Opening a bank account just got easier for millions of Filipinos, as Salmon Bank now lets customers complete their application by simply scanning their National ID QR code and doing a quick liveness check—no need to present or upload physical identification documents at all.
Beyond greater convenience for the public, the partnership brings stronger security to the banking system. The integration enables Salmon Bank to run real-time, reliable identity verification directly through the National ID system, matching applications against government-stored biometric records. This helps the bank spot fake identities and flag suspicious applications early, so it can safely serve more people without compromising on security.
“With 94 million Filipinos now registered and holding a National ID number, the infrastructure for financial inclusion is already in place. This integration lets us build on that, making it simpler for millions of Filipinos to open a bank account, while giving us the tools to do it securely and responsibly,” said Raffy Montemayor, Deputy CEO of Salmon Bank.
The move also supports the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ drive to expand National ID use across the financial sector, a central part of the country’s push toward digital transformation and broader financial access. The National ID Authentication System has already recorded more than 186 million successful authentications to date, with some 73 million coming from financial institutions and private organizations.
“This collaboration demonstrates how the government and the private sector can work together to make digital services more accessible and secure for Filipinos. Together, let us continue building a future where trusted identity empowers every Filipino to be financially included and participate in our growing digital society,” said Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General of the Philippine Statistics Authority, represented by Assistant Secretary Rosalinda P. Bautista.
For Salmon Bank, the partnership marks another step toward lowering the hurdles that keep many Filipinos outside the formal financial system. The bank said it remains focused on building services that are not just easy to access, but also dependable and beneficial for all users. Salmon Bank (Rural Bank) Inc. is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Deposits are accepted only within bank premises or through authorized bank channels and are insured by the PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.
