Pioneering the Path: Tonik Bank Leads with PhilSys ID Authentication as First Digital Bank

In a significant step forward for financial inclusion in the Philippines, Tonik, the country's first digital-only bank, has integrated with the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) API for faster, reliable, and highly accurate identity verification. This move removes a barrier for many Filipinos who struggled with submitting government-issued IDs, opening up Tonik's services to a wider audience and enabling more individuals to begin building their credit histories.

PhilSys, the government's unified national ID program, aims to provide a single, secure, and standardized ID for all Filipinos. By integrating with the PhilSys API, Tonik accepts all ID formats, including physical PVC cards, digital copies, and eGov app IDs. Customers can now upload ID photos directly from their phones for Tonik's ID verification process, making the process seamless and convenient.

Manual verification is eliminated with the use of the PhilSys API, resulting in real-time ID verification in less than 10 seconds. This enhancement boosts security, reduces fraud risk, and improves the overall digital banking experience. The PhilSys API cross-checks data points including biometric matches and QR code information, ensuring a high level of accuracy and security.

Tonik's use of the PhilSys API also strengthens customer trust by leveraging new technology. The bank's commitment to making digital banking faster, safer, and more inclusive for all Filipinos is reinforced through this integration. The PhilSys API integration enables a fully digital, secure banking experience for all Tonik users.

This integration accelerates onboarding for Tonik's services, allowing more customers to access Tonik's offerings and begin building their credit histories. The PhilSys API aims to streamline access to government and financial services, and Tonik's implementation of this API aligns with this goal.

The Philippine National Bank (PNB) was the first bank in the Philippines to implement the PhilSys-ID verification for account opening, self-service, account upgrading, and reactivations; the PhilSys API was publicly made available in 2021. The API's availability has since enabled Tonik and other financial institutions to provide a more seamless and secure banking experience for their customers.

By embracing the PhilSys API, Tonik is helping to advance financial inclusion across the country. The bank's use of this technology allows historically underserved Filipinos to access formal banking and build credit histories, contributing to the government's goal of reducing barriers to digital transactions and improving access to financial services for all Filipinos.