How to Get a Bank Certificate for Visa Processing

One of the most common requirements when applying for a visa is the bank certificate. For many Filipino travellers, this document often raises questions: “What exactly is a bank certificate for visa?” and “How do I get one?”

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

What is a Bank Certificate for Visa?

A bank certificate for visa is an official document issued by your bank that shows:

• Your account details (name, account number, and type of account)
• Current account balance
• Average daily balance (ADB), often for the last 6 months
• The bank’s stamp and authorized signature

This document is used by embassies to check your financial capacity and confirm that you can support your travel expenses abroad.

Why Embassies Require a Bank Certificate

Embassies and consulates ask for a bank certificate to make sure you can:

• Pay for flights, accommodations, and daily expenses during your trip
• Avoid working illegally or overstaying abroad
• Return to the Philippines with financial stability

In short, your bank certificate helps prove that your trip is genuine, planned, and financially supported.

Bank Certificate vs. Bank Statement: What’s the Difference?

Many travellers confuse the two, but they serve different purposes:

• Bank Certificate – A one-page official document summarizing your balance and ADB, issued on request.
• Bank Statement – A detailed record of your account transactions over a certain period (usually 3–6 months).

👉 Most embassies require both, since the certificate confirms your current balance, while the statements show your saving habits.

How to Get a Bank Certificate in the Philippines

Getting a bank certificate for visa is simple:

1. Visit your bank branch – Bring a valid ID.
2. Request a bank certificate – Mention that it’s for visa purposes.
3. Pay the processing fee – Usually ranges from ₱100 to ₱200, depending on the bank.
4. Wait for release – Some banks issue it immediately, while others may take 1–3 banking days.

💡 Tip: Always double-check that your certificate includes the bank’s official seal and authorized signature.

Tips for Using Your Bank Certificate in Visa Applications

• Request it close to your application date – Some embassies require the certificate to be issued within the last 3 months.
• Maintain consistent savings – Embassies often review your ADB, not just your current balance.
• Avoid sudden large deposits – They may raise questions about the source of funds.
• Prepare both certificate and statements – Submitting both provides stronger proof of financial stability.

How Much Bank Balance Do I Need for Visa Approval?

The Embassies do not publish official balance requirements, but you can use this simple rule of thumb:

1. Calculate your total trip cost – For a 5–7 day stay in Japan for example, this is around ₱170,000.
2. Match your average daily balance (ADB) – Your bank’s ADB should cover at least this amount (₱170,000).
3. Add a safety margin – Multiply the trip cost by 1.5 to determine the safest balance to show. ₱170,000 × 1.5 = ₱255,000. So you must have at least ₱255,000 bank balance.

Note: This is how we compute and guide our clients through our visa assistance services. Final visa approval is at the discretion of the Embassy.

Your records should demonstrate steady and reliable savings over time. Visa officers generally look for applicants who can comfortably cover their travel expenses and still maintain a financial cushion afterward. Providing truthful and well-documented proof of funds will help strengthen your application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a joint account for my visa application?
Yes, but you may need to provide proof of relationship and an affidavit of support from the co-account holder.

2. How long is a bank certificate valid?
Most embassies accept certificates issued within the last 3 months.

3. Which banks issue a bank certificate for visa?
All major Philippine banks such as BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Landbank, and Security Bank issue bank certificates upon request.