Updated February 12, 2018
If you’re frequently sending money to the Philippines from the UK, consider opening a BPI bank account in London-based BPI Europe.
You can enroll this account in BPI Express Online and then make your money transfers online to your own or your recipient’s BPI or BPI Family account in the Philippines.
Two Ways to Open a BPIE Star account:
Star means Save, Transact And Remit. This account is in GBP or Great British Pounds. You will not be issued an ATM or a passbook. Instead, you will be sent quarterly statements. You can also use your BPI online banking account to check your account.
1. Visit BPI Europe in London and open an account.
Bring the required documents.
BPI Europe PLC
26A and 27A Earl’s Court Gardens
London, SW5 0SZ
Phone: 0207 835 0088
Email: bpinoy@bpieuropeplc.com
Business Hours:
Mon to Fri – 9:30am to 4:30pm
Sat – Closed
Sun – 10am to 4pm
2. Or Send the required documents and Customer Information Sheet by registered mail using the same London address.
Send original documents. These will be returned to you also by registered mail.
If originals cannot be sent, photocopy your passport and visa and other required documents and have them authenticated by either your registered solicitor or accountant.
BPI Europe PLC
26A and 27A Earl’s Court Gardens
London, SW5 0SZ
The documents required are the following:
- Your valid EU passport
Valid passport with visa, if not EU citizen - Original copy of proof of address
At least one of the following:- Original bank statement or credit/debit card statement issued within the past 3 months.
Printout of online statement is not accepted. - Original copy of a utility bill (electricity, gas or water) issued within the past 3 months.
Mobile phone statement is not accepted. - Current council tax statement
- A recent government-issued document, or issued by a judicial authority, a public sector body or
authority, or another FCA form from the UK Financial services sector or from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
- Original bank statement or credit/debit card statement issued within the past 3 months.
- Initial cash deposit of at least 50 pounds (thru bank transfer; do the transfer after approval of application)
- Photocopy of National Insurance card or document stating your National Insurance number
- Filled-out Customer Information Sheet
You can download the BPI Europe Customer Information Sheet here.
How to Do Deposits and Withdrawals
Deposit:
- Over the counter at BPI Europe-Earl’s Court Gardens
- Online transfer from your other UK bank to your BPI Europe account, subject to clearing within BPI Europe business hours
- Regular transfer of funds from your other UK account to your BPI Europe account(Submit a Standing Order request at your UK bank)
- Send a cheque in your name by mail to BPI Europe. Write your BPI Europe sort code and account number at the back of the cheque.
Withdrawal:
- Over the counter at BPI Europe-Earl’s Court Gardens. Inform the bank one day earlier if you plan to withdraw more than 1,000 pounds.
- Remittance using your BPI online banking account
- Remittance via debit. Call BPI Europe.
- Online transfer from your BPI Europe account to your other UK account. Call BPI Europe for instructions
Notes for UK Pensioners living in the Philippines:
You can use your BPI Europe GBP account and Philippine-based BPI peso account to receive your monthly UK pension.
Transfer online your pension from your British bank like Nationwide, Citibank or Barclays to your BPI Europe GBP account, then to your Philippine-based BPI peso account using BPI online banking.
Note: I’ve read though on online forums that due to global money laundering laws, BPI Europe now requires expats to present their Philippine-based BPI account before they can open a BPI bank account in London.
Photo credit:
Photo credit: Big Ben, London, United Kingdom
Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
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