Need to send money from the US to the Philippines? In 2025, timing and platform choice matter more than ever — a $500 transfer can quietly cost you $15–$35 more if you send at the wrong time or through the wrong service.
What to Look for When Sending Money from the USA
See how Wise works in the Philippines
Watch the exchange rate — not just the fees
Avoid defaulting to your bank. US banks often charge high fixed fees and use inflated exchange rates — sometimes 3–4% worse than the market rate. That’s up to $40 lost on a $1,000 transfer.
Time your transfers
Rates are usually worse on Fridays after banking hours and over the weekend. When possible, send on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings for better USD–PHP rates.
Sign up for multiple services
Wise, Remitly, and others offer first-time bonuses and promo codes. Having two or three accounts lets you compare real-time rates and fees before each transfer.
Why many expats choose Remitly
Know your recipient’s needs
Some prefer cash pickup, others GCash or bank transfer. Choosing the right delivery method avoids delays and reduces fees — even if the platform isn’t the cheapest at first glance.
Compare Full Cost, Not Just Fees
One of the most common mistakes is comparing services only by their fees. A platform might charge $0, but hide a 2–3% markup in the exchange rate — which adds up quickly.Instead, always compare the total amount your recipient will actually receive.If one app offers “no fees” but delivers ₱27,000 for $500, and another charges a $5 fee but delivers ₱28,200, the second one is clearly better.You can use tools like Monito or compare platforms manually in real time.Also, check whether the exchange rate is locked or floating. Some services only finalise the amount after processing, which can cost you if the rate changes.
Best Ways to Send Money to the Philippines from the US
Wise
Wise is the go-to choice if you want complete transparency and low fees. It uses the real exchange rate and shows you exactly what your recipient will get — no hidden markups.
Delivery time: 1–2 business daysFees: Low, fixed, shown upfrontBest for: Bank-to-bank transfers with predictable pricing
Remitly
Offers speed and flexibility. Use Express for quick delivery or Economy to save more. Supports GCash, bank deposits, and cash pickup.
Delivery time: Minutes (Express) or 3–5 days (Economy)Fees: Vary by speed and methodBest for: Fast, flexible transfers with multiple payout options
Western Union
Still essential in rural areas and for unbanked recipients. Broad coverage across the Philippines, including small towns.
Delivery time: Minutes to a few hoursFees: Higher than most digital servicesBest for: Cash pickups where bank access is limited
Western Union: Is it still worth it in 2025?
Comparison Table
| Platform | Speed | Fees | Delivery Options | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 1–2 business days | Low | Bank transfers | Transparent pricing |
| Remitly | Minutes to 5 days | Medium | Bank, GCash, cash pickup | Fast delivery + flexibility |
| Western Union | Minutes to hours | Higher | Bank, in-person, cash pickup | Recipients without bank accounts |
Advanced Tips Most People Don’t Know
Use referral bonusesRemitly and Wise offer $20 for you and ₱500 for your recipient. Send money, then refer friends or family.
Avoid credit card paymentsThey often add fees and trigger worse exchange rates. Use bank accounts or debit cards instead.
Split large transfersTransferring $2,000? Try two $1,000 transfers on different days to take advantage of rate fluctuations.
Track your ratesKeep a log of past transfers. You’ll start to notice patterns — like which service performs better on certain days.
Make Every Dollar Count
Sending money is routine for many, but most don’t realise how much they’re losing.Compare providers before each transfer, avoid bad timing, and don’t rely on just one app.To check current rates and total cost across platforms, visit Finder.com and make smarter transfers every time.
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.