Whether you’re applying for a Schengen Visa, planning to explore the romantic streets of Paris, or just responding to your long-distance jowa’s “See you soon” with a hopeful grin, one thing’s for sure: the embassy will ask you for proof of financial capability.

Two of the most common financial documents required are the Bank Statement and the Bank Certificate. But what exactly are they? How are they different? Do you need both? And how the heck do you fill out that Client Request Form without getting a headache?

Don’t worry, I got you fam. Let’s go!

What Is a Bank Certificate?

Let’s start with the classic question: What is a Bank Certificate?

A Bank Certificate is an official one-page document issued by your bank that summarizes the status of your account. It’s neat, formal, and straight to the point—perfect for visa applications and other official transactions.

What’s included in a Bank Certificate?

• The account holder’s name
• The type of account (savings, checking, etc.)
• The date the account was opened
• The current balance
• The average daily balance (important for visa approvals)
• A statement that your account is in good standing

Why it matters:

A Bank Certificate is proof that you have an active, healthy account with enough funds to support your trip abroad.

Embassies love this because it shows:

1. Your account is not brand new
2. You maintain a certain amount of money regularly
3. You’re financially ready for the trip

You will likely be asked to submit a Bank Certificate alongside your Bank Statement.

What Is a Bank Statement?

A Bank Statement, on the other hand, is a detailed document showing all the transactions in your account over a certain period—usually 3 to 6 months.

It includes:

• Dates of deposits and withdrawals
• Amounts
• Types of transactions (ATM, online, in-branch)
• Running balance after each transaction

Why embassies need it:

A Bank Statement paints a bigger picture. It shows how your money moves:

• Are you receiving a regular salary?
• Do you have consistent spending habits?
• Is the account active, or did you just deposit a big amount last week?

So while the Bank Certificate proves you have money, the Bank Statement proves you use money responsibly.

Bank Certificate vs. Bank Statement: The Differences

Let’s lay it out in a table for easier comparison:

Pro Tip: Embassies typically ask for BOTH. So don’t pick one—you’ll need a Bank Certificate and a Bank Statement.

How to Request a Bank Certificate or Bank Statement

Most banks require you to visit a branch and fill out a form—called the Client Request Form—to officially request your Bank Certificate and/or Bank Statement.

Here’s a step-by-step on how to do this.

How to Fill Out and Sign the Client Request Form (PNB Edition)

We’ll walk through the PNB Client Request Form since it’s commonly used for these requests. But other banks like BDO, BPI, Metrobank, and RCBC follow similar processes.

Step 1: Prepare These Before You Go

• A valid government-issued ID
• Your account number
• Know your purpose (Visa Application)
• Your embassy address (if mailing)
• Payment for the Bank Certificate and/or Bank Statement fees

Step 2: Fill Out the Form

Section A: Date and Contact Info

• Write the current date
• In the “Mail To” section, write where the document should be sent.
• Sign your name on “Signature of Depositor”
• Write your active mobile number (so they can contact you if needed)

Section B: Name of Accountholder

Write your full name exactly as it appears on your account.

Section C: Type of Account

• (/) Tick desired accounts that you wanted to request copies of Bank Certificate and/or Bank Statement
  • If you have a dollar account or other foreign currency account, feel free to include that too—it can help strengthen your financial profile.
  • You can also include multiple accounts under your name with the same bank. Just make sure to list all the account numbers you want covered in your request.
• Write your account number(s) beside it

Section D: Type of Request

This is where you officially tell the bank what you need.

• (/) Bank Certification
• (/) Tick Visa Application
• Fill out the Embassy name and Address

Example:

Embassy of France in Manila
21st floor, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Tower 2 Paseo de Roxas corner Makati Avenue, Makati City, 1226 Metro Manila

• Also tick (/) Statement of Account and include the date range (example: 01/01/2025 to 06/20/2025)

Boom! You just told them you need both a Bank Certificate and a Bank Statement for your visa application.

Section E: Conformé (Consent Section)

This is where you give your legal consent.

Here’s what to do:

• Tick (/) your payment method:
  • (/) Cash or (/) Debit Account No. (then write your account number)
• Write the estimated fee (around PHP 200–300 depending on the bank)

Then sign:

• Under Depositor, and write the current date
• If joint account, your co-depositor also signs

Section 7: Authorization (Optional)

If someone else (like your assistant, parent, or jowa) is submitting the form for you:

• Write their name
• Representative’s signature
• They must bring:
  • A signed Authorization Letter from you
  • Photocopy of your valid ID, with 3 specimen signatures
  • Their own valid ID

Section 8: For Bank Use Only

Leave this part blank. This is where the teller or bank officer will:

• Check your ID
• Approve your request
• Process your Bank Certificate and Bank Statement

How to Claim the Documents

Claiming Options (Section G):

• In person: Show ID, sign the “Acknowledgement” portion of the form
• Via authorized rep: Must have your signed authorization letter and both IDs
• Mailing (if abroad): Provide mailing address in the “Mail To” section

Processing Time:

• Bank Certificate: 1–2 banking days
• Bank Statement: 1–3 banking days (especially if long date range)

How Much Does It Cost?

Always double-check with your specific bank branch.

Tips to Avoid Mistakes

• Write legibly – Block letters help!
• Use the same signature as your bank records
• Make sure your Bank Certificate is dated within 1 week of your visa application
• Your Bank Statement should cover at least 3 months, or 6 months if applying for UK, France, or Canada
• Be ready with an extra valid government-issued ID and pen
• Keep a scanned/digital copy of the document for your records

Sample Scenario

I am applying for a Schengen Visa through the Embassy of France in Manila. As part of the visa requirements, I am requesting a Bank Certificate and Bank Statement for my savings account maintained with the Philippine National Bank.

Steps:

1. Go to PNB Pasig Branch
2. Bring valid ID and account number
3. Fill out the Client Request Form as follows:
   • (/) Bank Certificate – Visa Application
   • (/) Statement of Account – 01/01/2025 to 06/20/2025
   • Addressee: Embassy of France
   • Address: 21st floor, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Tower 2 Paseo de Roxas corner Makati Avenue, Makati City, 1226 Metro Manila
4. Pay PHP 350 (PHP 250 for Bank Certificate, PHP 100 for Bank Statement)
5. Sign and submit
6. Wait 1–2 days and claim the documents
7. Submit both to the French Embassy with her visa requirements

Et voilà!

Summary: What You Need to Remember

Final Thoughts

Applying for a visa can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone. With this guide, you’ll know exactly what a Bank Certificate is, how it’s different from a Bank Statement, how to request both, and how to fill out the Client Request Form correctly.

As long as you:

• Submit both documents on time
• Sign the form properly
• Maintain healthy bank activity
• Smile confidently at the embassy (optional but helpful!)

—you’re already halfway to getting that shiny visa stamp.

So go forth, fill out that form, and collect your Bank Certificate and or Bank Statement with grace and confidence.