Top Digital Banks for Saving and Growing your Money in the Philippines (2026)

Let’s be honest — traditional banks can be a little… exhausting. Long lines, low interest rates, and a passbook that makes you feel like it’s 1995 (and yes, I say that as someone who was actually born that year! 😄). If you’ve been looking for a smarter, more modern way to save and grow your money, digital banks might just be your best financial friend.

In this guide, I’m breaking down the top digital banks in the Philippines, how you can use them to earn passive income, and which ones make the most sense depending on your financial goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your savings game, this is for you. 💸

First Things First: What Even Is a Digital Bank?

A digital bank is a bank that operates entirely online — no physical branches, no long queues, and often, no hefty fees. You open an account, manage your money, and earn interest all through a mobile app.

In the Philippines, most digital banks are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which means they operate legally and follow strict financial rules. Your deposits are also insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) for up to ₱1 million per depositor — so your money is protected.

Think of digital banks as the upgraded, tech-savvy version of traditional savings accounts, but with way better rates.

Why Should You Use a Digital Bank?

Here’s the thing: traditional savings accounts in big banks often give you a measly 0.10% to 0.25% interest per year. That’s basically nothing. Digital banks, on the other hand, offer 2.5% to 6% base interest rates — and sometimes even higher during promo periods.

Digital banks are great for:

• 🏦 Emergency fund — Keep 3–6 months’ worth of expenses here, liquid and accessible
• ✈️ Travel or sinking funds — Saving up for a trip? Park your fund here and watch it grow
• 💤 Idle cash parking — Got money just sitting around? Put it to work
• 📆 Short to medium-term savings goals — Think 3 months to 2 years
• 💰 Low-risk passive income — Earn interest without doing anything extra

Now let’s get into the actual banks.

Top Digital Banks in the Philippines (2025)

1. Maya Bank — Best for Highest Promo Interest Rates

Maya (formerly PayMaya) is probably the most well-known digital bank in the Philippines right now, and for good reason. It’s an all-in-one finance app that combines your digital wallet, savings, time deposits, crypto, and even credit.

How you earn:

• Base savings rate of around 3.5% per year
• Boosted rates up to 10%+ through missions, spending milestones, or savings goals
• Time deposits at up to ~6%

Best strategy: Park up to ₱100,000 in Maya’s boosted savings to maximize the higher interest tier. Use their “Personal Goals” feature for locked savings with better yields. Stack your rewards by spending on the Maya debit card to unlock higher rates.

Pros: Highest earning potential when promos are active, daily interest crediting, integrated ecosystem (wallet, crypto, credit)

Cons: The boost mechanics can be confusing at first; high rates are often capped at a certain balance

Realistic expectation: If you park ₱100K with active boosts, the yield is very competitive — comparable to time deposits. However, amounts beyond the cap will earn at a lower blended rate.

2. MariBank — Best for Cashback + Transfers

MariBank is backed by Sea Group (the same company behind Shopee and SeaBank), making it a smart choice if you’re already within that ecosystem.

How you earn:

• Around 3.5% savings interest
• Cashback on debit card spending
• Free or discounted weekly transfers depending on active promos

Best strategy: Use MariBank as your go-to liquidity wallet — keep money here for spending while earning interest at the same time. Great if you’re also an active Shopee user.

Pros: Cashback + savings in one account; frequent transfer perks

Cons: Limited investment products; few time deposit options

3. GoTyme Bank — Best for Savers Who Also Love Rewards

GoTyme Bank is a collaboration between Gokongwei Group and Tyme Group. If you shop at Robinsons malls or use GoRewards, this one’s a natural fit.

How you earn:

• Savings interest ranging from 3.5% to 5% per year
• Go Rewards points on debit card purchases

Best strategy: Stack your savings growth with lifestyle spending — you earn points while your balance earns interest. Great for someone who wants a balanced approach.

Pros: Free debit card, Robinsons mall perks, intuitive savings goal tools

Cons: Interest ceiling is lower compared to Maya’s promo rates

Realistic expectation: This is a great everyday savings account, especially if you’re in the Robinsons ecosystem.

4. Tonik Digital Bank — Best for Time Deposit Lovers

Tonik was actually the first digital bank to be officially licensed in the Philippines, so it has a solid track record. It’s ideal if you want to lock in money for a set period and earn higher interest.

How you earn:

• Time deposits at up to ~6% per year
• “Stash” savings buckets for organized goal-based saving

Best strategy: Try time deposit laddering — divide your savings into multiple TDs with different maturity periods (e.g., 3 months, 6 months, 12 months). This way, some money is always becoming available while still earning good rates.

Pros: Strong TD rates, savings segmentation with Stash buckets

Cons: Lower liquidity when funds are locked in a TD

Realistic expectation: Best for medium-term investors who don’t need instant access to all their funds.

5. UNO Digital Bank — Best for Structured Savers

UNO offers tiered interest rates based on your balance, making it a clean and straightforward option for those who like structure.

How you earn:

• Savings interest at around 3% to 3.5% depending on tier
• Time deposits up to ~5%

Best strategy: Optimize your balance across tiers and combine regular savings with time deposits for a blended return.

Pros: Competitive TD offerings, clean and easy-to-navigate app

Cons: Smaller ecosystem compared to Maya or GCash-linked banks

6. CIMB Bank / GSave — Best for GCash Users

GSave is powered by CIMB Bank and lives right inside the GCash app — making it the most accessible option for the millions of Filipinos already on GCash.

How you earn:

• Around 2.6% base interest on GSave
• Promo boosts that can reach 10%+ during special campaigns
• Upsave (also via CIMB) offers an insurance benefit alongside savings

Best strategy: Keep an eye on CIMB and GSave promos and rotate funds in during high-interest periods. Use Upsave if you want a savings-insurance hybrid in one.

Pros: Seamlessly integrated with GCash; frequent limited-time promo rates

Cons: Base rate is lower than competitors when promos aren’t active

How to Choose the Right Digital Bank for You

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

A Few Tips Before You Start

Start with one digital bank. Don’t open five accounts at once — pick one that matches your current goal and master it first.

Keep your emergency fund liquid. Don’t lock all your savings in a time deposit. Always have at least 1–2 months of expenses in an easily accessible savings account.

Read the promo terms. High promo rates (like 10%+) often come with conditions — spending requirements, balance caps, or limited periods. Know what you’re signing up for.

Remember PDIC insurance. Your deposits are insured up to ₱1 million per bank. If you have more than that, spread it across multiple banks.

Treat digital banks as part of a bigger plan. These are great for saving and earning interest, but they’re just one layer of your financial strategy. Consider also looking into Pag-IBIG MP2, stock investing, or UITFs once you’ve built a solid savings foundation.

Final Thoughts

Digital banks have genuinely made saving money easier, more rewarding, and more accessible for Filipinos — especially millennials who want to take control of their finances without the hassle of traditional banking.

You don’t need a huge starting amount. Even ₱5,000 parked in a digital bank earning 4–5% interest is better than letting it sit idle in a zero-interest piggy bank. Start small, be consistent, and let your money work for you while you sleep. 😊

Have you tried any of these digital banks? Which one’s your favorite? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to know!

Disclaimer: Interest rates and promos mentioned in this article are approximate and may change. Always check each bank’s official app or website for the most updated rates. This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.