Bahagi 2 · Remittance
Send money home and keep more of it
Pera para sa pamilya
The fee is only part of the cost. Most of what you pay hides in the exchange rate. Compare what your family actually receives in pesos.
New since January 1, 2026: 1% U.S. remittance tax
Applies when you fund a transfer with cash, a money order or cashier's check. Bank account, debit and credit card transfers are exempt. On $500 in cash, that's an extra $5.
Four ways your family can receive it
Minutes
E-wallet
GCash or Maya. Fast, cheap, and family can pay bills or cash out.
Minutes–1 day
Bank deposit
BDO, BPI, Metrobank, PNB, Landbank and more. Best for larger amounts.
Minutes
Cash pickup
Palawan, Cebuana, M Lhuillier, LBC. For relatives without a bank. Bring ID.
1–2 days
Door-to-door
Cash delivered to the house. Costs more, but helps lolo and lola.
Your rights
- Before you pay, see the rate, fees, taxes and pesos received.
- Get a receipt with the same details and availability date.
- Cancel within 30 minutes for a full refund if not yet picked up.
- Errors must be investigated; providers answer for their agents.
Cut your costs
- Fund from your bank account to avoid the 1% tax.
- Compare pesos received, not fees. “$0 fee” can cost more.
- Some cards treat transfers as cash advances. Check first.
- One larger monthly transfer beats several small ones.
Avoid scams
- Never send to someone you've only met online.
- Call your relative directly to confirm any “emergency.”
- Match the recipient's name exactly to their ID.
- Never share a pickup reference number with anyone else.