Manila, Philippines - Social Security System (SSS) members, especially those in far-flung and underserved communities, will soon enjoy easier, more secure, and more accessible banking services as EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB)—East West Banking Corporation’s rural banking arm—becomes the first rural bank issuer of the MySSS Card.

This initiative expands financial access in areas where formal banking options remain limited, enabling more Filipinos to conveniently avail of the MySSS Card and receive their benefits without traveling far.

Through this partnership, members nationwide can enjoy the convenience of a dual-purpose MySSS Card. It serves as both an official SSS ID and a fully functional debit card, enabling secure benefit disbursement, digital payments, and everyday financial management.

A streamlined MySSS Card application process will be available at EWRB’s 112 branches nationwide and at EastWest branches through Cross‑Selling Desks, most of which are situated in the provinces, particularly in Mindanao and Visayas, where access to banking services remains limited.

During the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement, EWRB President Shiela Marasigan-Bajado and SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph M. de Claro highlighted the shared commitment to bring essential financial services closer to Filipinos.

“We will waive maintaining balance requirements for MySSS cardholders, who may also earn interest once their balance reaches at least ₱500, allowing them to grow their savings while enjoying flexible account features,” Bajado said.

De Claro emphasized the project’s importance in improving member experience, strengthening security, and streamlining disbursement account enrollment, as accounts are automatically enrolled in SSS for receiving benefits and loan proceeds. “The MySSS card also empowers SSS to deliver seamless digital payment solutions for registrants, members, pensioners, and beneficiaries,” he noted.

He further highlighted that the card integrates verification checks against the National ID database to validate member identities and ensure accurate benefit and loan disbursements.

Reinforcing EWRB’s Commitment to Financial Inclusion

The MySSS Card Program strengthens EWRB’s long-standing mission of expanding access to essential financial services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Over the years, EWRB has implemented initiatives designed to uplift communities and support secure financial growth, including:

  • Accessible savings products for low-income earners, farmers, MSMEs, and unbanked individuals.
  • Simplified account opening, reducing barriers for first-time clients in rural communities.
  • Digital transaction channels via EastWest’s mobile and online banking platforms, allowing clients to conveniently manage their funds anytime, anywhere.
  • A decade-long partnership with SSS, dating back to 2017, when EWRB was recognized as Best Collecting and Best Paying Partner in the rural bank category of the SSS Balikat ng Bayan Awards.

Through these efforts, EWRB continues to champion inclusive banking, ensuring that more SSS members across the country gain access to secure, reliable financial tools that help them manage their benefits and build their financial future.

“Our goal has always been to make essential financial services accessible to every Filipino wherever they are,” Bajado said. “Through the MySSS Card Program, we are proud to support SSS in bringing secure and convenient banking closer to the communities that need it most.”