Step by Step Guide in Opening an Account in COL and Start Investing in Stocks

I received several queries on how to open an account online for stocks trading, especially those OFW friends. To save myself from repeated instructions, I decided to blog it for your reference.

Before you start, I just want to make sure you know what you are doing. Investing in stocks is a long term commitment. Invest only the money you won’t be using in another 5 or more years, the longer the better. If you are thinking of cashing out all the money after a year, then this guide is not for you. You have been warned 🙂

Citisec Online is the leading Philippine stocks broker online. I will guide you how to open account to them.

To start with, you need to fill up some forms with your complete details. Download the forms by clicking it.

1. Individual Customer Account Information Form
2. Trading Agreement
3. Signature Cards

These are just basic information, filling up should be easy. The form has a field for bank account in the Philippines. This is useful if you are an OFW, in which all your withdrawals can be deposited directly on your bank account. However, if you do not have right now, it’s ok and not  necessary yet. But when you go back to Philippines, try to open on in BDO 🙂

Aside from these forms, you need a photocopy of any of below valid identifications:
* Passport  (Must have signature like the new passsport. In case don’t have, sign the xerox copy before sending)
* Philippine driver’s license
* SSS ID (1999 credit card type only)
* GSIS ecard plus
* Professional Regulation Commision (PRC) ID
*Comelec Voter’s ID

And one copy of any billing statement: phone, credit card, bank statement as long as it contains your name and address. They need the original for this one.

Now you should have the 3 fill up and signed forms, photocopy of your valid ID and original billing statement.

Put everything in one envelope and mail to below address.

CitisecOnline.com Inc.
Unit 2401-B East Tower,
Philippine Stock Exchange Centre,
Exchange Rd., Ortigas Center,
Pasig City 1605 Philippines

Once they received your application form, they will process it and send you email notification. Make sure you fill up your email address correctly on the form.

Together with the email, they will give you your COL Account username and password. They will also instruct you to deposit your initial fund now. At this time, you can login to www.colfinancial com and navigate the site. But you don’t have the fund yet to actually trade stocks.

You can deposit either Php5K (for EIP) or Php25K (normal account). If you have the means, go for Php25K but if you only have Php5K, go ahead and deposit the money to COL bank account below.

Additional information on how to fund your account is available on the confirmation email that they will send to you.

Never mind about the difference between EIP and normal account, not an issue actually.

If you deposit the money from abroad, try to scan the transaction receipt and send to Citisec support. Just reply on the confirmation email they send to you.

Once they confirmed your deposit, you will see the balance under your COL account. You can now start buying stocks 🙂

If you need more information from CITISEC, visit their FAQ site HERE.

Happy trading! If you need help or any questions, just leave your comment or post in my facebook fan page. Make sure you hit the LIKE button to subscribe on my updates.

P.S. A year ago, I do not know anything about investment. Then I joined Truly Rich Club by Bo Sanchez. It was the best decision I ever made in my life. Brother Bo is a spiritual preacher and at the same time, financial literacy advocate whose purpose is to help people become rich in order to serve the LORD with the money that they have. He guided me along the way, explaining how I can manage my money and make it work hard for me. Now I’m investing in stocks and mutual funds and have a clear path for my future. Soon I’ll open UITF account as well. All are made possible by his guidance and teachings on every steps to become an investor. Being OFW isn’t forever, this is my EXIT PLAN. It’s amazing how his teachings change my life. I’m inviting you to join the club too, JOIN TRULY RICH CLUB. If you have any question, feel free to leave your comment below. CLICK HERE TO JOIN