Surprisingly, the money that I have transferred form PayPal to my Security Bank account only took three (3) business days which is awesome. Unlike the other bank I've tried, the transfer takes as long as 5 days.

Aside from the transfer, I've also decided to create an e-Secure Savings which allows my money to earn interest starting at PhP 5,000. I have yet to see how it would fare so, I'll be posting some updates as well how this one goes.

As for the other features, what I like most is how every transaction or change requires a One-Time-Password (OTP) which ensures the account security. From changing phone numbers, to enrolling other accounts/mobile number for reloading, they'll all require an OTP.

Together with the OTP, I like Security Bank's e-give Cash which allows me to send money to anyone via my online portal. I don't have to go through long lines in Western Union, and pay for additional fees for sending. I personally hate going to "Padala" centers as I always have some other important things to do.

I sent money to my mom earlier and she received the 16-digit code in her mobile phone while I forwarded the passcode to her. All she needed to do was to go to a Security Bank ATM, punch in the codes she got to claim the money I sent. Easy right? She didn't have to wait in line, fill-out forms, and present ID.  After my mom claimed the money, I also received a confirmation through SMS that the money has been claimed. I didn't have to ask her to know if she claimed it or not. Some might think that having it setup this way may actually pose security risks as my mom might not be the one I'm sending the money to. But of course, I called her before and after I sent the money just to confirm.

Has any one of you got any experience banking with Security Bank? How was it? Feel free to add your comments!

Yesterday morning, around 10, I went back to the branch where I opened my savings account with Security Bank to activate online banking. I was advised that it would be activated in 24 hours. But then I got an email just a few minutes ago stating that my online account has been activated. It hasn't even been 24 hours yet. So happy!

So I went in and explored the portal, so far, it exceeded my expectation. The interface was quite clean and easy to navigate. I wasn't expecting to have an option to reload my mobile through the online banking portal as it was documented that they only support Suncellular for now--I think that's the only information in their website that's outdated. But it's okay, at least I didn't expect too much.

I also learned that the account number of the savings account is different from the card number, contrary to what I've been reading from other posts online. This is another plus for me as it ensures that the account number isn't readily available to anyone, just in case you lose your card.

I have yet to check how it would go for PayPal withdrawal as it's just been activated and I just added it today in my PayPal account. I'm actually planning to use this as a separate account just for savings. I might be closing my other account as it's just a prepaid wallet but I might still continue it for cash withdrawals.

If you'd like to know more about opening an account with Security Bank, you can go to a branch near you.

I've decided to post this since I've been receiving comments/ messages related to my previous posts about RCBC MyWallet as it's one of the most widely used method of verifying Paypal as well as transferring Paypal to bank and for Odesk LFT. However, it's been so stressful dealing with RCBC lately as it's really hard to get my information updated (updating mobile phone, resetting transaction password).

So I went out looking for some other alternatives and I chose  Security Bank which is quite a great alternative. The staff are friendly, and there's not too many people (actually, there were only 3 people in the bank when I went to the Rizal Street Branch in Cabanatuan). They don't make a fuss about getting 1x1 pictures and you could open a savings account with just one (1) valid ID. The best part is that you'll get the "Everyday Card" which is their ATM card with a MasterCard logo and you'll get this on the same day of your account opening. The whole process only took about 20 minutes (great, isn't it?).

This is good news for people who'd want to have a savings account but is being held back for the lack of at least 2 IDs. Please note that you'll have to prepare 5,000 PhP for the initial deposit (it's a bit too high compared with other banks though, but I think that it's just okay).  Other perks would be avoiding long queues and waiting time, being able to make transactions online and get alerts via SMS. Personally, I like the fact that I can activate my online account access through an ATM (just like BPI and BDO) and I don't have to contact their support to get this done.

I got the Easy Access account as I don't want a passbook. I've also enrolled my account for online access and activated it via ATM and I'm waiting for the activation until after 24 hours.

I guess this would just be for now as I'm still waiting for my online access to be activated. I'll be posting more about using the Everyday Card for verifying Paypal and for withdrawing funds from Paypal.

[Experience BetterBanking with Security Bank!]