🇵🇭 Philippines Guide

How to Receive Money from the USA to the Philippines

The Philippines has one of the best remittance infrastructures in the world — because of OFW culture. Your family has many easy options to send money fast.

Best Transfer Services

Remitly

Minutes

Fee: Low (~$2–4)

Delivery: BDO, BPI, GCash, or cash pickup at Palawan Express

Best overall — used by millions of OFW families

GCash Padala

Minutes

Fee: Low–Free

Delivery: Direct to GCash wallet

Best if you already have GCash set up

Western Union

Minutes

Fee: Moderate ($5–15)

Delivery: Cash pickup at SM, LBC, Palawan Pawnshop

Best for cash pickup anywhere in the Philippines

Wise

1–2 days

Fee: Very low (0.5–1%)

Delivery: Bank transfer to BDO, BPI, UnionBank

Best for large amounts — lowest fees

Opening a Bank Account

  • • GCash (no bank needed): Download app + valid ID — you can receive money today
  • • BDO: Largest bank in the Philippines — bring PSA birth cert, valid ID
  • • UnionBank: Fully digital — open an account from your phone
  • • Maya (PayMaya): Another no-branch digital bank option

Cash Pickup Locations

If you don't have a bank account yet, cash pickup is available at:

  • • Palawan Pawnshop — thousands of locations nationwide
  • • LBC Express — courier and remittance, nationwide
  • • SM Business Center — Western Union pickup
  • • Cebuana Lhuillier — pawnshop network for cash pickups
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