Filipinos can now open US bank accounts through RCBC Pulz app

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) has partnered with Meridian, a US-based provider of real-time global payments, to introduce the RCBC Pulz App US Virtual Account, a service that allows Filipinos manage a US bank account without needing a US address, social security number, or residency.

The partnership comes as remittances from the US to the Philippines rose 3%, from $3.08 billion in July 2024 to $3.18 billion in July 2025, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). With roughly $36 billion in remittances flowing into the country each year, the RCBC Pulz App US Virtual Account wants to make receiving money from the US faster.

“We’re not just digitizing existing services, we’re redesigning how money moves across borders,” said Lito Villanueva, EVP and chief innovation and inclusion officer, RCBC. “The RCBC Pulz App US Virtual Account embodies our commitment to building a more inclusive, tech-driven, and borderless financial ecosystem.”

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Users receive a personal US account that can accept domestic payments in real time from any US bank. Funds are instantly reflected in their linked RCBC Pulz peso accounts, removing the delays and fees associated with traditional cross-border transfers.

“By partnering with RCBC, we’re creating a seamless, compliant, and secure bridge that lets Filipinos enjoy the same access, speed, and convenience that US-based users experience locally,” said Will Haering, CEO of Meridian. “It’s not just about faster transactions, it’s about leveling the financial playing field to make global payments local.”

Compared with other digital banking products that only facilitate remittances, the RCBC Pulz App US Virtual Account connects Filipinos directly to US payment systems. Users can receive up to $10,000 per month directly into their RCBC US Virtual Account.

The service emphasizes security by working directly between RCBC and Meridian, removing intermediaries. It leverages RCBC’s KYC checks to verify users at the first interaction and maintain secure links for future transactions.

“The next place it (money) touches is the RCBC Bank account,” said Bradley Riss, president and co-founder of Meridian. “By removing intermediaries, we don’t have to cross-check the user through multiple channels. Instead, we can rely on the RCBC team’s KYC process, which lets us verify the user right away and continue linking them afterward. Transactions then pass directly from the US to the RCBC account.”