebu?
Yes, many banks accept foreign residents, usually with a passport and an ACR I-Card or valid visa, plus proof of address. Requirements vary, so ask the branch first.
