Send Money from Canada to the Philippines
Compare regularly updated CAD → PHP rates from 17+ providers. No hidden fees.
Why People Send Money Canada → Philippines
Canada is home to over 950,000 Filipinos — one of the fastest-growing diaspora communities in the country. Monthly remittances (known as padala) are central to Filipino family life, often covering groceries, school fees, housing, and healthcare. The Canada-Philippines corridor consistently ranks among the top 10 global remittance routes.
Pro Tip: Send to a GCash or Maya Wallet
Many providers now support direct delivery to GCash or Maya (PayMaya) mobile wallets. This is often faster than a bank transfer and your recipient can access funds immediately without visiting a bank branch.
How to send money from Canada to Philippines
- Compare providers: Use the comparison table at the top of this page to see current CAD→PHP rates. Focus on the peso amount your recipient receives — that is the only true measure of value.
- Create a free account: Sign up with your chosen provider using a Canadian ID (passport or driver's license). Some providers like WorldRemit let you send your first transfer before full verification.
- Choose the delivery method: Bank deposit, GCash mobile wallet, Maya wallet, cash pickup (Cebuana, MLhuillier, Western Union), or door-to-door cash delivery are all available depending on the provider.
- Enter recipient details: For bank transfers you need the account number and branch details. For GCash or Maya, just the registered mobile number is enough. Double-check the number carefully.
- Pay and track: Fund via Interac e-Transfer or bank debit, confirm the transfer, and track via the app or email notifications until your recipient confirms receipt.
What to know
GCash and Maya wallets
GCash has over 90 million registered users in the Philippines and is widely accepted for bills, groceries, and tuition. Maya (formerly PayMaya) is the second-largest wallet. If your recipient has either app, wallet delivery is usually the fastest and most convenient option — funds arrive within minutes and are accessible immediately.
Cash pickup network in the Philippines
The Philippines has an extremely dense cash pickup network. Cebuana Lhuillier alone has 3,000+ branches nationwide, including in rural areas. Western Union, MoneyGram, and LBC Express are also widely available. Cash pickup is often the best choice for recipients in smaller provinces without reliable bank access.
BSP regulations
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) regulates money transfers into the Philippines. Amounts above USD $50,000 equivalent may require additional documentation. Your provider handles all BSP compliance reporting automatically — no action is required from you or your recipient for normal family remittances.
WorldRemit is the standout choice for Canada-to-Philippines transfers — excellent CAD/PHP rates, GCash and Maya wallet support, and a generous first-transfer promotion. WorldRemit is a strong second, particularly for cash pickup at Cebuana and LBC branches. Wise supports Philippine bank accounts at mid-market rates and is best for larger transfers. Western Union remains reliable for cash pickup in provinces with limited bank access. For frequent senders, WorldRemit's loyalty program provides reduced fees over time.
FAQs
How long does a transfer from Canada to the Philippines take?
GCash and Maya wallet transfers typically arrive within minutes. Bank deposits usually take a few hours to one business day. Cash pickup is available almost instantly. Economy bank transfer options can take 2–3 business days but usually cost less.
Which is better for Canada to Philippines — WorldRemit or Wise?
WorldRemit is generally better for smaller amounts and when your recipient uses GCash or Maya — the fees are lower and wallet delivery is seamless. Wise is better for larger bank-to-bank transfers as it uses the mid-market rate with a small transparent fee. Use our comparison table to see the exact difference for your amount.
Can I send money to GCash from Canada?
Yes. WorldRemit, and several other providers support direct GCash delivery from Canada. Select "Mobile Wallet" as the delivery method and enter the recipient's GCash-registered mobile number (including the +63 country code). Funds usually arrive within minutes.
What is the best exchange rate for CAD to PHP?
Rates vary daily and by provider. The mid-market rate (shown on Google Finance) is the reference rate — any provider charges a margin above this. Wise typically offers the smallest margin (0.5–1%), while some providers charge 2–3% or more hidden in the rate. Always check the PHP amount your recipient receives, not just the headline fee.
How much can I send from Canada to the Philippines?
Most providers allow CAD $10,000–$50,000 per transfer for fully verified accounts. WorldRemit's standard limit is CAD $30,000 per transaction. For very large amounts, contact the provider directly or use OFX which specialises in high-value transfers.
Is cash pickup available in rural Philippines?
Yes. Cebuana Lhuillier (3,000+ branches), LBC Express (1,500+ branches), and M Lhuillier cover most cities and towns across all Philippine regions. Western Union also has a strong presence in rural areas. Cash pickup is the recommended option if your recipient does not have a bank account or mobile wallet.