Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to understand the differences between them before deciding which one is right for you

Differences Between Online, Mobile, and Digital Banking

By understanding the differences between these three types of banking services, you can make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs.

The following is a summary table of the differences between online, mobile, and digital banking.

 

	Online Banking	Mobile Banking	Digital Banking
What is it?	All banking transactions are made through the bank’s secure website via a computer or laptop	A mobile service that enables users of an existing bank to do transactions using their mobile devices	Digitization of traditional banking services, procedures, and operations to better serve customers online
Which device would you use?	Over the internet, most commonly via the computer or laptop	On the mobile, i.e. smartphone Internet banking	On computers, phones, and other smart devices
How many banking functions are offered?	More comprehensive features and functions when compared to mobile banking	Limited number of features and functions	Most adaptable banking system with the most features, which enables them to develop and add features considerably more quickly
What do you need to connect?	Only requires a browser and an internet connection to connect to your bank’s website	Requires a banking application, SMS services, or mobile banking website	Requires a banking application, SMS services, or banking website
How are you likely to access your account?	Needs internet access, generally via Wi-Fi or a wired connection	Needs internet access, typically via Wi-Fi or data connection	Needs internet access, either via Wi-Fi, wired connection, or a data connection

What is Online Banking?

Online banking refers to financial transactions that are conducted via the Internet.

Also known as Internet banking or web banking, it involves accessing a bank's website through a computer browser. Customers can access practically all of the services typically provided by a local branch, such as deposits, transfers, and bill payments.

What is Mobile Banking?

Mobile banking is the act of conducting financial transactions using a mobile device.

Before apps became the modern standard for mobile banking, some banks provided SMS-based mobile banking, which allowed customers to conduct transactions by sending texts to the SMS banking line.

 

What is Digital Banking?

Digital banking refers to transactions that operate exclusively online.

Digital banks provide the same banking services as traditional banks. As a result, there are no actual bank branches, and all of your standard banking services are only accessible through a smartphone or other smart device.

 

Top Online and Mobile Banking Apps in the Philippines

In this section, we will look at some of the leading mobile and online banking apps in the country that are offering a range of features and services to their customers.

 

AUB Online Banking

In the AUB mobile app, clients can efficiently manage your reward points and air miles, exchange them for rewards, and use them to get free travel.

The existing AUB online banking web service serves as the foundation for the AUB Mobile App. It is designed to provide AUB clients with a robust, quick, and efficient mobile user experience.

 

AUB Savings Account
Minimum Initial Deposit	N/A
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 5,000
Annual Interest Rates	0.10%
Below Maintaining Balance Monthly Fee	Php 250
Online Features	In-app salary loan application Credit card rewards Mange air miles Send and monitor remittances Encoding of transaction details with an in-app teller

BPI Mobile and BPI Online

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is the first bank in Southeast Asia and the Philippines.

The BPI Online app and website had a significant update in 2019, and thanks to the better user interface and online security, BPI Online is now among the best mobile banking apps available.

 

BPI Regular Savings Account
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 3,000
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 3,000
Annual Interest Rates	0.0625%
Below Maintaining Balance Monthly Fee	Php 300
Online Features	OTP log-ins and transactions Biometrics for log-in (fingerprint and face recognition) Viewing of account and e-statements Card control Pay bills online

BDO Digital Banking

BDO is the biggest bank in the Philippines, owned by the SM Group which is among the most powerful corporations in the country.

The BDO Digital Banking app was recently updated and improved to create the BDO Online app, which is intended for simple and secure mobile banking.

 

BDO Peso Savings Account
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 2,000
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 2,000
Annual Interest Rates	0.0625%
Below Maintaining Balance Monthly Fee	Php 300.00
Online Features	OTP for log-ins and completing transactions Pay bills online Prepaid load payments Reload BDO Cash Card ATM Card Control

China Bank Online

China Bank’s online and mobile banking services includes a long list of features in addition to its remittance feature and innovative platform for applying for home and car loans.

 

China Bank Easi-Save ATM Savings Account
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 500
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 500
Annual Interest Rates	0.125%
Below Maintaining Balance Monthly Fee	Php 300.00
Online Features	Access to emergency cash option Monitor account rea-time Money transfer Pay bills online

EastWest Online and Mobile

Customers of EastWest can benefit from the basic banking capabilities offered by the EastWest Mobile app. Customers can access more features by using the desktop-based EastWest Online service.

 

EastWest Savings Account
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 2,000
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 2,000
Annual Interest Rate	0.125%
Below Maintaining Balance Monthly Fee	Php 500.00
Online Features	Transfer funds to other banks or accounts Manage beneficiaries and accounts Built-in OTP generator Online bill payment

Land Bank Mobile Banking App

Land Bank is the largest official lender in the provinces and the financial arm of the Philippine government.

The user-friendly layout of the LandBank app and its secure features provide users peace of mind. Clients can also receive real-time notifications from Landbank Mobile regarding forex and UITF rates.

 

LANDBANK ATM Savings Account
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 500
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 500
Annual Interest Rate	0.05%
Below Maintaining Balance Monthly Fee	Php 200
Online Features	Pay bills online ATM card control OTP for transactions Biometric logins View forex and UITF rates feature

Metrobank Mobile Banking

Metrobank is also one of the biggest banks in the Philippines that provides a wide variety of banking services.

In addition to the standard banking features, the Metrobank mobile app provides an in-app home and car loan calculator. Clients can get the most recent foreign currency rates, financial market news, and banking news from the Metrobank app.

 

Metrobank Regular Savings Account
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 2,000
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 2,000
Annual Interest Rates	0.0625%
Below Maintaining Balance Monthly Fee	Php 200
Online Features	OTP for log-ins and transactions Send and receive money using mobile number Pay bills online Prepaid loading Forex rates Application for home and car loans In-app online calculator for loans

PNB Internet and Mobile Banking

Customers can consider opening an account with PNB if they want a solid desktop and mobile banking platform. The banking functions on PNB Internet and Mobile are efficient and simple to use.

For instance, customers can manage their credit and debit cards, check their UITF portfolio, and send money from anywhere in the country using the PNB Mobile app.

 

PNB Savings Account
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 3,000
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 3,000.00
Annual Interest Rates	0.10%
Below Maintaining Balance Monthly Fee	Php 350.00
Online Features	Transfer funds to different banks or accounts Use a phone number to send money Control credit and debit cards Manage investment portfolio

PSBank Mobile

PSBank significantly updated its mobile app, adding new efficient and secure features.

Check deposits, an in-app OTP generator, the option to lock and unlock your cards, and real-time account monitoring are just a few of the features that PSBank Mobile offers. Customers can also use the app to enable cardless ATM withdrawal.

 

PSBank Savings Account
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 0
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 2,000
Annual Interest Rates	0.10%
Below Maintaining Balance Monthly Fee	Php 500
Online Features	Scan checks to deposit OTP for authentications Cardless ATM withdrawal Card control

RBank Digital

RBank, also known as Robinsons Bank, offers the benefits of online banking.

In addition to their other online banking capabilities, RBank Digital allows customers to easily pay their bills, monitor their finances, and transfer money online.

 

RBank Savings Account
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 2,000
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 2,000
Annual Interest Rates	0.125%
Below Maintaining Balance Monthly Fee	Php 500.00
Online Features	Track finances via the app Bills payment OTP Card control QuickR Way to Pay Open an account online

RCBC Digital

Numerous cutting-edge financial services are available on the RCBC Digital app. With the Convert to Installment function, customers can use an installment plan for their purchases. It also offers a QR generator for fund transfers and an in-app analyzer that can track current expenses.

 

RCBC Savings Account
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 0 – Php 25,000
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 0 – Php 25,000
Annual Interest Rates	0.15% – 4.00%
Below Maintaining Balance Monthly Fee	Php 500.00
Online Features	Send money with a custom QR generator. Cash out via scanning paper checks Convert expenses into manageable installments App-based spend analyzer

Security Bank Online

The robust mobile app from Security Bank Online enables users to open the app using a fingerprint or facial ID. The fast user interface and free service of the app make fund transfers easy as well.

 

Security Bank Savings Account
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 100 – Php 10,000
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 500 – Php 25,000
Annual Interest Rates	0.10% – 1.20%
Below Maintaining Balance Monthly Fee	Php 300.00
Online Features	Fingerprint authentication upon log-in eGiveCash to transfer money via SMS Pay bills online Prepaid loading ATM card control UITF subscription and redemption Forex transactions

UnionBank Online

Numerous accolades have been given to UnionBank for being a pioneer in online banking in the country. When it comes to digital banking, UnionBank is known for being innovative.

Its mobile banking app is superior to that of its competitors because it was the first bank in the Philippines to open a fully digital branch.

 

UnionBank Savings Account
Minimum Opening Deposit	Php 10,000
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 10,000
Annual Interest Rate	0.10%
Below Maintaining Balance Monthly Fee	Php 1,000
Online Features	OTP for transactions Login via fingerprint scanner Check account details Bills payment and prepaid loading Digital account opening

Best Online and Mobile Banking Apps Comparison

Let's now review the data from above and compare their key features. We have put together this comparison of the best online and mobile banking apps, so you can make an informed decision about which one will meet your needs.

 

Online Features	Online and mobile banking services that offer the feature	Online and mobile banking services that don’t offer the feature
Transfers and online bill payments	All banks	None
Notifications and warnings	All banks	None
Online account opening	All banks	None
ATM and Branch Locator	All banks	None
Biometric authentication	BPI, BDO, Land Bank, Metrobank, PNB, PSBank, RCBC, Security Bank, Unionbank	AUB, ChinaBank, EastWest, RBank
Card Control	BPI, BDO, EastWest, Land Bank, PSBank, RBank, RCBC, Security Bank, UnionBank	AUB, China Bank, Metrobank, PNB
Cardless ATM withdrawals	BDO, China Bank, Landbank, Metrobank, PNB, PSBank, RCBC, Security Bank, UnionBank	BPI, EastWest, RBank
Chatbot support	BPI, BDO, EastWest, Landbank, Metrobank, PNB, RCBC, Security Bank, UnionBank	ChinaBank, PSBank, RBank

Top 11 Digital Banks in the Philippines

Digital banks in the Philippines are becoming increasingly popular as more people are turning to digital banking services for convenience and safety.

With a wide range of features and services, these digital banks are providing Filipinos with a convenient way to manage their finances.

In this section, we will discuss the top 11 digital banks in the Philippines and their features that make them stand out from the rest.

 

CIMB Bank

Southeast Asia is home to more than 1,000 branches of Malaysia's CIMB Bank. In January 2019, it began operating in the Philippines, positioning itself as an all digital bank.

 

CIMB Bank
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 0
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 0
Annual Interest Rates	2.5% – 4%
Physical Debit Card	Yes
Other key features	Open account via app Identity verification via selfie check Pay bills online Prepaid loading Deposit (over-the-counter or online) Applications for personal loan No service fee

DiskarTech

This app, which is run by Rizal Commercial Banking Association (RCBC), offers basic functions including opening a savings account, loading your phones, and making deposits and withdrawals through partner channels.

 

DiskarTech
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 0
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 0
Annual Interest Rates	3.25%
Physical Debit Card	No
Other key features	Pay bills online Purchase insurance plans within the app Earn money through referrals

GoTyme Bank

GoTyme is a partnership between Tyme, a multi-country digital banking group headquartered in Singapore, and the Gokongwei Group of companies. GoTyme Bank combines the convenience of an instant account opening with a customized debit card issued through kiosks across the entire country of the Philippines.  

 

GoTyme
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 0
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 0
Annual Interest Rates	3%
Physical Debit Card	Yes (FREE)
Other key features	Earn Go Rewards points Send money between GoTyme bank accounts for free In-app promos Earn 3% on your savings

Komo by EastWest

EastWest Bank powers the virtual banking service known as Komo. It gives users a debit card that can be used for free fund transfers, withdrawals, and online bill payments through the Komo mobile app.

 

Komo by EastWest
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 0
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 0
Annual Interest Rates	3%
Physical Debit Card	Yes (FREE)
Other key features	Insured by PDIC

Maya Bank

Maya Bank, formerly PayMaya, is a feature-rich money app targeted for Filipino consumers. Users may save, grow, and invest their money with the help of Maya, which merges a secure wallet with a cutting-edge banking experience.

 

Maya Bank
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 0
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 0
Annual Interest Rates	4.5% – 6%
Physical Debit Card	Yes
Other key features	Easy application Personalized Maya card Maya Credit Boost interest up to 6%

NetBank

The first platform in Southeast Asia offering banking as a service is Netbank. In order for Filipino Fintechs to expand quickly, cut expenses, and speed up financial inclusion and innovation, it offers banking services on a totally white-labeled model.

 

NetBank
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 0
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 1.00
Annual Interest Rates	Up to 7%
Physical Debit Card	Yes
Other key features	Php1 minimum to earn interest OTC cash-in

Overseas Filipino Bank (OF Bank)

OFBank, a digital-only bank that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Land Bank, enables its customers to conduct financial transactions anywhere in the world. This feature is exactly why it’s intended for OFWs and their families.

 

Overseas Filipino Bank
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 0
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 0
Annual Interest Rates	0.05%
Physical Debit Card	Yes
Other key features	Receive remittance from OFBank Account holders, free of charge Transfer money to and from accounts at other local banks Pay bills using an ATM or online merchants Make cashless payments via BancNet POS terminals

SeaBank

The SeaBank PH mobile banking app was created to accommodate all users' daily financial demands. It is a division of Sea Limited's digital finance services unit, which also owns Shopee.

 

Sea Bank
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 0
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 0
Annual Interest Rates	Up to 5%
Physical Debit Card	No
Other key features	No lock-in period No account fees

Tonik Bank

Tonik focuses on the sizable unbanked population in the country. This Singapore-based neo bank offers quick, simple, secure transactions for consumer financial products, deposits, loans, savings accounts, and payments. It is a 100% digital platform.

 

Tonik Bank
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 0
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 0
Annual Interest Rates	1.00% – 6.00%
Physical Debit Card	Yes
Other key features	Insured by PDIC Customizable app according to user preference

UnionDigital

UnionDigital, a division of UnionBank, is a fully digital bank available to all Filipinos. UnionDigital's mission is to provide everyone with access to safe and secure virtual assets and digital banking.

 

UnionDigital
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 0
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 0
Annual Interest Rates	1.00% – 6.00%
Physical Debit Card	Yes
Other key features	Digital deposit Lending products Corporate payments Money Transfer

UNO Digital Bank

UNO Digital Bank is among the six digital banks recognized by BSP. UNOBank is prepared to compete in the Philippines' digital banking market with its artificial intelligence-powered platform.

 

UnionDigital
Minimum Initial Deposit	Php 0
Minimum Maintaining Balance	Php 0
Annual Interest Rates	Up to 4.25%
Physical Debit Card	Yes
Other key features	Zero transaction fees​, Cash in for free online & over-the-counter in over 7,500 outlets nationwide* Get free Life Insurance coverage worth PHP 50,000.00 Get a FREE UNO Virtual Debit Mastercard with a minimum deposit of PHP 100.00 only.

Choosing the Best Digital, Mobile, or Online Bank

Finding the right digital, mobile or online bank for your needs can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it is important to consider all factors before making your decision.

Remember to look at the features and services offered by each bank and compare them to determine which one best suits your needs. These features range from fees and interest rates to customer service and security measures.

Research all of the options available, so you can make an informed decision that will provide you with the best banking experience possible.

 

FAQ

What is the best digital bank in the Philippines?

Choosing the best digital banks largely depends on your needs and goals.

For instance, if you aim to use the digital bank account for savings, then your best option is Maya which offers up to 6% of annual interest rate. But if you are looking for a digital bank that’s helpful for foreign remittances, then OFBank should be your top choice.

 

Is Gcash a digital bank?

No. GCash is a mobile wallet rather than a digital bank. With GCash, customers can make purchases of goods and services, typically through a smartphone app.

It differs from a digital bank, which operates mostly online and lets customers do the majority of their banking operations there.

 

How many digital banks are licensed in the Philippines?

There are currently six digital banks licensed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). These digital banks are UnionDigital, GoTyme, Tonik, Maya Bank, OFBank, and UNObank.

 

When was digital banking introduced in the Philippines?

Digital banking was first officially recognized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in 2020.

That year, BSP approved digital banks as a new official category of banks. But in 2017, Union Bank of the Philippines was the first to open the nation's first all digital branch.