Best ways to send money to the Philippines from the UK
🏅 The overall best way to send GBP to the Philippines: TorFx
💲 The cheapest way to send money to the Philippines from the UK: Passto
⏲️ The fastest way to send money to the Philippines from the UK: Passto
🏦 The best way to send money from the UK to the Philippines via a bank transfer: TorFx
💳 The best provider for credit card transfers from the UK to the Philippines: XE
💳 The best provider for debit card transfers from the UK to the Philippines: TorFx
Sending money from the United Kingdom
Migrants from around the world come to the United Kingdom looking for higher salaries and a better life. They don't forget the people at home, which is why many send money from the UK to the Philippines.
You'll find everything about this process below. But before we continue, let's mention that you can refer to the guide on sending money to the United Kingdom if you ever need to transfer money to this country.
How do I send money from the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom has strict regulations, with authorities like the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) and HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs) monitoring the financial markets. Many providers comply with relevant regulations to offer international transactions from the UK to the Philippines. You can choose from direct bank transfers, wire transactions, digital wallets, and specialized money transfer providers.
Money transfer providers are by far the best option because they are usually faster, cheaper, and easier to use than the alternatives. These are primarily online-based companies that require completing a simple form to send money abroad. Depending on the parameters chosen, the delivery could be instant. That's hard to compare with wire transfers that take days. And direct bank transactions using the SWIFT system also add high fees, while money transfer providers are fair and keep their charges as low as possible.
What details do I need to send money from the United Kingdom?
The details vary on the method selected, but prepare the following to avoid any surprises:
Your ID: It's necessary to upload it to a provider to verify your identity or submit it when sending money from an offline branch. It should contain a photo - you can use a driving license or passport
Recipient and delivery information: Discuss the best delivery method with the receiver and ask for their exact name and address. They must match the ones listed in the document the recipient plans to use to collect the money
Payment method: The common options include bank transfers or deposits to a money transfer provider or using debit or credit cards. Don't forget you need sufficient funds to cover the fees involved
Additional info: For large transfers, you might need to prove how you got the money (salary statement or employer contract, property sale document, or other relevant items)
Do I have to pay tax on money transfers from the United Kingdom?
If your transaction is personal and you are sending money to a family member or friend, you won't have to pay any taxes. If you decide to reverse the route and send money to the United Kingdom, check out our guide on money transfers and taxes for more information.
Things are different if you are buying a property or another large asset. You might need to report that acquisition or pay relevant taxes in the UK or the destination country. The same is true if you are sending payments to a remote worker doing a job for you.
Sending money to the Philippines
The Philippines encourages expats and others to send money to the country by allowing you to choose between two currencies – USD and PHP. That might not mean much when sending from the UK since conversion would still be necessary. Here are other details on receiving money in the Philippines.
How do I receive money in the Philippines?
Here are the usual options to choose from for personal transactions:
Bank deposits: Receiving money to a bank account doesn't require your involvement. You'll get the funds, and you can choose to collect them now or at any later date. Unfortunately, a significant portion of adult Filipinos doesn't have a bank account, making this option potentially not the best
Cash pickups: Cash pickups are more common and easier for most users. Western Union and MoneyGram have hundreds of branches across the Philippines, including independent agents, post offices, supermarkets, and fuel stations. You need to collect the money at the branch, which can be risky for large transfers
Mobile deposits: Some providers partner with the GCash network to secure this option. Monthly transaction limits are fairly high, but make sure you validate your account first
Cash delivery: This involves receiving money at your home address. It's convenient for major cities, but it could take longer for rural areas
What details do I need to receive money in the Philippines?
You can't just go and collect the money sent to you. It's necessary to provide certain documents, such as:
Your ID: Use a Filipino ID, passport, or driver's license, but make sure it's not beyond its expiration date
Transaction info: Some platforms might require a reference number or code that the sender should deliver. Some will also require the sender's name and the amount you expect to receive
Collection form: MoneyGram has a form that requires entering certain details. Most providers will require your signature to confirm they've handed you the money
Do I have to pay tax on money transfers to the Philippines?
According to taxation in the Philippines, you won't have to pay anything if your annual revenue is up to PHP 250,000. From there, the tax rate starts at 15% and increases to 35% for larger sums. It's important that the personal income tax is only applicable if you receive compensation for a job you've done for someone abroad.
The Central Bank of the Philippines has a special form to complete if you receive over USD 10,000 or PHP 50,000. It's a form where the facility authorizes the transaction.
What is the fastest way to send money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines?
When sending money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines, speed is one of the biggest factors you need to consider in terms of the service offered by different money transfer providers. Currently, Passto is the fastest way to send GBP - PHP.
If you want the fastest option to send money from the UK to the Philippines, go with an international money transfer provider . Choose a card deposit as your preferred option and a cash collection point as the delivery method. With this, the transfer could finalize immediately, and you can monitor the transaction via your account.
Another convenient option could be using PayPal or similar digital wallets. But check that you are okay with the conversion rates and fees since they are much higher than when using a money transfer provider.
.
How long does it take to send money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines?
Most providers promise to finalize the transaction from the UK to the Philippines on the same day, but the actual time it takes to transfer depends on the following:
How much you are sending: Large sums might have to go through a verification process that involves the authorities
Which method you selected: Bank transfers, even when using an money transfer, can sometimes take longer than card deposits
The time when you finalized the transaction: Some providers have limited working hours or cutoff times. Weekends and holidays might also mean you need to be patient until the next business day
Which provider and transaction type do you select: Providers vary in transaction speeds, and some even charge extra for fast transfers. You can check the MoneyTransfers.com comparison to find the fastest deals
What's the cheapest way to send money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines?
In order to avoid high fees, you should consider the cheapest way to send from the United Kingdom to the Philippines. Passto has been determined by our comparison engine to be currently offering you the cheapest rates possible.
It's hard to imagine you'll find a cheaper option than using an international money transfer provider to send funds from the UK to the Philippines. We suggest a bank transfer via a money transfer provider since these transfers tend to be cheaper than when using card deposits.
These companies are more affordable than banks, especially for one-time transfers. Direct bank transactions are made via the SWIFT payment system, which is slow and comes with considerable transfer fees. Although a bank like HSBC that operates in the UK and the Philippines could simplify the process, it's still a cheaper option to use a money transfer provider.
How much does it cost to send money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines?
It's important to check all transaction details carefully, but the good news is that the best providers used to send money from the UK to the Philippines have a clear pricing overview before you finalize the transaction. Consider the following:
What's the conversion rate: You can convert GBP to USD or PHP, but expect lower than mid-market rates. Money transfer providers tend to offer better rates than banks, and it's best to compare the providers via our MoneyTransfer.com service
Which transfer fees apply: Some providers have transaction charges, and there are fees for using a particular deposit method
How much you plan to send: Many providers often offer incentives for sending large sums, such as loyalty points that grant discounts or giving up on their fees. But that depends on the platform because some providers charge more for larger amounts
What payment methods are available when sending money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines
Money transfer providers are convenient since they offer multiple methods to deposit funds. Each option has pros and cons – some are cheaper, and others are faster. Here's a brief overview of the available options.
Sending money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines by credit card
If you want to send money abroad using a credit card, you can use a money transfer provider to pay for your transfer to the Philippines.
A benefit to using credit cards is that you can "borrow" funds that go beyond your actual balance to send money from the UK to the Philippines. The transactions are fast, and owning a credit card is extremely secure in the United Kingdom. The financial services compensation scheme protects this payment method, raising the overall safety of using credit cards to the maximum level. Some providers will even reward you for using this option, whether by discounts for future transactions or cashback deals.
But credit cards are far from perfect, especially price-wise. They are more expensive to deposit to the provider than debit cards and bank transfers, and there are high currency conversion and cash advance fees. Not to mention the risk of paying interest on your debt. The credit score is another thing to consider, especially if you plan a major transaction like buying a house. It's imperative to keep your rating as high as possible, and using a credit card will likely affect it.
Sending money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines by debit card
You can also send money online to the Philippines using your debit card. But before making a payment, make sure you understand all the processing fees in place.
Debit cards might seem similar to credit cards, especially since many same issuers are behind both services (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). But the difference is that you can only use the money in the account balance with a debit card. There aren't cash advance charges, but you'll still pay conversion and transaction fees.
Instant transactions are another benefit offered by debit cards. Speed is a category where these outperform bank transfers, but the price isn't. Ultimately, if you are in a rush, debit cards might be more convenient, since most money transfer providers support them.
Sending money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines by bank transfer
Bank transfers are the most common ways of sending money Philippines as they are secure, reliable, and convenient. You can use a money transfer provider to send money using a bank transfer at a great rate as long as you’re happy for your transfer to take a little longer to process.
It's better to use bank transfers via specialized money transfer providers. These companies don't use the SWIFT system, allowing them to keep the fees low. The usual processing time is within 24 hours. Even if it takes longer, you could still benefit from saving some money compared to card deposits.
Sending money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines by digital wallet
PayPal is among the digital wallets available in the Philippines, so you can consider using it when sending money from the UK to this country. The company is famous for fast transfers, but its fees are harsh. They charge up to 5% per transaction, and there are conversion rates, too. Some charges might apply to the recipient, so make sure to double-check to understand how much they will receive.
Digital wallets offer instant transfers, but they aren't the smartest choice if you need a cheap provider. Please note that there are crypto wallets, too. However, we strongly advise against using digital currencies since the market is highly unregulated.
What are the best apps for sending money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines?
There's a limited availability of money transfer apps in the Philippines, but you can still use PayPal to send money from the UK. PayPal transfers are fast and easy but pricey, especially since you need to convert GBP to USD or PHP.
A more affordable option is to find a money transfer provider that has a free app. Most providers have software solutions for iOS and Android, so visit the app store on your device and check it out. Look for XE, WorldRemit, or Wise since they are excellent choices for sending money from the UK to the Philippines. MoneyTransfers.com allows comparing the premium providers to pick the one that fits you best easily.
About Money Transfers to the Philippines from the UK
We’ve compared the best money transfer providers to send money from the UK to the Philippines. The cheapest provider for GBP to PHP transfers is Passto, while the fastest is Passto.
💸 Number of providers
8+
💰 Most transferred amount
1000 PHP +
💸 Cheapest provider (on average)
Passto
⚡ ️Fastest transfer time
In minutes with Passto
💱 Currency Transfer Pair
GBP - PHP
📈 GBP - PHP mid market rate
66.741791
💳 Pay-in options in the UK
Bank transfer from the UK with TorFx, Debit card with TorFx, Credit card with XE
💵 Pay-out options in the Philippines
Bank account, Debit card, Cash pickup in Philippines
What is the easiest way to send money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines
Don't look beyond money transfer providers. They are convenient for first-time users, fast to finalize, and come with low fees and attractive conversion rates. Check out the comparison on MoneyTransfers.com to find the best provider.
How much can I send from the United Kingdom to the Philippines
The authorities in the United Kingdom don't limit your transactions, but the ones in the Philippines require written authorization from the BSP for each transfer above PHP50,000 or USD 10,000.
Can I send money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines without a bank account
Credit cards could be an option for some users, but they come with big charges, especially down the road. Some providers allow cash deposits and you may even be able to schedule them online, but to actually send cash, you'll likely need to go in-store.
Can I send cash from the United Kingdom to the Philippines
Yes, but the chances are you'll have to find an agent location nearby and visit it. It's best if the same provider also has branches in the Philippines, and Western Union and Wise belong to this category. The recipient can collect cash at designed points after you send it.
Can I set up regular payments from the United Kingdom to the Philippines
JP Morgan Chase is an example of a bank available in the UK and the Philippines. You can use these for relatively affordable international transfers. PHP is among the supported currencies on platforms like TorFX and MoneyCorp, which are also convenient for regular transfers.
Can I send money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines with PayPal
The Philippines are one of 170+ countries where PayPal is available. Although you and the recipient will both need a PayPal account, you can use this option for fast money transfers. It's even possible to use Xoom to send money from the UK to the Philippines for those who don't have a PayPal account. However, huge charges and harsh conversion rates make this option expensive.
What currency is used in the Philippines
The Philippine peso is the official currency, and it uses the code PHP and the symbol ₱. The coin's history goes back to the 16th century and the Spanish colonial period.
How to find the best exchange rate?
Finding the best exchange rate is crucial to maximising the money received on the other end. Usually, you will receive better exchange rates with money transfer provider compared to a traditional bank. Here’s are a few tips to find the best exchange rate online:
Start looking early: various providers will offer different exchange rates on different days, start looking as early as you can to identify the best provider for your currency pair
Pay attention to the current exchange rate: staying up to date with the current exchange rate will give you the advantage to buy and sell on time. Currencies fluctuate daily due to supply and demand, so checking it frequently is advised to get the best rate possible. Alternatively, you can sign up with our price alerts to know when your currency reaches the desired price
Avoid using your bank: banks are trustworthy, reliable and convenient, but they do not provide value for money. They charge high fees and usually have higher costs compared to the money transfer provider. Some money transfer companies will even provide a mid-market rate
How do we compare money transfers from the United Kingdom to the Philippines?
The comparison service at moneytransfers.com shows you the most relevant brands for sending money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines, so you can find the best deal for converting GBP to PHP for your transfer.
What do we mean by the top provider?
Our top provider is the money transfer service that we believe is the most suitable for sending money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines. To keep our service free for users, we also factor in commercial agreements we have with our partners.
How do we choose which providers to display?
We make sure each table shows the most relevant brands for sending money from the United Kingdom to the Philippines. We consider a range of factors when choosing which providers to display, such as the quality of their service, the benefit to the consumer, and to keep our services free, the commercial agreement we have with the partner.
We ensure every provider is authorised and regulated to provider money transfers from the United Kingdom to the Philippines, by regulatory bodies such as the FCA, ASIC, Fincen, FINTRAC, and AMF. They are also manually checked by our team for both quality of service and online trust from platforms like Trustpilot and Google Reviews.
How do we order our comparisons?
We are affiliated with some of the partners displayed in the tables. However we ensure the order of providers is based on the quality of service for transfers from the United Kingdom to the Philippines, followed by the commercial agreement in place.
You won’t pay any extra and the deal you get isn’t affected by our commercial agreement with the provider. We may receive a commission when you click through to a listing or when you make a transaction.
We aim to find the balance between the quality of the service, customer satisfaction and the commercial agreements we have, and continue comparing services in a transparent way. If you have any questions about our listings, please don’t hesitate to email us at contact@moneytransfers.com.