RCBC launches first-ever U.S. virtual account in PH through partnership with Meridian

• From L-R: Commission on Filipino Overseas Undersecretary Ma. Arlene Borja, RCBC President and CEO Reggie Cariaso, Meridian Co-Founder and CEO Will Haering, Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovations and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva, Meridian Co-Founder and President Bradley Riss, and US Embassy Senior Commercial Officer Paul Taylor.

By TechWatch PH Staff

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) has unveiled a pioneering feature within its RCBC Pulz app — the U.S. Virtual Account, developed in partnership with Meridian, a U.S.-based leader in real-time global payments networking.

This marks the first time a Philippine bank allows customers to open and manage a U.S. virtual account without a U.S. address, Social Security number, or residency, providing Filipinos seamless access to the U.S. financial system.

Through the RCBC Pulz app, users can now receive domestic payments in real time from any U.S. bank, with funds instantly reflected in their linked peso accounts — effectively removing the usual delays, high transfer fees, and complexity associated with traditional cross-border remittances.

“RCBC has always been about breaking barriers and building bridges, especially for the millions of Filipinos with strong ties abroad,” said Reggie Cariaso, RCBC President and CEO. “Through our partnership with Meridian, we are enabling every Filipino, whether a freelancer or an entrepreneur, to connect directly to the U.S. economy. This is financial inclusion made real.”

Redefining global remittances

With USD36 billion in annual remittances flowing into the Philippines, the new feature aims to modernize money transfers by allowing faster, more transparent, and more affordable access to funds.

“Global payments often take hours or even days, with fees eating into what people actually receive,” explained Will Haering, CEO of Meridian. “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. It’s not just about faster transactions, it’s about leveling the financial playing field to make global payments local.”

Unlike traditional digital banking products, the RCBC Pulz U.S. Virtual Account gives Filipinos direct access to U.S. payment systems — a privilege historically reserved for U.S. residents. Users can receive up to US$10,000 per month, enabling smoother management of cross-border income.

“We’re not just digitizing existing services — we’re redesigning how money moves across borders,” said Lito Villanueva, RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer. “This innovation puts RCBC ahead of the curve in the region’s digital banking race.”

Backed by government support

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) hailed the initiative as aligned with the country’s digital transformation agenda.

“This innovation aligns perfectly with the DICT’s mission to build a safe, reliable, and digitally empowered nation,” said DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, citing the agency’s pillars of cybersecurity, efficient data access, and digital innovation.

Serving the modern Filipino economy

The launch comes as Filipino freelancers and gig workers increasingly engage with U.S.-based clients, alongside millions of Filipino immigrants and overseas workers supporting families back home.

Starting November 11, Filipinos can create their own U.S. virtual accounts directly within the RCBC Pulz app, receive payments in USD, and convert funds to PHP instantly — providing faster and more transparent transactions for families and professionals alike.

RCBC, widely recognized for its award-winning digital platforms such as Pulz, DiskarTech, and ATM Go, continues to champion inclusive innovation. Backed by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and recognized by Euromoney as Best Bank for Digital for six consecutive years, RCBC remains at the forefront of financial technology in the region.

On the other hand, Meridian is a global leader in instant cross-border payment systems, connecting leading financial institutions directly to the domestic payment rails in the U.S., Europe, the UK, and the UAE.

“Our shared vision is to eliminate borders in banking so that global payments become local,” Haering said.

“Banking should move at the speed of life,” Villanueva added. “Wherever you are in the world, your financial future is within reach.”