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Business

How to call MERALCO hotline using cellphone (all networks)

It’s easy to call MERALCO using cellphone.

Just enter 16211, then press the dial button. The number format is the same if you contact them using a landline phone. No prefix or whatever.

The number should work on any cell phone.

You can call Meralco on any local network. However, please note that regular rates apply.

For example, Smart charges the standard rate of seven pesos and fifty cents per minute currently. So, make sure you have enough load. Say, you need assistance on a not-so-simple billing concern.

For other networks like Globe, please check their website for the updated rates.

Note that 16211 is dedicated for residential customer inquires. If you need assistance on your business account, please dial 16210. No prefix or whatever.

Both hotlines operates twenty four/seven.

Based on experience, it seems that Meralco has sufficient frontliners. For the past two instances that I called them up, there was no queue. They answered both calls immediately. If my memory serves me right, I called them in the afternoon. Some companies struggle with the volume of calls during business hours, but Meralco doesn’t.

Note that I haven’t tried calling them up these days. The Luzon-wide quarantine may have affected their call center operations. So again, make sure that you have enough load to contact them.

If your concern is not urgent, there are other channels to get in touch with them. For example, you can email them at customercare at meralco dat com dat ph. I typed it in that way to hide it from spambot.

Lastly, Meralco has an online knowledge-base. Alternately, they have social accounts where you can connect with them. Say, Messenger.

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So, that’s how to call Meralco hotline using cellphone.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please comment down below. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Cheers!

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Business

This is how to load PayMaya using BPI online account • 2020

It’s been a long time since my last post related to BPI. Now, this’ gonna be the first time that I will write a guide about PayMaya. In this blog, I will guide anyone on how to load PayMaya using BPI online account.

Talking about first, I’m not using any financial accounts outside BPI. But then, PayMaya, an e-wallet app, came to my life. It’s because I needed a replacement to my credit card for online transactions.

I’d been transferring or adding money to PayMaya through my BPI online account. However, BPI hasn’t fixed the “This feature is temporarily unavailable” error yet. So, I dumped PayMaya for a few months, then went back to using my credit card.

Now, as in today, I reinstalled the app and I was amazed to see BPI as an option. So, after trying, I’m now ready to share the knowledge.

What do you need?

First things first, I wanna talk about the requirements, in order to load PayMaya using BPI online account, first, you need internet obviously. Secondly, the PayMaya app with an active account. Thirdly, an active BPI online account with funds from a savings account or what. And lastly, a phone bearing the phone number or SIM card registered to the BPI online account. Like any other online services nowadays, the following transaction that I’ll explain involves authorization using one-time PIN aka OTP. Okay?

How to load PayMaya using BPI online account

This will not take so much time to do. IMO.

  1. Open your PayMaya app, then on the home screen, tap Add Money.

  2. Tap the very first option; Bank account.

  3. Tap the BPI logo.

  4. Type in the amount you would like to transfer or add to your PayMaya account. Then, hit Continue.

    The minimum amount is 500 pesos. On the other hand, the maximum is 20,000 pesos.

  5. Check the amount, then tap Continue.

    Based on the test I’ve conducted, there’s no transaction fee, transfer fee or load fee. Note that PayMaya or BPI may provide this service free-of-charge temporarily.

  6. Note that you will complete the next steps on BPI’s side. To start, sign in to your BPI online account. If you have a mobile app, enter the same login, then tap Accept.

  7. Select the source account or the account on which the system will take the money from. Tap Continue to proceed.

    Note that credit card is not an option at the moment.

  8. Tap Send code to proceed with authorizing the transaction.

  9. Type in the six digit code that BPI sent to the phone number. Tap on Submit to complete the load transaction.

  10. If everything’s correct and working, you will see a confirmation like this:

    Congrats!

  11. The PayMaya app will reflect the added money or fund real time.

So, that’s it! That’s how you load PayMaya using BPI online account. Hopefully, it helps. If not, feel free to rant in the comment section below. Cheers!

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Business

Here’s How to Cash Your SSS Salary Loan Check

If SSS issued you one, first, you must verify that all information is accurate. To cash it, you have to check the issuer. Is it LANDBANK or PNB?

SSS may have partnered with another bank, so you must check the logo. Why? Correct me if I’m wrong, but you can only cash your funds from the issuing bank.

Make sure to bring valid IDs. You may ask your HR directly about the requirements, or the bank.

Now, you might ask how you can get your money from another bank. It is possible, but you have to deposit your check. Meaning, they will put the amount to your existing account. For example, savings (ATM card or whatever).

The drawback is you don’t have access to your funds immediately. The bank will add it to your balance, but you can’t use it until after the clearing process. It takes three business days.

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P.S. Should you need assistance, feel free to email me here. Make sure that your email address is valid if you want to hear from me. If you want, you can also inquire through the comments section below. You may also read the inquiries from other readers.

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Business

Does BPI Support 3D Secure?

As online merchants are now supporting 3D Secure, many local banks are yet to support it, but BPI already does [though it took a while].

Not sure as to when it was exactly implemented, but if my memory serves me right, it was the time when they sent out an update to their clients about the One-Time Password feature which is eventually the 3D Secure thing.

What is It For?

3D Secure is a sort of a security feature deployed on a certain card brand which is used to authorize and authenticate a certain transaction, for example, MasterCard SecureCode which BPI implemented not only for credit cardholders, but for prepaid cardholders as well.

I thought it’s only for credit cards and I was surprised to find out that they have implemented it on prepaid cards as well.

Instead of “MasterCard SecureCode” or “Verified by VISA”, it appears that they rebranded or named it to One-Time Password.

For BPI cardholders, there’s no need to enroll.

Every eligible cardholder can take advantage of the feature without signing-up. Just need to update the email address or mobile number in an online banking account as much as possible. Those are the two details that a one-time and unique PIN or password used to authenticate an online transaction can be sent to. So, either should be working or accurate.

Example of BPI OTP sent via email

Aside from updating contact information in BPI Express Online [EOL], calling customer service at 89-100 is another option for both credit and prepaid cardholders. Last option is to fill out a certain form or whatever, then drop by to a BPI office.

One-Time Password feature is free-of-charge.

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Business

Paying a PLDT Bill with Credit Card

Is this possible? YES, it is!

Paying a PLDT bill using a credit card can be accomplished at home and it’s through internet.

There’s no uniform or specific website link to access since it varies depending on an account number. There’s a format, but I won’t rather give that since it’s subject to change anytime.

Actually, the payment portal can be accessed through the link provided in a printed bill. How?

Just scan the QR code which is in a bill’s first page with a smartphone’s, phablet’s, or tablet’s camera, then it should decipher the link embedded in it which is of the Pay Express Online portal. Note, for some devices, a third-party QR code scanner app may be required.

An internet connection is a must to make a payment online. Just scanning the code without visiting or opening the decoded link with a web browser won’t work.

The first page of the Pay Express online will show the total outstanding balance of an account which can be paid in full or partial.

The minimum payment required is 200 pesos. The total payment can be edited anytime at the space provided.

Tip: Not paying the full outstanding bill after the due date may lead to service interruption. PLDT is strict with arrears.

Debit/ATM card option

Debit cards are also accepted as long as it is a VISA or MasterCard. No AmEx or UnionPay option as of writing.

The third-party that processes the payment is PesoPay which I think also processes payment on Jollibee’s ordering site.

I didn’t hesitate to process my payment the first time through them because the site connection is secure starting from Pay Express Online.

The payment flow is same with other merchants. Just need to enter the card details, then submit it for processing.

The good news is PesoPay supports 3D Secure like MasterCard SecureCode where a unique PIN or password will be sent to the cardholder and should be entered manually to proceed with a transaction.

Another good news?

Payment confirmation is real-time. I always get an SMS confirmation and the payment is usually posted the next day.

I shared in this post that PLDT posts payments even on a Saturday. Haven’t tried paying yet on a Friday, but it could be possible as well with CC payments.

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Business

Paying a Cebu Pacific Reservation in Foreign Currency

All of my past bookings from Cebu Pacific were paid in Philippine Peso, but time came when I needed to book a one-way flight from Incheon to Manila and the bill was in Korean Won.

I’m not sure if I missed an option, however my concern is the conversion. I’m thinking I can pay in peso, but I dunno how much exactly.

At the same time, I also booked a return flight for a friend and her bill was in peso. The same route costed PHP6,876.34.

I tried to get some clarification from a Cebu Pacific branch and I was informed that the conversion will depend on the partner store where I’m going to pay.

Sadly, I wasn’t offered a rebooking, so I dropped by a Robinsons’ dept store and paid it.

The full payment was PHP6,981.00 which is higher than Cebu Pacific’s.

One thing I noticed is even though I paid in peso, the currency on the confirmed itinerary is still in Korean Won.

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Business

BPI: How to Get a Bank Statement

Need a bank statement for VISA application, or for whatever purpose? If yes, read on.

What is a Bank Statement

It is a documentation which contains an account’s, say savings, transaction history. The more transactions made, the more papers needed to print it.

How Much Does It Cost

Actually, I’m not sure.

PHP100.00 is the total amount deducted from my savings account when I requested a bank statement and certification last time in BPI Megamall.

If my memory serves me right, it’s the same amount I paid for my bank cert a few months ago. Prolly, the statement is free if a certification is requested too.

Again, I’m not sure. As per the website, if “from Bank Statement Unit” [what a jargon], the first three pages costs 100 pesos and there’s an additional PHP10.00 per succeeding page.

How to Get a Bank Statement

Just go to any BPI branch and proceed to customer service. A form must be filled out prior to processing.

Usually, a bank statement is issued immediately or during a visit.

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Business

Want to Get A Credit Card The Surest Way?

To get approved for a credit card may be a challenge for you. It’s up to the bank whether to issue one.

The good news is there is an alternate way to get a card without going through the eye of a needle. How? Grab an SCC!

If you are already fed up and would like to get your first card with 100% approval, then read on!

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IT ALL STARTED…

On December 17, 2015, I ditched UnionBank, and I transferred my savings to BPI. I signed up for a passbook account with them.

Since BPI declined my CC application for whatever reason, I decided to get a credit card through their Express Start Program.

What is Express Start?

It’s a program for us or for new and existing BPI account holders who wish to get a credit card without submitting the usual papers. The primary requirement is collateral by holding a certain amount in a savings or time deposit (TD) account.

The purpose of the collateral is to secure a card that BPI will issue or solely for their peace of mind.

The standard contract duration is one year. After that, you can request the release of your held fund and a regular credit card without collateral.

If you wish to build a credit history, but gets denied by banks or lending companies, your alternate option is SCC.

Please note that if you have an unpaid balance, BPI has the right to recover, charge or deduct your debt including interest and penalties from your account. They have the right as well to terminate your card if there’s a violation. It’s on the contract.

Tip: Secured credit card or SCC is the usual term for a card released through this kind of program.

Requirements

✔ A Savings or Time Deposit account – Passbook or BPI Express Teller ATM card (regular or payroll).

The minimum hold-out amount is 10,000 pesos if you will use a savings account. If Time Deposit, it’s PHP50,000.

You can sign up for an account and a credit card at the same time. If you want to know more about the process, check out this guide.

✔ A photocopy of your valid ID – UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose ID), Driver’s License, Passport, etc.

✔ A fully-accomplished Deed of Assignment and BPI Express Start application form – The first one must be filled out in three copies. It’s the contract.

✔ Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR), work permit or embassy accreditation papers – This applies to foreigners only.

✔ Age – You should be 18 or above.

See? No Certificate of Employment (COE), BIR Form 2316, payslips, or whatever.

Where to Apply

You can only sign up at any BPI or BPI Family Savings Bank in the country.

Approval and Credit Limit

If BPI approves your application, they will provide you a credit limit up to 90% of your frozen fund.

For example, if your hold-out amount is 10,000 pesos, BPI will provide you a credit limit of up to 9,000.

BPI will hold the remaining amount, and you can’t use it. The approval rate should be 100%, but I would say 99% because it is still subject to approval.

When I signed up for my card, I am 100% sure that my application will be approved and it was!

Approval Confirmation and Card Delivery

BPI told me that the time frame is 21 days, and they will call me about my application. They never did though.

For reference, here’s the timeline of my experience:

■ December 17, 2015 (Day 1) – I signed up for a credit card at one of the BPI branches in Ortigas.

■ December 28, 2015 (Day 12) – I called customer service (89-100) to follow up my application. The representative confirmed that it was approved. She told me that my credit card information might be posted late to my EOL account due to holidays.

■ January 5, 2016 (Day 20) – BPI uploaded my account details. At 1:33 p.m. on the same day, I received a text message from “BPIDelivery” about the delivery of the card within 5 to 10 business days.

■ January 13, 2016 (Day 28) – I have no idea where the card is, so I called customer service again. I requested to forward it to the BPI branch near my place, and they advised me to wait another six business days for the update. :(

■ January 15, 2016 (Day 30) – BPIDelivery told me through text message to pick up the card.

■ January 18, 2016 (Day 33) – I successfully claimed the envelope.

It took a month, but still, it was worth the wait.

BPI delivers a card through LBC and Air21.

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Please note that the card that BPI will issue to you is pre-activated. There’s no need to call them up. You can use it asap.

If you have an existing EOL account and you wrote your registered email address on the application form, BPI will automatically associate your card details.

SCC from Other Banks

Aside from BPI, you can also apply for an SCC from UnionBank, RCBC, etc.

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Please note that policy and procedure might change without prior notice.

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P.S. Should you need assistance, feel free to email me here. Make sure that your email address is valid if you want to hear from me. If you want, you can also inquire through the comments section below. You may also read the inquiries from other readers.

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Passbook Account Opening Guide | BPI

Can’t decide? Want to get more information about opening a passbook account in BPI? Requirements? Perks? If yes, read on.

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I only have a payroll account in BPI [Bank of the Philippine Islands] until recently. I decided to open a passbook account with them and to transfer all my savings from UnionBank because I’m already fed up of UB’s lame service.

The application went just fine. Hence, I published this guide or review to share my experience and to help those who want to learn more about BPI passbook.

I’ll start this post by comparing the passbook account that is offered by BPI and one of its subsidiaries.

BPI vs BPI FAMILY SAVINGS BANK

What’s the difference? Where to open an account?

BPI, and its subsidiary, BPI Family Savings Bank, offer the same service or product with a difference in interest rate and monthly service fee which is charged on accounts with below the required minimum Average Daily Balance [ADB].

BPI offers 0.250% interest rate per annum, while BPI Family Savings Bank offers 0.500%.

The required minimum ADB [Average Daily Balance] of the said two banks is just the same which is PHP10,000.00.

An account’s ADB is equivalent to the sum of its daily balance in a month divided by the total number of days in that specific month.

If an account is below the required minimum ADB in two consecutive months, BPI deducts PHP300.00 monthly service fee, while BPI Family Savings Bank charges PHP250.00.

They both charge PHP200.00 monthly if an account is dormant [defined by BPI as no client-initiated transaction] within two years.

Earned interest is being credited to an account quarterly as long as the required end-of-day balance of PHP25,000.00 and above is being maintained.

Note: BPI and BPI Family Savings Bank offer different passbook accounts, but in this post, I’ll just focus on Peso Savings/Deposit.

DOES A PASSBOOK ACCOUNT COME WITH AN ATM CARD?

Nope. For me, it’s an advantage because I can avoid withdrawing fund easily compared to an ATM card. Also, I can focus on saving money.

The only way to withdraw money from a passbook account is to go to a BPI branch directly [over-the-counter transaction]. It is recommended to bring a passbook for updating.

I am not sure if it is possible to withdraw money in a BPI branch if an account was opened in a BPI Family Savings Bank or vice versa. I haven’t tried it yet. Usually, I just transact with any BPI branch near my place or office.

LINKING PASSBOOK ACCOUNT TO A BPI EXPRESS ONLINE ACCOUNT

BPI Express Online

It is possible to enroll or add a passbook account as a third-party to an existing Express Online [EOL] account with an active ATM-based account linked to it. Just like what I did!

I requested during my application to have my passbook account enrolled to my EOL account where my active payroll is linked to. With that, I can conveniently transfer money from my payroll account going to my passbook account with just a few clicks.

How to request it? I’ll discuss that later.

Note: A passbook account will not be included in the accounts list if enrolled as a third-party. Its transaction history will not be viewable online as well. It will be included only in the list of third-party accounts under Fund Transfer.

It is not yet possible to transfer fund from a passbook account to another savings account online.

Proceed to the next page.

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Business

Request GCash Transaction History

Globe logs all of your transactions every time you use your GCash account to send money, buy load, pay bills, donate, shop online using your AMEX virtual card and etc. Thus, you’ll be able to track your expenses.

You can get a copy of your transaction summary in two ways. You can print it any time via My GCash or you may request a copy of your transaction history to be sent to your email using the GCash app.

Via My GCash Portal

My GCash is an online account management tool available on the new Globe site. You may access it anytime to check your account balance and do some transactions like to send money or view your statement of account.

Go to this link for a thorough instruction on how to access My GCash Portal.

Once you’ve logged in, click View detailed transaction summary link. It will show you the transactions you’ve made in the last 30 days. You may adjust the date range by clicking on the drop-down menu.

You can print a copy of your transaction summary by clicking on Request PDF Format link.

Request Transaction History Using GCash App

GCash app is available for download at Google Play or iTunes Store. It’s free for Android and iPhone users. You can use it as well to manage your account, access your AMEX card details, donate to charities, buy load, check account balance, pay bills, transfer funds, change MPIN and locate GCash outlets.

Take note, your smart phone should be connected to the internet such as 3G, LTE or WiFi to operate the application.

Open GCash app. Enter your GCash MPIN. Tap Log In.

Reminder: You need to insert the Globe SIM where your GCash account is linked to your device. You will not be able to access your account using a different SIM.

Tap the GCash menu  in the top-left hand corner. Tap ‘Request Transaction History’

Select your preferred date range: Last 7 days, Last 30 days, Last 60 days or enter a Custom Range.

Enter any working email address where you’d like to receive the copy of the transaction history. Tap Next.

The email will be sent as soon as you confirm the transaction.

Log-in to your email. Check the email from Globe GCash.

The account transaction history is on the email attachment. Generally, it’s a PDF file thus you need a software like Adobe Reader to view it.

When you open the file, you will be prompted to enter the password which is provided in the email.

Remember, transaction history cannot be used as an official document. You can’t use it as a requirement to apply for services from local companies. Please read the disclaimer on top of the PDF file for confirmation.