Cheaper, faster remittances for OFWs
We compare every major remittance service so OFWs and their families keep more of every peso.
More guides coming
On our editorial roadmap
Wise vs Remitly vs WorldRemit
Side-by-side fees, FX rates, and delivery times for OFWs.
Best PH Bank for Receiving Remittances
Which local account minimizes fees on incoming transfers.
How to Spot a Remittance Scam
Red flags, common tactics, and how to protect your family.
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Get in touchSending money to the Philippines: what actually matters
Roughly two million Filipinos work overseas, and the money they send home is a large share of household income back in the Philippines. The problem is that the true cost of a remittance is rarely the number on the fee line. Most providers earn more from the exchange-rate margin than from the visible fee, so a transfer advertised as "zero fee" can still deliver fewer pesos than one that charges a few dollars up front.
The only reliable way to compare services is to look at the pesos that land in the recipient's account for a fixed amount sent. That means adding the sending fee, the FX margin against the mid-market rate, and any cash-out charge on the Philippine side — bank crediting, GCash or Maya cash-in, or a padala counter withdrawal.
This hub covers the services OFWs use most from the Middle East, Hong Kong, Singapore, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the EU, along with how the receiving side works: which Philippine accounts credit incoming transfers without deductions, when InstaPay is faster than a bank wire, and how remittance scams are usually run.
- Compare landed pesos, not fees — the FX spread is usually the bigger cost.
- Weekend and holiday transfers often settle the next banking day even when the app says instant.
- Recipient bank details must match the account name exactly, or the transfer bounces and refunds at a worse rate.
- Legitimate providers are registered with the BSP as remittance and transfer companies; check before sending large amounts.
Remittance questions we get most
What is the cheapest way to send money to the Philippines?
For bank-to-bank or bank-to-e-wallet transfers, app-based providers that use the mid-market exchange rate are usually cheapest on amounts above roughly ₱10,000 equivalent. For small amounts, a provider with a flat low fee and a slightly wider spread can win. Always run the same amount through two or three services and compare the pesos received.
How long does a remittance to the Philippines take?
E-wallet and InstaPay-linked deliveries are usually minutes to a few hours on banking days. Bank crediting through PESONet-style batch settlement runs on the next banking day. Cash pickup is typically available within an hour once the sending side clears.
Is money sent from abroad taxable in the Philippines?
Personal remittances received by family in the Philippines are not treated as taxable income by the BIR. Tax can apply on the sending side depending on the country you work in, so check the rules where you are employed rather than where the money lands.
Should the money go to a bank account or an e-wallet?
E-wallets are convenient for everyday spending and bills, but they have monthly wallet limits and cash-out charges. For amounts intended to be saved, a bank or digital-bank account that pays interest is usually the better destination — see our high-yield savings comparison.