PDAX: Investing in Philippine Government Bonds from your Mobile Device

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Government Bonds: High Returns with Minimal Risk

When it comes to balancing returns and safety, government bonds stand out as one of the most reliable investment options. These fixed-income securities are backed by the full faith and credit of a national government, making them virtually risk-free, particularly in stable economies.

Unlike stocks or private investments that fluctuate with market volatility, government bonds offer predictable returns through regular interest payments and guaranteed principal repayment upon maturity. This makes them ideal for ultra-conservative investors, retirees, or anyone looking to preserve capital while earning a steady income.

In the Philippines, instruments like Treasury Bills (T-Bills) and Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs) are popular choices. They’re accessible, often start at low denominations, and offer competitive yields compared to traditional savings accounts. Plus, since they’re issued by the government, the risk of default is extremely low.

In short, government bonds combine security, stability, and respectable returns, a rare trio in the investment world. For those seeking peace of mind without sacrificing growth, they’re a smart place to start.

Treasury Bills (T-Bills) vs. Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs). What's the difference?

Feature	Treasury Bills (T-Bills)	Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs)
Maturity Period	Short-term: usually 91, 182, or 364 days	Medium to long-term: 2 to 25 years
Interest Structure	Sold at a discount; no periodic interest payments	Pays quarterly interest at a fixed rate
Minimum Investment	Typically ₱100,000 or more	Accessible at ₱5,000 minimum
Target Investor	Institutional or high-net-worth individuals	Designed for retail investors (general public)
Risk Level	Very low (backed by the government)	Also very low (government-backed)
Liquidity	Highly liquid; traded in secondary markets	Less liquid, but tradable depending on market conditions
Purpose	Ideal for short-term parking of funds	Suitable for income generation and long-term growth

To summarize:

T-Bills are great if you want a short-term, low-risk place to park your money and earn a modest return through discounted pricing.
RTBs are better if you're looking for regular income and are willing to hold your investment longer. The quarterly interest payouts make them attractive for budgeting and passive income.

Both are backed by the Philippine government, so they’re considered among the safest investments available. If you're building a diversified portfolio, you might even consider using both depending on your time horizon and cash flow needs.

Investing Convenience: Buying Government Bonds via PDAX

For Filipino investors seeking a safe and accessible way to grow their money, PDAX has made investing in government bonds refreshingly simple. Traditionally reserved for banks and brokers, Treasury Bonds are now available to everyday users through the PDAX app, less the hassle at the comfort of your own home.

With just a few taps, users can:

Create a Bonds Account after verifying their PDAX profile
Fund their wallet using local cash-in partners of their choice
Browse available bond offerings during the public offer period
Place buy orders starting at just ₱500

These bonds are backed by the Philippine government and offer competitive annual yields (e.g., 5.75% on recent tranches). Investors receive quarterly interest and full principal repayment at maturity, making them ideal for long-term savings or passive income.

PDAX also sends timely email updates, from order confirmation to maturity payout, so you’re never left guessing. It’s a modern, mobile-first way to invest in one of the country’s most secure financial instruments.

PDAX User Verification: Step-by-Step Guide

Note: The sign-up process may change without notice, but should follow the general flow listed below. There may be new requirements in the future, so please bear that in mind when following this guide.

1. Sign Up and Log In

Download the PDAX app or visit [web.pdax.ph](https://web.pdax.ph).
Register using your email address and create a secure password.
Log in to access your dashboard.

2. Start the Verification Process

Tap “Upgrade Now” or click “Get Verified” from your profile or portfolio page.
This initiates the KYC (Know Your Customer) process required for financial platforms.

3. Fill Out Basic Information

Provide your full name, birthdate, address, mobile number, and other personal details.
Make sure all entries match your official documents to avoid delays.

4. Submit a Valid Government-Issued ID

Accepted IDs include:

- Passport
- PhilSys National ID
- Driver’s License
- UMID, SSS, PRC, Postal ID
- Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) for foreigners

Upload a clear photo of your ID in a well-lit area. Ensure all details are readable.

5. Complete a Face Scan

Follow the on-screen instructions to perform a live selfie scan.
Remove glasses or masks and rotate your head gently in a circular motion as prompted.

6. Answer Additional Questions

You may be asked about your citizenship, employment status, and whether you're a Politically Exposed Person (PEP).
PDAX may also ask about your financial objectives and risk appetite to tailor your experience.

7. Wait for Confirmation

Once submitted, verification typically takes up to 48 hours.
You’ll receive an email notification once your account is verified and ready to use.

Once verified, you can start buying government bonds, and accessing other financial products directly from your PDAX account. It’s a secure, regulated gateway to digital finance in the Philippines.

Note that PDAX isn't the only facility that offers government bonds. In fact, PDAX in partnership with Unionbank developed Bonds.ph which provides the underlying trading platform. A similar arrangement with GCash is available and is a service called GBonds. You may in fact bypass these facilities and make an account with Bonds.ph directly.