Overview
Sending money from Remitly to UnionBank in the Philippines is an efficient way to receive international payments. Fees range from $3.99 to $7.99 depending on how fast you want the transfer, with delivery times ranging from minutes to three business days. Supported banks include UnionBank, BDO, BPI, and more. Quick Facts Aspect Details Fees $3.99 - $7.99 Processing Time Minutes to 3 business days Minimum Withdrawal $1 Supported Banks UnionBank, BDO, BPI, GCash, Maya Step-by-Step Process Transferring money from Remitly to UnionBank is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step: Create a Remitly account or log in if you already have one. Choose the delivery speed that suits your needs. Economy transfers are cheaper but take longer, while Express transfers cost more but are quicker. Enter the recipient’s details. Ensure the UnionBank account information is accurate to avoid delays. Select the transfer amount. Remitly will show you the exact fees and the expected delivery time. Confirm the transaction and make the payment using your preferred method, such as a bank account or credit/debit card. Track the transfer through Remitly’s app or website until the funds are deposited into the UnionBank account. Fees Breakdown (Philippines 2026) Understanding the fees involved in a Remitly to UnionBank transfer helps you make informed decisions: Economy Transfer: $3.99, usually delivered within 3 business days. Express Transfer: $7.99, delivered within minutes to hours. Exchange Rate Markup: Approximately 1-2% above the mid-market rate, which is competitive for international transfers. To put this in perspective, a $3.99 fee is roughly equivalent to PHP 200, about the cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Manila. Best Banks to Use When choosing a bank for your Remitly transfers, consider the following options: BDO BDO is one of the largest banks in the Philippines, offering extensive branch and ATM networks. However, their fees can be higher compared to others. B
Detailed Guide
PI BPI provides reliable service with competitive fees and a user-friendly mobile app, making it a popular choice among freelancers. UnionBank Known for its digital banking services, UnionBank offers lower fees and seamless transactions, making it ideal for online freelancers. GCash/Maya For those who prefer mobile wallets, GCash and Maya offer convenient ways to receive and manage funds with UnionBank integration. GCash guide
Key Points for Filipino Freelancers
Pro Tips
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Pro Tip: Most successful Filipino freelancers use Payoneer to receive payments and transfer to Maya or GCash for instant access to their earnings in Philippine Peso.
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Complete Transfer Guide for Filipino Freelancers (2026)
Getting your international freelance earnings to your Philippine bank account efficiently is crucial for maximizing your income. Here's everything you need to know.
Service Comparison
| Service | Fee | Speed | Exchange Rate |
|---|
| Wise | 0.5-1.5% | 1-2 days | Mid-market (best) |
| Payoneer | 2% | 2-5 days | Below mid-market |
| PayPal | 3-4% | 3-5 days | Below mid-market |
| GCash | PHP 15 InstaPay | Instant | N/A (PHP only) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not comparing rates: Always check Wise vs Payoneer before large withdrawals — the difference can be thousands of pesos.
- Frequent small withdrawals: Batch your withdrawals weekly or bi-weekly to minimize fees.
- Wrong account details: Triple-check your bank account number. Wrong numbers cause 5-10 day delays.
- Not keeping records: Save all receipts for BIR tax filing (Form 1701).
- Ignoring timing: Submit withdrawals Monday-Wednesday for fastest bank processing.
Complete Transfer Guide for Filipino Freelancers (2026)
Getting your international freelance earnings to your Philippine bank account efficiently is crucial for maximizing your income. Here's everything you need to know.
Service Comparison
| Service | Fee | Speed | Exchange Rate |
|---|
| Wise | 0.5-1.5% | 1-2 days | Mid-market (best) |
| Payoneer | 2% | 2-5 days | Below mid-market |
| PayPal | 3-4% | 3-5 days | Below mid-market |
| GCash | PHP 15 InstaPay | Instant | N/A (PHP only) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not comparing rates: Always check Wise vs Payoneer before large withdrawals — the difference can be thousands of pesos.
- Frequent small withdrawals: Batch your withdrawals weekly or bi-weekly to minimize fees.
- Wrong account details: Triple-check your bank account number. Wrong numbers cause 5-10 day delays.
- Not keeping records: Save all receipts for BIR tax filing (Form 1701).
- Ignoring timing: Submit withdrawals Monday-Wednesday for fastest bank processing.
Additional Tips for Freelance Success
Here are additional strategies and insights to help you build a sustainable freelance career in 2026.
Selecting the right freelancing platform can significantly impact your success:
- For beginners: Fiverr lets you create service listings without applying to jobs — buyers come to you.
- For professionals: Upwork offers higher-value projects and long-term client relationships with lower commission (10%).
- For experts: Toptal and specialized platforms pay premium rates for verified top talent.
Financial Management for Freelancers
Proper financial management is crucial for freelance sustainability:
- Separate accounts: Keep a dedicated bank account for freelance income.
- Tax reserves: Set aside 15-20% of each payment for tax obligations.
- Emergency fund: Save at least 3 months of expenses for slow periods.
- Track everything: Record all transactions from Payoneer, Wise, and other sources.
Growth Strategies
- Increase your rates every 3-6 months as you gain experience and positive reviews
- Offer premium packages with high-value add-on services
- Build long-term relationships with well-paying clients
- Invest time in learning new, high-demand skills
- Diversify your income sources — don't depend on a single platform or client
Written by
Maria Santos
Virtual Assistant with 6+ years of experience working with international clients. Former BPO employee who transitioned to freelancing in 2019. Has earned over PHP10 million on platforms like Upwork and OnlineJobs.ph. Registered with BIR under the 8% flat tax option.
💼 6+ Years VA Experience
💰 PHP10M+ Earned