How to send money to Philippines from the UK

Sending support home, made simple

Moving money from the UK to family and friends in the Philippines should be quick, affordable, and safe. With the right service, pounds go further, transfers arrive in minutes, and you get clear visibility from send to receipt. The challenge is that fees, exchange rates, and delivery times vary widely, and the cheapest option for one transfer may not be the best for another. This guide explains your choices in plain English so you can pick confidently. We cover popular UK services, typical costs, and the steps to pay with your debit card, bank transfer, or Open Banking. You will also find practical checks to avoid delays and hidden fees.

A good transfer does two things well: fair exchange rate and low, transparent fees.

Who benefits

If you support loved ones back home, pay tuition or medical bills, or top up a mobile wallet in the Philippines, this guide is for you. It suits UK residents who want a regulated, reliable way to send pounds to pesos with options like bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallets such as GCash and Maya, or even home delivery.

What you need to know

Specialist money transfer services have largely overtaken traditional banks for UK to Philippines payments. Popular names include ACE Money Transfer, Ria, Wise, Revolut, Western Union, Remitly, MoneyTO, and Kabayan Remit. Most are regulated in the UK, use secure payment rails, and provide real-time tracking. They typically accept UK debit and credit cards, bank transfers, Apple Pay on selected services, and Open Banking with certain providers.

Delivery options are flexible for recipients: direct to bank accounts across major Philippine banks, cash pickup at thousands of partner locations, mobile wallets like GCash and Maya, and in some cases home delivery. Costs combine a transfer fee and an exchange rate margin, so it is worth checking both. Wise publishes the mid-market rate with a separate fee. Revolut is known for competitive pricing to bank accounts and cards. ACE often comes out among the fastest and lowest cost for many sends, with fees from around £3 and delivery in minutes to 1 day depending on method.

A simple rule of thumb: compare total received in PHP, not just the upfront fee.

Step-by-step: from pounds to pesos

Sending money is straightforward once you choose a provider.

1. Create your account

• Download the app or use the website. Have a valid UK ID ready for verification.
• Add your UK address and confirm your email or mobile.

2. Choose how you will pay

• UK debit or credit card is usually fastest to fund.
• Bank transfer can be cheaper for larger amounts.
• Open Banking on services like MoneyTO authorises payments securely without entering card details.
• Apple Pay is available on Wise for quick checkout.

3. Pick how your recipient will receive

• Bank deposit to major PH banks.
• Cash pickup at agents such as Ria and Western Union.
• Mobile wallet top-ups to GCash or Maya.
• In selected areas, home delivery via providers that offer it.

4. Enter recipient details

• Full name matching their ID for cash pickup.
• Bank name and account number for deposits, or the mobile wallet number.

5. Review costs and rate

• Check the transfer fee and the exchange rate. Confirm the PHP amount your recipient will receive.

6. Send and track

• Get a tracking number and estimated arrival. Card-funded transfers can arrive in minutes, while bank transfers typically take 1 to 2 days.

Why picking the right route matters

Choosing the right service can save you pounds and time. Traditional bank SWIFT transfers may cost £10 to £30, often with weaker exchange rates and 1 to 5 day delivery, plus possible intermediary bank deductions. Specialists tend to be faster and cheaper, with transparent pricing and better visibility. If your recipient needs cash in a provincial area, services with large pickup networks like Ria or Western Union can be convenient. If you send regularly and want consistency, Wise provides the real mid-market rate and a clear fee so you know exactly what is going on. For bargain seekers, ACE often combines low fees with very quick delivery, which is helpful for urgent bills. Revolut can be cost effective for transfers to bank accounts or cards, especially for tech-savvy users.

Fast, fair, and transparent - that is what to look for.

Quick comparison: strengths and trade-offs

Watchouts before you hit send

Check the total received amount in PHP after fees and the exchange rate margin, as this is what your recipient actually gets. For cash pickup, ensure the recipient name exactly matches their ID to avoid delays. If you pay by card, some providers charge higher fees than bank transfer, so compare both. For bank deposits, verify the bank name, account number, and any branch codes to prevent returns. Keep an eye on transfer limits and daily caps, particularly if sending larger sums for education or medical expenses. Exchange rates move during the day, so a guaranteed rate window can be helpful. If timing is critical, choose services that show delivery in minutes and provide real-time tracking. Finally, confirm whether your provider is regulated in the UK and uses secure payment methods like Open Banking.

Other ways to move your money

1. UK bank SWIFT transfer - familiar, but usually slower and pricier.
2. HSBC Global Transfers - free between your own linked accounts, if eligible.
3. In-person agent cash send - pay cash at a UK agent or Post Office and send for pickup.
4. Card-to-card transfer via app - fast to Visa or Mastercard where supported.
5. Mobile wallet top-up - send to GCash or Maya for quick spending in the Philippines.

FAQs

Q: Which UK service is usually the cheapest for UK to Philippines? A: Pricing changes, but ACE is often very competitive on fees and speed. Wise is strong on exchange rates. Compare the PHP your recipient will receive before you confirm.

Q: How fast can money arrive in the Philippines? A: Card-funded transfers can land in minutes with services like ACE, Ria, Remitly, and Western Union. Bank transfers typically take from a few hours to 1 to 2 days.

Q: Is it safe to use these services? A: Look for providers regulated in the UK and with strong security features. Using reputable apps that offer tracking and ID checks reduces the risk of fraud or misdelivery.

Q: What payment methods can I use in the UK? A: Most services accept debit and credit cards. Some support bank transfers, Apple Pay on selected apps like Wise, and Open Banking with MoneyTO for quick authorisation.

Q: What if my recipient does not have a bank account? A: Choose cash pickup or a mobile wallet payout. Ria and Western Union have wide pickup networks. GCash and Maya are popular wallet options for quick access to funds.

How Switcha can help

Switcha makes it simple to compare UK to Philippines transfer options side by side, focusing on what matters most: total cost, delivery time, and payout method. Our tools highlight the PHP your recipient will receive after fees and the exchange rate, so you can pick the best value with confidence. We surface trusted, UK-regulated providers and show funding choices like debit card, bank transfer, Apple Pay, and Open Banking where available. Whether you prioritise speed, cash pickup availability, or the mid-market rate, Switcha helps you navigate the trade-offs clearly. Save time, avoid hidden costs, and send support home with less hassle.

• Next steps:
  • Compare providers by total received in PHP.
  • Choose the payout method your recipient prefers.
  • Confirm ID details and bank numbers carefully.
  • Track your transfer and keep receipts.

Important information

This guide is for general information only and is not financial advice. Service availability, fees, and exchange rates change. Always check current terms and the total PHP received before you send. If unsure, seek professional guidance.