The Philippines is sometimes called a remittance economy as a considerable chunk of its gross domestic product (as much as 8.5% of GDP in 2023) comes from remittances from overseas Filipino workers or OFWs.
Aside from remittances to family and relatives in the Philippines, there is also a growing influx of money to Philippine-based freelancers and outsourced employees serving companies based in other countries.
If you are constantly sending money to your family or employees and contractors in the Philippines, you are likely looking for ways to do so in a more cost-effective manner. Banks and traditional money transfer services are known to charge high fees especially if you intend to have the money available to your intended recipient immediately.
Traditional money transfer services are also known to make use of lower foreign exchange rates so your recipient may not get the most out of your remittance.
Thankfully, several affordable online padala(online transfer) options have popped up.
The Cheapest Ways to Send Money to the Philippines
Remitly
Remitly is a reliable online money transfer service that allows you to send money to the Philippines in minutes. Remitly also offers a couple of ways for your recipient to receive the money, including being deposited in their bank account or mobile wallets, being available for pick-up with partner institutions, or being sent to your recipient’s address.
Remitly has two options for sending money: express and economy. Express allows you to send money through your debit or credit card, and the funds you’ll transfer will be available immediately. Meanwhile, if you are not in a rush, the economy option is a cheaper alternative, and funds will be available in 3 to 5 business days. If you are not in a rush, the economy option is a great way for you to send money to the Philippines in a safe and affordable manner.
Wise
Wise, previously called Transferwise, is another popular online money transfer service. It allows your recipient to receive some of the highest value of the funds you’ll send as its foreign exchange rates are some of the best around. Wise is one of the best value money transfer services around, and it’s very easy to transfer money through their app.
XE Money Transfers
One of the trusted names in terms of foreign exchange is XE. If your recipient has no trouble receiving funds in 2 to 3 business days, XE money transfers open up an opportunity for him to have his remittance be based on competitive rates, and can even be better for larger amounts. XE money transfers also don’t have a transfer fee, but the recipient’s bank may impose some charges on the remittance.
Payoneer
Payoneer is another trusted name in international money transfers. Payoneer is a great option in sending money to the Philippines as their exchange rate came as much as 2% higher than the mid-market rate.
While it is possible to transfer money even if both the sender and recipient do not have a Payoneer account, it is most cost-effective if both of them do. The Payoneer-to-Payoneer transfer is free, and the recipient will get the money in a few hours.
Clear Currency
Clear Currency is a foreign exchange specialist that handles money transfers over £5,000, providing a hassle-free way to make currency transactions. Catering for personal and business transactions, they have a unique partnership program for businesses with various benefits. They are cost-effective and have in-house currency experts who guide them through every step of the exchange process.
By having quick and easy money transfers, they provide instant rates and same-day transfers with the ability to manage payments online 24/7. Clear Currency bases its exchanges on the mid-market rate (the best available exchange rate), ensuring that clients always get the most competitive rate. Also, they’re FCA regulated for secure and reliable transactions.
Final Word!
In the realm of money transfers, speed can be considered to be a commodity. If you want to be able to send money to the Philippines at the lowest cost, a good way to be able to achieve this is by avoiding the express transfer options and going for more affordable options that have a little waiting time but from trusted money transfer services, especially those that offer the best value for your remittances by using competitive exchange rates.
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