SSS taps EastWest Rural Bank to reach more communities in Visayas, Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — The Social Security System (SSS) has partnered with EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB) to bring its dual purpose card to underserved rural communities in Visayas and Mindanao.

According to the state-run pension fund, the MySSS card will soon be available at EWRB’s 112 branches and branch-lites this year. It may also be offered at Cross-Selling Desks inside the branches.

READ: SSS rolls out new ID card with bank debit function

“We will waive maintaining balance requirements for MySSS cardholders, who may also earn interest once their balance reaches at least P500, allowing them to grow their savings while enjoying flexible account features,” EWRB president Shiela Bajado said in a joint statement with SSS on Wednesday.

The MySSS card, first launched in October 2025 to replace the long-standing Unified Multi-Purpose Identification card, serves as an official ID and debit card.

According to SSS, the card uses the National ID database to confirm that applicants are registered SSS members, which will ensure that the card issuance by partner banks is secure and accurate.

READ: SSS reiterates no hike in member contributions until 2027

The fund has been in partnership with EWRB since 2017. This makes the bank the first rural bank card issuer of SSS. /dda