Looking to invest in the Philippines but you only have 100,000 pesos to start? I’ve been in the same boat—and I know how overwhelming it can be to find the right investment that suits your goals and budget.
That’s why I put together this guide—10 smart and practical investment options ideal for Filipinos looking to grow their savings. These strategies are accessible, beginner-friendly, and most importantly, designed to make your money work harder for you.
Best Investments in the Philippines Under 100K Pesos
1. Invest in the Stock Market
The stock market continues to be one of the most effective ways to grow your wealth—and a great place to begin learning about investing.I’m saying this because, at some point in our financial journey, we naturally become curious about how companies grow, expand, and deliver value to shareholders.
Aside from buying individual stocks, you can also explore other financial instruments on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), such as bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, and REITs.
Start with Blue Chip Stocks
Blue chip stocks are shares of large, established companies with solid reputations and consistent performance. For example, BDO has shown a 42% increase over the last five years. These companies often pay regular dividends, which provide passive income on top of capital appreciation.
Owning shares in companies like Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) or International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICT)—which rose 68% and 49% in five years—means investing in the backbone of the Philippine economy.
Now, let’s look at how to start investing in the stock market with 100,000 pesos.
Investing in the Stock Market with 100,000 Pesos
Start small, focus on blue chip stocks, and diversify across industries. For instance, split your investment across financials (BDO), real estate (Ayala Land), consumer goods (Jollibee), and logistics (ICT). Buy more during market dips and prioritize companies that pay dividends
See the list of Best Dividend-Paying Stocks in the Philippines.
Monitor your investments regularly and consider selling your shares once your gains hit 15% or higher—depending on market conditions.
| Initial Capital: | As low as ₱1,000 |
| Advantages: | High-profit potential Dividends Ownership in top companies Increased financial literacy |
| Disadvantages: | Market volatility Risk of loss if decisions are emotional or uninformed |
| Tip: | Invest in blue chip stocks or index funds to minimize risk as a beginner. |
2. Try Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
REITs are also attractive investments because, under Philippine law (RA 9856), they are legally required to pay at least 90% of their distributable income as dividends to shareholders.
If you’re an investor looking to have real estate exposure, REITs are great option. Since REITs are listed on the stock market, they’re easy to buy and sell—just like regular stocks.
You can check out the Best REITs to Invest in the Philippines.
| Initial Capital: | As low as ₱1,000 |
| Advantages: | 5%–8% annual dividend yield Quarterly payouts Easy to trade |
| Disadvantages: | Sensitive to interest rates Slower price growth Market volatility |
| Tip: | Check the quality of properties in the REIT, tenant profiles, rent income, and future development plans. |
Indeed, REITs are among the best investments in the Philippines under 100K.
3. Discover High-Yield Savings Accounts
High-yield savings accounts from digital banks are gaining popularity in the Philippines because they offer higher interest rates than traditional banks. That means your money works harder — without the risk of investing in stocks or crypto.
They’re a smart place to park your money, especially for short-term goals or your emergency fund.
CIMB’s MaxSave offers 5.75% interest per annum, while Maya Bank gives a bonus of 15% under certain conditions.
While these high-yield deposit accounts are attractive, they’re not ideal for long-term growth as interest rates can change anytime, and their promos end.
But yeah, you can invest 100K in the Philippines and earn good return — some digital banks credit interest daily or weekly instead of monthly.
| Initial Capital: | As low as ₱5,000 |
| Advantages: | Higher interest than traditional banks Easy access via mobile apps |
| Disadvantages: | Promo rates may end There are app glitches No physical branches for client support |
| Tip: | Use for idle cash or emergency savings, and always secure your app and account with strong passwords. |
4. Explore Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are managed pools of money invested in various assets—perfect if you’re not ready to trade in the stock market. Professional fund managers handle everything for you, from analysis to asset allocation.
Higher risks usually come with the possibility of greater returns—but also greater losses. So choose the type of investment that matches your risk tolerance.
| Initial Capital: | As low as ₱5,000 |
| Advantages: | Professionally managed Diversified |
| Disadvantages: | Management fees No guaranteed returns Some funds have minimum holding periods |
| Tip: | Choose equity funds for long-term growth or bond funds for stability. |
5. Learn about UITFs (Unit Investment Trust Funds)
UITFs are like mutual funds, but they’re offered by banks. They’re easy to invest in via online banking, and you can choose from various types—money market funds, bond, balanced, or equity funds—depending on your risk appetite and financial goal.
Follow this guide in choosing your UITF:
| UITF Type | Invests In | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Money Market Fund | Short-term debt instruments | Capital preservation, low risk |
| Bond Fund | Government/corporate bonds | Income + lower risk |
| Balanced Fund | Mix of stocks & bonds | Medium risk, long-term growth |
| Equity Fund | Stocks, Index Funds (PSEi, etc.) | High risk, long-term investing |
| Initial Capital: | As low as ₱10,000 |
| Advantages: | Offered by banks like BDO, Metrobank, BPI, PNB, and Security Bank Easier access via online banking Diversified |
| Disadvantages: | No guaranteed returns Management fees Holding periods |
| Tip: | Match the UITF to your investment goal and time horizon. |
6. Consider Pag-ibig MP2 Savings
If you’re an active member of Pag-ibig Fund (Home Development Mutual Fund), you can invest your ₱100,000 in the Pag-ibig MP2 Savings Program. It’s a special voluntary program that offers a higher dividend rate (7.10%). The best part? It’s low-risk. You don’t have to worry about losing your hard-earned cash because savings are guaranteed by the government.
| Initial Capital: | As low as ₱500 |
| Advantages: | Higher dividends (historically 6% to 7%) Dividends are exempt from taxes and can be withdrawn either annually or upon reaching the 5-year maturity. |
| Disadvantages: | You won’t get all the dividends if you terminate your investment before the 5-year maturity period. |
| Tip: | Ideal for conservative investors or as a supplement to your emergency fund. |
7. Start a Small Business
Starting a small business is a powerful way to grow your ₱100,000. Who knows, you’d become the next best CEO. Whether it’s online selling, food franchise, delivery business, or reselling essentials, a business offers income potential and personal fulfillment.
The key to a successful business is to choose something you’re passionate about. That way, you’ll be happier and more inspired to work harder.
Study your target market, keep overhead low, and become consistent in fulfilling your client’s or customer’s needs. With effort, your business can turn into something big.
| Initial Capital: | ₱10,000–₱100,000 depending on the type of business |
| Advantages: | Full control over your time and earnings Unlimited income potential Tailored to your passion or skills Builds entrepreneurial experience |
| Disadvantages: | Risk of failure due to poor planning or low demand Time-consuming No guaranteed income |
| Tip: | Don’t tell people your plans. Let them see the results. |
Small Business Ideas You Can Start with P100,000 or Less:
- Online Reselling (Shopee, Lazada, Facebook): ₱10K–₱30K
- Sari-Sari Store or Mini Convenience Stall: ₱30K–₱70K
- Ukay-Ukay Live Selling: ₱10K–₱30K
- Laundry Pick-Up & Delivery: ₱30K–₱80K
- Home-based Karinderya: ₱30K–₱70K
8. Choose Time Deposits
Investing ₱100,000 in a time deposit offers peace of mind, guaranteed returns, and zero stress. It’s perfect for short-term goals or conservative savers who value security over risk. With fixed interest and PDIC insurance, your money is protected while earning more than regular savings accounts—safe, stable, and simple.
Metrobank offers a 4.5% interest rate for online time deposit accounts, and PNB also provides a 3.5% interest rate for its clients.
Local banks in the Philippines offer 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, or more terms for time deposit accounts in exchange for higher rates compared to a regular savings account.
Once the term ends (mature), you can withdraw your money with interest or maintain the account to earn more interest income.
| Initial Capital: | ₱50,000–₱100,000 |
| Advantages: | Low risk Insured by PDIC Fixed returns |
| Disadvantages: | Funds are locked — early withdrawal = penalties or forfeited interest Lower returns than stocks, REITs, or mutual funds Interest is subject to 20% withholding tax |
| Tip: | Watch for special promos with higher rates from major banks. |
9. Invest in Bonds
Another way to invest ₱100,000 is through bonds. It’s a smart move for conservative investors seeking steady, predictable income. Bonds, especially government or corporate-issued, offer fixed interest over time with lower risk than stocks.
They’re ideal for long-term goals, capital preservation, and earning passive income—making your money grow securely and reliably.
| Initial Capital: | ₱5,000 (government bonds), ₱50,000+ (corporate) |
| Advantages: | Low risk (especially government bonds) Earn steady and fixed income (quarterly or annually) Capital preservation (your investment (principal) is returned at maturity (especially government bonds) |
| Disadvantages: | Your money is tied up until maturity unless you sell early (which may involve penalties or lower prices) Credit Risk (Corporate Bonds) Some companies may default, especially if they’re not financially stable |
| Tip: | Start with Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs). The government backs them. |
Where to Invest in Bonds:
- Banks (BDO, Landbank, PNB, Metrobank)
- Stock Brokers (COL Financial)
- Apps like Bonds.PH or Landbank Mobile
10. Get VUL Insurance (Investment + Protection)
Investing ₱100,000 in a VUL (Variable Universal Life) plan gives you life insurance coverage plus investment growth. Part of your premium goes to mutual funds, while the rest protects your family financially. It’s ideal for long-term planners who want protection and wealth-building in one flexible, all-in-one financial product.
| Initial Capital: | ₱1,500 – ₱3,000/month |
| Advantages: | Protects your family (beneficiaries) and builds long-term wealth. |
| Disadvantages: | High fees No guaranteed returns Penalties for early withdrawals |
| Tip: | VUL is best for long-term goals (10–20 years). It’s ideal if you want both protection and investment but not if you’re after short-term gains or pure insurance coverage. |
Final Thoughts
I’ve shared 10 investment opportunities in the Philippines under 100K. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to diversify your portfolio, there’s something here for every goal and risk level.
- Stocks and REITs offer long-term growth.
- Mutual funds and UITFs help spread out the risk.
- Digital savings accounts and time deposits offer safety and convenience.
- Pag-IBIG MP2 and bonds are low-risk investments, perfect for conservative savers.
- Starting a new business can be your gateway to financial freedom.
- And VUL gives you peace of mind with a mix of protection and growth.
Choose what fits your needs, take action, and start growing your money today.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional investment advice or a recommendation. No investment is completely risk-free. That’s why it pays to do your homework and make sure you understand what you’re getting into before investing. We are not connected to or affiliated with any of the companies mentioned in this article.
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