Find the best way to send money to the Philippines

Learn how to send money to the Philippines from Australia in our step-by-step guide.

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Looking for a way to send money to family, friends or a business in the Philippines (or even to your own bank account overseas)? According to MoneySmart, you should avoid Australian banks and go with a money transfer specialist to get better PHP exchange rates and lower fees on international transfers.

Based on the providers we've compared, Revolut is among the cheapest, with competitive exchange rates and fees starting from $0. Need a really fast transfer? Xe Money Transfers can get money to your recipient in the Philippines within minutes.

Best ways to send money to the Philippines from Australia

  • Online money transfer provider. When converting Australian dollars or Philippine pesos, money transfer specialists typically offer better rates and cheaper fees than a bank.
  • Bank transfer. Bank transfers are an easy way to send money to the Philippines but they charge extra for the convenience and are often slower. The big four banks generally add a 2.8% to 6% markup onto the exchange rate. NAB adds a 2.80% markup onto the Philippine peso and ANZ adds a 4.80% margin.
  • Cash pickup. If you need your money to arrive fast, doing a cash pickup with Remitly gives your recipient instant access to the money you've sent when they collect it from their agent location in Nepal.
  • Mobile wallet. Mobile wallets allow users to store, send and receive currencies using their phone, often with fees attached. The most popular ones include GCash, GrabPay, Maya and ShopeePay mobile wallets.
  • Airtime Top-up. Specifically used to top up a recipient's prepaid mobile phone plan, prepaid phone credit is usually added instantly or within a few minutes.

Compare the best money transfer companies to send money to the Philippines

1 - 17 of 17
Product AUFMT Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Within minutes
$0
Sign up and get a AUD$15 top-up. For new customers only. T&Cs apply.
Send money with great rates and low fees in 25+ currencies. Plan fees apply.
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 50+ currencies.
Within minutes
$0
Earn 10% cashback on your first $1,000 USD equivalent in eligible international card spend with Airwallex.
Streamline global payments across 150+ countries with fast settlements and competitive rates in over 60 currencies.
24 hours
$0
New customers registering in 31 December 2024 can receive lower pricing on exchange rates. T&Cs apply.
Xe has fast transfers, low fees and a range of foreign currency tools. Send money to 200 countries in 100 currencies.
Within minutes
$0
Xe has fast transfers, low fees and a range of foreign currency tools. Send money to 200 countries in 100 currencies.
Within minutes
$0
Earn 1 Qantas Point on every $1AUD equivalent converted in foreign currency. T&Cs apply.
Set up accounts in 11 different currencies and get rewarded for global business payments by earning Qantas Points.
Within minutes
$0
Revolut allows your business to move money around the world quickly and cheaply with 25+ currencies and no maximum limit transfers. Plan fees apply.
24 hours
$0
Send provides no Send payments fee transfers via its 24/7 multi-currency payments platform with real-time quotes.
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 50+ currencies.
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
Wise (TransferWise)
Best Rated Brand
Wise logo
Within minutes
From 0.43%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
Send Payments
Send Payments logo
24 hours
$0
Send provides no Send payments fee transfers via its 24/7 multi-currency payments platform with real-time quotes.
Within minutes
From $0 to $5
Send money instantly to friends and family in over 45 countries using just your mobile number.
24 hours
$0
Send provides no Send payments fee transfers via its 24/7 multi-currency payments platform with real-time quotes.
Remitly
Best Rated Brand
Remitly logo
Within minutes
From $0
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
Within minutes
From 0.5%
SingX offers the real exchange rate every time you make a transfer and can help you send money across the world.
Within minutes
From $1.99
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
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Cheapest way to send money to the Philippines

As reported by the ACCC, bank transfers are typically the cheapest way to get your money to the Philippines. Revolut and Xe Money Transfers have some of the lowest bank transfer fees of the brands we've compared.

Remember, it's more important to look at the overall cost of your transfer to the Philippines and this has a couple of elements:
  • Transfer fees. While still cheaper than your Australian bank, money transfer services charge either a fixed or percentage-based fee for making your transfer.
  • Exchange rates. Another way money transfer providers make money is to add a margin to the mid-market AUD/PHP exchange rate.

Certain providers may give the mid-market rate but add fees on top and others will have low fees but apply a markup on the exchange rate. This means it is important to compare exactly how many Philippine pesos your recipient will end up with.

Fastest way to send money to the Philippines

Actual transfer times from Australia to the Philippines can depend on several factors including transfer amount, payment method and currency.

Here are some of the fastest average transfer speeds to the Philippines:
  • Revolut — within minutes
  • Xe Money Transfers — within minutes
  • Wise (TransferWise) — within minutes

Safest way to send money to the Philippines

The safest way to get your money to the Philippines is using a provider registered with Australia's industry regulator, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). All of the companies we've compared in our table are overseen by a local regulator and comply with the relevant laws and regulations in both Australia and the Philippines.

A great way to dive deeper is by reading our reviews of each transfer service and researching first-hand customer feedback on Trustpilot and similar platforms.

Large money transfers to the Philippines

If you need to make a sizable money transfer to the Philippines, consider using a provider such as OFX or Xe Large Transfers to secure a better PHP exchange rate and benefit from its expertise handling larger transactions.

Using a large transfer specialist can have the following advantages:
  • Tax guidance. Large transfers to the Philippines may have tax implications for you or your recipient. A transfer specialist can help get you up to speed on the Australian Taxation Office's latest advice.
  • Foreign exchange tools. Advanced tools such as forward contracts, limit orders and stop-loss orders can help you lock in the PHP exchange rate you want.
  • Account manager. Some money transfer providers assign a personal account manager who can offer advice and help facilitate transfers.
  • Phone service. If you want to talk your transfer through with someone, providers such as OFX and Airwallex can provide support over the phone.

How to send money to the Philippines from Australia

To send money to the Philippines, you'll need the necessary documentation, your recipient's details and a way to pay.

  1. Compare your options.
    Use our table to find a money transfer provider that sends funds to the Philippines. One may be better for cash pickups while another may suit a bank transfer. Once you've found the best one for your requirements, click "Go to site".
  2. Create an account.
    You'll need to give your name, address, contact details, proof of ID and method of payment.
  3. Provide your recipient's details.
    Enter your recipient's name and contact information. If you're sending straight to their Filipino bank account, you'll need the account number, SWIFT or IBAN plus their bank branch's address.
  4. Enter your transfer amount.
    Check you're happy with the fees, exchange rates and transfer speed, then enter the amount you wish to send. Double-check the total Philippine pesos your recipient gets.
  5. Complete your transfer.
    Send your money transfer to the Philippines. Keep your transaction reference number safe so you can track your transfer. Your recipient may need it too.

Example: Maria transfers money to the Philippines

Maria is working in Australia as a doctor and she stays in regular contact with her elderly parents back home in the Philippines. Her parents need some funds to help pay off a mortgage, so Maria plans to send them $2,000 from Australia.

She decides to compare a bank and a money transfer specialist to see which one can save the most money on her transaction.

Bank Money transfer company
Exchange rate 1 AUD = 37.44 PHP 1 AUD = 37.94 PHP
Transfer fee $10 $2.50
Transfer method Bank account deposit Bank account deposit
Processing time 2 - 5 working days Next day
Amount received 74,515.42 PHP 75,786.44 PHP

The money transfer company enables Maria to send an extra ₱1,271.01, which is transferred straight to her parents' BDO Unibank Inc. account.

How to choose a money transfer company for the Philippines

When selecting a provider to transfer money to the Philippines, here are the main factors to consider:

  • Exchange rates. Banks and transfer services use the mid-market rate to trade with one another. However, not every money transfer provider offers the mid-market rate so compare the PHP you're offered to the mid-market rate to calculate the margin.
  • Transfer fees. Are you being charged a flat fee or a percentage of the transfer amount? A provider offering to transfer your money to the Philippines for a flat or low fee might work out better if you're sending a large amount.
  • Transfer type. Does your recipient have a Filipino bank account or is cash pickup a better option? Each transfer type will have different fees. For example, instant cash pickups tend to be more expensive than bank transfers.
  • Transfer speed. If you need your transfer to arrive quickly, you can pay for an express delivery. Companies such as MoneyGram offer instant cash pickups but may charge more. If you're not in a rush, online money transfer services offer the best value.
  • Transfer limits. Find out how much you can send with each service. For example, Rocket Remit has a transfer limit of $1,000 while MoneyGram allows transfers up to Varies.
  • Discounts. Providers may offer you a free transfer simply for signing up. Others may give a discount for transferring more than a specific amount of Philippine pesos.

Is this a good time to send money to the Philippines?

Compared to a month ago, the Australian dollar is weaker against the Philippine peso. Currently, $5,000 is worth ₱190,656.50, whereas a month ago, $5,000 was equivalent to ₱193,035.00. That's a decrease of 1.23% over the past month.

But compared to a year ago, the Australian dollar is stronger against the Philippine peso. A year ago, $5,000 was equivalent to ₱182,170.00. That's an increase of 4.66% over 12 months.

What's more important, however, is the strength of the Australian dollar against the Philippine peso and where it goes from here – which is harder to call. But whichever way it goes, shopping around has the potential to get you more Philippine pesos for your Australian dollars and can help you get the best out of any market conditions.

Ready to compare providers?

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Frequently asked questions

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Written by

Associate editor

Helen Champion was an associate editor at Finder. She has worked in communications for over 16 years and currently writes on a range of topics including insurance and money transfers in the hope of empowering people to make better financial decisions. During her broadcast career, she helped to produce hundreds of news and breaking news reports for Associated Press TV and ITV News. And in public relations, she managed several high-profile public relations campaigns for Macmillan Cancer Support, the General Medical Council and overseas for Qatar Foundation on behalf of BLJ Worldwide. Helen has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Lincoln, a passion for practising karate in the dojo and a deep love of making mischief with her sons. See full bio

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12 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    JackieApril 6, 2017

    Which is the BEST service to use for transfer into a bank account in the Philippines … taking into consideration the exchange rate and fees involved ?

      AvatarFinder
      DeeApril 6, 2017Finder

      Hi Jackie,

      Thanks for your question.

      Unfortunately, as a comparison website, we are unable to recommend specific products to our users.

      On our comparison table above, there are two options for transferring to a bank account in the Philippines. The Citibank Plus Everyday Account and the WorldRemit International Money Transfers.

      Unfortunately, our calculator is unable to compute how much your recipient will receive if you send a particular amount. You’ll have to directly go to the provider’s website to calculate the actual rates and fees.

      Cheers,
      Anndy

    Default Gravatar
    WilliamApril 6, 2016

    I need to send money from Australia to Philippines as a cash pick up. What are my options

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleyApril 6, 2016Finder

      Hi William,

      Thanks for your question.

      There are a few international money transfers with cash pickup option to the Philippines. You can submit your recipient’s contact information, the amount you’re looking to send and other details at a money transfer location near you or through their website.

      Cheers,

      Shirley

    Default Gravatar
    janevielDecember 2, 2015

    hello how can i track world remit cebuana lhuillier ? WORLDREMIT sent me text message with the control number but the girl said control number is invalid ?

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleyDecember 2, 2015Finder

      Hi Janeviel,

      Thanks for your question.

      Airtime transfers should be instant – if this isn’t the case please get in touch with WorldRemit directly by clicking ‘Go to site’.

      Cheers,
      Shirley

      Default Gravatar
      janevielDecember 3, 2015

      my friend send me money through WORLDREMIT CEbuana Lhiullier (Metrobank Transaction) on DEc.1 but then when i come to the Cebuna Outlet here , its says the control number invalid nothing found on the control number WORLDREMIT texted me and that text i give it to the Cebuna but as they told me many times no money in that control number totally invalid , all outlet i come all says its INVALID!!! i talk them personally and the manager here its INVALID!!. my friend already contact worldremit but then nothing happen What is the problem??? **********

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleyDecember 3, 2015Finder

      Hi Janeviel,

      We’re sorry to hear about your experience with Worldremit. As we are not Worldremit unfortunately we do not know what the problem is.

      If you’ve quoted the reference “WorldRemit” and your transaction number (the one that your friend has received) and it still hasn’t arrived, please speak to Worldremit directly on: +61 2 6145 2161.

      It might be worth checking with your friend that he or she has put in the correct details.

      Cheers,
      Shirley

    Default Gravatar
    yasemineJune 21, 2015

    I am here in turkey. How can i send money through this FINDER .com , is it have here in turkey?

      Default Gravatar
      JodieJune 22, 2015

      Hi Yasemine,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      Please know that you are viewing the Finder Australia page for ways you can send money from Australia to the Philippines and the options provided may not be relevant to you. You may compare available money transfer providers we have on our page and check if they can work within Turkey. Please ensure to read through the relevant product disclosure statement and terms and conditions to ensure that you got everything covered before you initiate a money transfer.

      Regards,
      Jodie

    Default Gravatar
    GabrielMay 8, 2015

    why NO calculation or calculator for Australian dollar to Philippines peso?

      AvatarFinder
      MarcMay 11, 2015Finder

      Hi Gabriel,
      thanks for the feedback.

      We’re working hard to expand our calculator in the near future to offer the ability to calculate transfers from AUD to PHP. Thanks for using our service in the meantime.

      Cheers,
      Marc.

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