📩 How to Invest in Stocks Using COL Financial (Step-by-Step Guide)

This week’s issue is all about making your first investment in Philippine stocks using COL Financial—still one of the most trusted online brokers in the country.

But first, let’s get something out of the way:

⚠️ Quick Update on Minimum Deposit (as of August 2025)

Previously, COL offered a ₱1,000 minimum deposit via the COL Starter account. As of today, though, their website now reflects ₱25,000 minimum requirement to activate a new account.

There are still scattered references to the ₱1,000 Starter account, but we haven’t been able to confirm if it’s still available for new accounts. We're monitoring this closely and will update you if we get a solid answer.

So for now, assume that ₱25,000 may be the new standard minimum to open a COL account.

In today’s edition, we’ll go over:

• How to open a COL Financial Account, fund it, and buy your first stock

TLDR;

The Bottom Line

• COL Financial remains a solid broker, but as of August 2025, it may now require a ₱25,000 minimum deposit for new accounts (we’re confirming this as we speak)

• The account setup process is fully online. You’ll need a valid ID, TIN, selfie, and signature specimen; approval takes 2–5 business days.

• Funding is easy via BPI, BDO, UnionBank, GCash, or Maya, and your first stock purchase can be done inside the platform by entering the stock code, quantity, and price.

The content

Step 1: Prepare Your Requirements

Before applying, make sure you have:

• A valid government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license, UMID)

• Your TIN (Tax Identification Number)

• A selfie holding your ID (this will be uploaded during application)

• Active email address and Philippine mobile number

• Bank account for funding (GCash is also accepted for funding, but not for registration)

📌 If you're a student, you can apply as long as you're 18+ and submit your TIN later.

 Step 2: Apply for a COL Financial Account

1. Go to https://signup.colfinancial.com/

2. Hover over “Get Started”

3. Verify your email and mobile number.

4. Complete the form, upload your documents, and wait 2–5 business days for approval.

5. Once approved, you'll get an email with your COL account number and a link to set your password.

Step 3: Fund Your Account

Once your account is approved, it's time to put money in.

How to Fund It (3 easy options):

Option 1: Bank Transfer

• Use your bank’s Bills Payment feature (BPI, BDO, Metrobank, UnionBank, etc.)

• Pay to COL Financial Group, Inc.

• Use your COL account number as the reference/account number

Option 2: GCash or Maya via Bills Pay

• Open GCash → Pay Bills → COL Financial

• Enter your COL account number and amount

Option 3: Over-the-counter at partner banks

Only if you prefer doing it in person. 

⏳ Funds reflect in your COL account within 1–2 banking days

Click here for more instruction on how to fund your COL account.

Step 4: Buy Your First Stock

Once your funding clears, it’s time to buy. Yes, the interface looks like it hasn’t changed since 2010, but once you know where to click, it’s simple.

How to Buy Stocks on COL:

1. Log in to www.colfinancial.com

2. Click the “Trade” tab → then “Enter Order”

   

3. Fill in the following:

   • Stock Code (e.g., JFC for Jollibee, ALI for Ayala Land)

   • Number of shares (must follow board lot minimums)

   • Price (or select “Market” to buy at current price; we recommend this so you have a higher chance your transaction goes through)

4. Click “Preview Order” → then “Place Buy Order”

5. Once your transaction gets a match, you’re now a shareholder.

To monitor your stocks, go to Trade → Portfolio. This is where you’ll see gains, losses, and dividends (if any).

📌 Example:

Let’s say you want to buy Jollibee.

• Price: ₱225/share

• Board lot: 10 shares minimum

• ₱2,270 (plus ~PHP 30 fees) = total cost

• You enter 10 shares of JFC, preview the order, and place it

Once executed, the shares show up in your portfolio.

Final Thoughts

The stock market isn’t just for rich people. But it’s also not always immediately beginner-friendly, especially when platforms change their minimums without making it super clear.

That said, the real win isn’t picking the “best” platform. It’s starting with what you have, building the habit, and learning the system while the stakes are still low.

Curious about what all those stock terms actually mean? If you'd want a no-BS guide to investing jargon, hit reply and let me know. I'll make it happen.

Stuff Worth Sharing

The Link Lowdown

• No, Stock Investing Isn’t Just for the Rich — Here’s How You Can Start: Curious what first stock to buy? Read this.