
Cheapest & Fastest Ways to Send Money to the Philippines from the uSA & Canada – 2025
Sending money to loved ones in the Philippines is something many Filipino-Americans and Filipino-Canadians do regularly — but with so many options available, it can be confusing to know which one offers the best rates, lowest fees, or fastest transfers.
Whether you’re supporting family, paying bills, or helping out in emergencies, this guide will walk you through the best ways to send money to the Philippines from the US or Canada in 2025 — including helpful tips to save time and money.
Why Choosing the Right Remittance Service Matters
When you send money internationally, you’re not just dealing with exchange rates. You also have to think about:
- Transfer fees
- Hidden currency conversion charges
- Speed of delivery
- Payout options (bank deposit, cash pickup, e-wallet like GCash or PayMaya)
Using the wrong service could mean your family receiving less money, or worse — delays in urgent situations.
Top 5 Money Transfer Services to the Philippines (2025)
Here are the most trusted and convenient platforms you can use today:
1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Best for: Bank-to-bank transfers with mid-market exchange rates
- Transparent fees
- Real-time exchange rates (no markup)
- Fast transfers (usually 1–2 business days)
- Send directly to PH bank accounts
2. Remitly
Best for: Speed and cash pickup
- Offers Express and Economy options
- Can deliver in minutes (Express)
- Send to banks, GCash, or cash pickup (Cebuana, Palawan, M Lhuillier)
- New users often get fee-free first transfer
3. Western Union
Best for: Global coverage and in-person cash pickup
- Send online, through app, or at a location
- Cash pickup in thousands of branches in PH
- Higher fees, but very reliable for rural areas
4. WorldRemit
Best for: Sending to mobile wallets like GCash or PayMaya
- Fast transfers to e-wallets
- Flat fees, reasonable exchange rates
- Delivery in minutes for some partners
5. Xoom (by PayPal)
Best for: PayPal users or sending from a linked bank account
- Linked to your PayPal account
- Fast bank deposits or cash pickup
- Fees vary, so compare before sending
Need your recipient’s bank SWIFT or BIC code? Check out our complete list of SWIFT codes and bank identifiers in the Philippines to ensure smooth international transfers.
Comparison Table (2025)
Service | Speed | Fees | Payout Options | First-Time Promo |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wise | 1–2 days | Low, transparent | Bank Deposit | Usually no promo |
Remitly | Minutes–1 day | Medium–Low | Bank, GCash, Cash Pickup | Fee-free first transfer |
Western Union | Minutes–2 days | High | Cash Pickup, Bank | Occasional codes |
WorldRemit | Minutes–1 day | Low | GCash, Bank, PayMaya | Welcome bonus |
Xoom | Minutes–1 day | Varies | Bank, Cash Pickup | First transfer discount |
Step-by-Step: Sending via Wise (Example)
- Create an account at Wise.com
- Enter the amount and select PHP as the receiving currency
- Add your recipient’s bank details (BDO, BPI, Metrobank, etc.)
- Fund the transfer using your US/Canada bank or debit card
- Confirm and track in real-time
Tip: Wise shows you exact fees and delivery estimates upfront.
Tips to Save on Fees and Get More Pesos
- Compare fees AND exchange rates — sometimes lower fees = worse rate
- Send in larger amounts less frequently to reduce flat fees
- Avoid paying with credit card unless needed (higher fees)
- Use promos for first-time transfers (Remitly, Xoom often offer deals)
- Send during weekdays to avoid weekend processing delays
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to GCash from the USA or Canada?
Yes. Services like Remitly and WorldRemit allow direct transfers to GCash accounts in the Philippines.
What’s the cheapest way to send money to the Philippines?
Wise often has the lowest total cost (fees + exchange rate), especially for bank transfers. Remitly Economy is also affordable.
How fast can money arrive in the Philippines?
Remitly Express & Xoom: within minutes
Wise: 1–2 days
WorldRemit: instantly to GCash or PayMaya
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Use?
Here’s a quick recommendation based on your needs:
- Best Overall Value: Wise
- Fastest Delivery: Remitly Express / Xoom
- Send to Mobile Wallets: WorldRemit
- First-Time Sender Bonus: Remitly
Sending money home shouldn’t be complicated — and with the right service, you can make sure every peso counts.
Try Wise or Remitly today and support your family faster, safer, and smarter.