Send Money from the USA to the Philippines
Compare current USD → PHP rates from 17+ providers. No hidden fees.
Why People Send Money USA → Philippines
The USA has over 4 million Filipino-Americans — one of the largest Asian communities in the country. Remittances to the Philippines support millions of families, fund education and housing, and account for nearly 9% of the Philippine GDP. USA→Philippines is consistently one of the world's top 10 remittance corridors.
Pro Tip: GCash delivery beats bank transfer on speed
Most Filipino recipients have GCash. Sending to GCash (via WorldRemit, or Xoom) is often completed within minutes versus 1–3 days for Philippine bank deposits. Check if your provider supports it before sending.
How to send money from USA to Philippines
- Compare USD→PHP rates and delivery options: Check our live table. For Philippines transfers, GCash availability is as important as the rate. Some providers offer better rates for bank transfers vs GCash — compare both if applicable.
- Register with your provider: Sign up using a US passport, driver's license, or ITIN. WorldRemit and Xoom (PayPal) are the most popular for USA→Philippines. Most KYC takes under 5 minutes.
- Enter Philippine bank or GCash details: For GCash: the recipient's 11-digit GCash mobile number. For bank: account number and bank name (BDO, BPI, Metrobank, UnionBank, Landbank). No IBAN system in the Philippines.
- Fund via ACH for lowest cost: ACH transfer from your US bank is cheapest. Debit card adds 1–2%. Xoom also accepts PayPal balance. Avoid credit card funding — it's the most expensive option and may trigger cash advance fees from your credit card issuer.
- Confirm and notify your recipient: Share the tracking number. GCash deliveries send instant notifications. For bank transfers, recipients typically get credited within 1–3 business days. WorldRemit and Xoom send automatic SMS updates to Philippine numbers.
What to know
GCash is the fastest delivery method
GCash has over 90 million registered users in the Philippines. Sending to GCash (via WorldRemit, or Xoom) typically completes within minutes versus 1–3 days for Philippine bank deposits. The recipient only needs their GCash-registered mobile number — no account number or SWIFT code required. If your recipient has GCash, it is almost always the best delivery option.
Philippine banks use simple account numbers
Philippine banks use 10–12 digit account numbers — there is no IBAN system. You need the account number plus the bank name. For Wise transfers, you may also need the bank's SWIFT code. Your recipient can find SWIFT codes on their bank's website. Major banks: BDO (BNORPHMM), BPI (BOPIPHM2), Metrobank (MBTCPHMM).
No Philippine tax on incoming remittances
The Philippine government does not tax personal remittances received from abroad — this is a deliberate policy to encourage overseas Filipino workers to send money home through official channels. Recipients do not need to file any tax declaration for regular family support transfers. This applies regardless of the amount received.
WorldRemit is the top choice for USA→Philippines — it has excellent USD→PHP rates, supports GCash delivery, and offers Express delivery (often within 15 minutes). Xoom (PayPal) is also very popular, especially among PayPal users, and supports GCash, bank deposits, and cash pickup. Wise supports Philippine bank transfers at mid-market rates but does not yet support GCash. Western Union and MoneyGram offer cash pickup at over 12,000 locations across the Philippines. For amounts above $5,000, Wise is typically the most cost-effective for bank transfers.
FAQs
How long does a transfer from USA to Philippines take?
GCash deliveries via WorldRemit or Xoom are typically completed within minutes. Bank deposits take 1–3 business days. Cash pickup through Western Union, MoneyGram, or Palawan Express is available within minutes of sending.
Does WorldRemit support GCash from the USA?
Yes. WorldRemit supports GCash delivery from the USA. Select mobile wallet as your delivery option and enter the recipient's 11-digit GCash mobile number. Express delivery is typically within 15 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to send money from USA to Philippines?
For GCash delivery: WorldRemit is typically cheapest for amounts under $1,000. For bank transfers: Wise is best value for larger amounts. Fund via ACH (bank account) rather than debit or credit card for the lowest total cost.
Can I send money to a BDO account from the USA?
Yes. BDO (Banco de Oro) is supported by most US providers. You need the recipient's BDO account number and the bank name. For Wise, you also need BDO's SWIFT code: BNORPHMM.
What is the maximum I can send from USA to Philippines?
Most providers allow $2,999–$30,000 per transaction depending on verification level. The Philippines has no tax on incoming personal remittances. US regulations require reporting transfers above $10,000 — handled automatically by licensed providers.
Can I use Xoom to send money to the Philippines?
Yes. Xoom (PayPal) is one of the most popular services for USA→Philippines. It supports GCash, bank deposits, and cash pickup. You can fund via PayPal balance, bank account, or debit card. Compare Xoom against WorldRemit in our table — rates vary and the best option depends on your amount.