How to Send Money to Philippines from USA (6 Cheapest Ways 2025)
The Philippines is the 4th largest remittance recipient globally, with over $36 billion sent annually. Filipino families depend on these transfers – which is why finding the cheapest service matters.
I compared every major provider to find the best ways to send dollars to pesos in 2025.
What You Need to Send Money to Philippines
Before comparing services, have ready:
-
Recipient’s details:
- Full name (as on valid ID)
- Bank name and account number, OR
- GCash/PayMaya/Maya mobile wallet number, OR
- Pickup location (for cash)
-
Your information:
- Valid US ID
- US bank account or card
- Purpose of transfer (family support, etc.)
6 Cheapest Ways to Send Money to Philippines
1. Remitly – Best Overall for Philippines
Fees: $0-4 Exchange Rate: 0.5-1.5% markup Speed: Minutes (Express) to 3 days (Economy) Delivery: Bank, GCash, cash pickup, home delivery
Why Remitly wins: Built specifically for Philippine remittances. Excellent GCash integration and competitive rates.
Best for: Most transfers, especially to GCash users
2. Wise – Best Exchange Rate
Fees: $4-8 for $500 Exchange Rate: Mid-market (no markup) Speed: 1-2 business days Delivery: Bank deposit, GCash
Why choose Wise: True mid-market rate means maximum pesos. Slightly slower but often cheaper overall.
Best for: Larger amounts ($500+) when you can wait 1-2 days
3. WorldRemit – Best for Cash Pickup
Fees: $2-4 Exchange Rate: 1-2% markup Speed: Minutes Delivery: Bank, GCash, M Lhuillier, Palawan Pawnshop, Cebuana Lhuillier
Why choose WorldRemit: Massive cash pickup network through all major pawnshops. Great for provinces.
Best for: Recipients without bank accounts or in rural areas
4. Xoom (PayPal) – Best for PayPal Users
Fees: $0-5 Exchange Rate: 1.5-2% markup Speed: Minutes Delivery: Bank, cash pickup, GCash, home delivery
Why choose Xoom: Integrates with PayPal. Reliable and fast. Good promotional rates for new users.
Best for: PayPal users, urgent transfers
5. Western Union – Most Pickup Locations
Fees: $5-12 Exchange Rate: 2-4% markup Speed: Minutes Delivery: Cash pickup at 9,000+ locations, bank deposit
Why choose Western Union: Literally everywhere in Philippines. Even the smallest barangay has access.
Best for: Emergency cash to remote locations
Find Western Union locations →
6. MoneyGram – Western Union Alternative
Fees: $5-10 Exchange Rate: 2-3.5% markup Speed: Minutes Delivery: Cash pickup, bank deposit
Why choose MoneyGram: Competitive with Western Union but sometimes offers better promos.
Best for: When Western Union locations are inconvenient
Quick Comparison: Sending $500 to Philippines
| Provider | You Pay | Recipient Gets (PHP) | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remitly Economy | ~$500 | ~₱28,850 | 3 days |
| Wise | ~$506 | ~₱28,900 | 1-2 days |
| Remitly Express | ~$504 | ~₱28,600 | Minutes |
| WorldRemit | ~$503 | ~₱28,550 | Minutes |
| Xoom | ~$502 | ~₱28,400 | Minutes |
| Western Union | ~$512 | ~₱27,900 | Minutes |
| MoneyGram | ~$510 | ~₱28,100 | Minutes |
Rates fluctuate constantly. Always verify current rates.
How to Get the Best USD to PHP Rate
1. Send to GCash When Possible
GCash transfers are often cheaper than bank deposits because:
- Lower processing fees for providers
- Instant delivery
- No intermediary bank fees
If your recipient has GCash, use it.
2. Compare Economy vs Express
Remitly’s Economy option (3 days) often has rates close to Wise but with lower fees. If you’re not in a rush, this saves money.
3. Use Bank Transfer Payment
Paying with debit/credit cards adds fees. ACH bank transfer is cheaper but takes 1-2 extra days to initiate.
4. Watch for First-Time User Promos
Remitly, Xoom, and WorldRemit frequently offer promotional rates for new users:
- $0 fees on first transfer
- Bonus exchange rate
- Cashback offers
5. Time Large Transfers
For amounts over $1,000, the PHP/USD rate matters a lot. Watch for:
- Philippine central bank announcements
- US Federal Reserve decisions
- Major economic news
Timing can save $30-100 on large transfers.
Philippines-Specific Tips
GCash vs Bank Transfer
GCash advantages:
- Instant delivery
- Often cheaper
- Recipient can cash out at 7-Eleven, convenience stores
- No bank account needed
Bank transfer advantages:
- Better for very large amounts
- Direct to savings account
- Sometimes required for formal purposes
For amounts under ₱50,000, GCash is usually better.
Cash Pickup Networks
Major pawnshop chains for pickup:
- M Lhuillier – 2,500+ branches
- Cebuana Lhuillier – 2,800+ branches
- Palawan Pawnshop – 3,000+ branches
- RD Pawnshop
- Western Union agents – 9,000+ locations
- MoneyGram agents – 5,000+ locations
Philippine Banks
Most providers support all major banks:
- BDO (Banco de Oro)
- BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands)
- Metrobank
- Security Bank
- UnionBank
- Landbank
- PNB (Philippine National Bank)
Delivery times vary by bank – BDO and BPI are usually fastest.
Remittance Limits
Philippines has no strict limit on receiving remittances from family abroad. However:
- Amounts over $10,000 USD may require documentation
- Banks may ask for source of funds for very large transfers
- Anti-money laundering laws apply
Tax Implications
Money sent from family abroad is generally not taxable in the Philippines if it’s:
- For family support
- Gifts from relatives
- Personal transfers (not business income)
Consult a tax professional for large or regular transfers.
Delivery Speeds by Method
Instant (minutes):
- GCash (Remitly, Xoom)
- Cash pickup (Western Union, MoneyGram, WorldRemit)
Same day:
- Most bank transfers sent before noon Philippine time
- Maya/PayMaya wallet
1-2 business days:
- Wise bank transfers
- Some bank transfers sent after cutoff time
3 business days:
- Remitly Economy
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest way to send money to Philippines?
Wise typically offers the best exchange rate. Remitly Economy is very competitive for GCash transfers. For $500, the difference is usually $5-15.
Can I send directly to GCash?
Yes. Remitly, Wise, Xoom, and WorldRemit all support direct GCash transfers. Money arrives instantly with Remitly and Xoom.
How long does bank transfer take to Philippines?
Usually 1-2 business days. Some transfers sent early in the day arrive same day. Wise takes 1-2 days consistently.
Is it safe to send money to Philippines online?
Yes. All services listed are licensed, regulated, and have processed billions in remittances safely. Use providers regulated by FinCEN in the US.
What’s the current dollar to peso exchange rate?
The rate changes constantly. As of writing, it’s approximately 57-58 pesos per dollar. Check our comparison tool for live rates.
Can I send money to someone without a bank account?
Yes. Use cash pickup (Western Union, MoneyGram, WorldRemit) or mobile wallet (GCash, Maya). GCash can be cashed out at 7-Eleven and other stores.
Start Saving on Philippines Transfers
Compare live rates from Remitly, Wise, WorldRemit and 15+ providers. See exactly how many pesos your recipient will get.
Compare Philippines Transfer Rates Now →
Rates and fees are estimates. Verify before sending. BankSeer may earn commissions from providers.
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