How to send money to the Philippines from Australia

Knowing how to send money to the Philippines from Australia efficiently is essential for the thousands of Australians who support loved ones abroad every month.

Whether you're sending money home to family in the Philippines or paying for expenses there, finding the right transfer service can make a real difference to how much your recipient ends up with. This guide compares your best options from Australia.

Want to flip the route? Check out our guide to sending money to Australia from the Philippines.

The best way to send money to the Philippines from Australia

When you decide to send money to the Philippines from Australia, you're usually looking for 3 things: low costs, fast delivery, and a process that's easy to navigate. The 'best' way often depends on your specific needs, such as whether you're sending a small gift or a large amount for a property investment.

Traditional banks have often been the default choice, but they're rarely the most cost-effective. Modern digital platforms have changed the landscape by offering better exchange rates and lower fees.

Different methods for remittances to the Philippines

There are several ways to transfer your Australian dollars (AUD) to Philippine pesos (PHP). Each has its own balance of convenience and cost. Let's break it down:

International bank transfers

Sending money via your local Australian bank is a familiar process. You can usually set this up through your bank's online portal. However, these transfers often travel through the SWIFT network. This system involves multiple banks talking to each other, which can lead to higher fees and longer wait times. Banks also tend to add a significant markup to the exchange rate.

Debit card transfers

Using a card to pay for your transfer is often the fastest method. When you use our app, you can link your Australian debit card to add money almost immediately.

Keep in mind that some providers may charge higher processing fees for credit cards compared to debit cards or bank transfers. It's always worth checking the fee breakdown before you confirm a transaction.

Mobile wallet transfers

In the Philippines, mobile wallets like GCash and Maya (formerly PayMaya) are very popular. Many people there use these wallets instead of traditional bank accounts. Sending money directly to a mobile wallet is often faster and more convenient for the recipient, as they can access the money right away from their phone or withdraw it at a local kiosk.

Learn all about the methods we support for international transfers.

What you need to make an international transfer to the Philippines

To make sure your money reaches the right person without delay, you must have the correct details ready. Errors in recipient information are the most common cause of transfer delays. Here's what you need to know:

Required recipient information

For a standard bank transfer to the Philippines, you'll need:

• the recipient's full legal name (as it appears on their bank ID)
• their home address in the Philippines
• the name of their bank (e.g. BDO, BPI, or Metrobank)
• their bank account number (this varies in length depending on the institution)
• the purpose of the transfer (which may be required for regulatory compliance)

If you're sending to a mobile wallet, the requirements are simpler. You'll need:

• the recipient's full name
• their mobile phone number linked to the wallet (e.g. their GCash-registered number)

Before you confirm the transfer, it's a good idea to double-check these details with your recipient. You can also use our currency converter to see exactly how many pesos they'll receive based on the current market rate.

Exchange rates and fees for AUD to PHP

The total cost of your transfer is made up of 2 parts: the transfer fee and the exchange rate. Many people only look at the fee, but the exchange rate is often where the real cost is hidden.

Exchange rate

The mid-market rate is the real-time exchange rate you’ll see on Google. Many providers add a markup to this rate, which functions as an additional cost for the transfer. For example, if the mid-market rate is 1 AUD to 37 PHP, but your provider offers 36 PHP, they're keeping 1 peso for every Australian dollar sent. While this difference may seem small, it can add up to a significant amount on larger transfers.

At Revolut, we aim for clarity. We show you the exchange rate and any applicable fees upfront before you make your transfer. Depending on your plan and the time of the transfer, you may be able to exchange currency at competitive rates with lower fees.

Fees and intermediary charges

If your transfer travels via the SWIFT network, intermediary banks may take a cut of the money as it passes through. This means your recipient might receive less than you intended.

We use local payment networks whenever we can, to bypass these extra costs and make our international transfer options more predictable.

Learn more about sending money to the Philippines with Revolut.

How long does a transfer to the Philippines from Australia take?

Speed is often a priority for cross-border payments. The time it takes for your money to arrive depends on the path it takes. Here's what you need to know:

• Revolut-to-Revolut: if you both have an account with us, the money will arrive immediately, no matter where in the world either of you is.
• Local bank transfers: we use local payment networks whenever possible. These types of transfers usually allow your money to arrive within the same business day or the next.
• SWIFT transfers: traditional bank-to-bank transfers can take 3–5 business days.

We always provide an estimated arrival time in-app before you hit Send, and you can track your money's journey until it reaches its destination.

Sending money to mobile wallets

For many customers, sending money to a wallet is the best way to send money to the Philippines.

You can send money to a mobile wallet via our app, in just a few taps. Simply select the Mobile wallet option, enter the recipient's phone number, and confirm the amount. In many cases, these transfers are processed within minutes, allowing your family or friends to access the money for bills, groceries, or cash withdrawals immediately.

Please note that mobile wallet providers may have their own limits on how much a customer can hold in their account. It's worth asking your recipient to check their wallet's limits if you're sending a large amount.

Safety and security for your international transfers

Keeping your money safe is our top priority. When you send money from Australia to the Philippines, both countries have strict regulations to protect consumers and prevent financial crime.

We're regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and we use advanced security measures, including:

• two-factor authentication for all sensitive transactions
• real-time fraud monitoring to spot suspicious activity
• secure encryption to protect your personal and financial data

While we work hard to protect you, it's also important to be aware of common scams. Always be wary of anyone who asks you to move money to a 'safe account' or pressures you into making an urgent transfer. If you're ever unsure, you can reach out to our support team in-app.

How to sign up for Revolut and send your first transfer

If you're ready to start sending money to the Philippines more efficiently, here's how you can get started:

1. Download the app: find us on the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign up for Revolut: enter your phone number and follow the prompts to create your account.
3. Verify your identity: you'll need to provide a photo of your Australian ID (like a driver's licence or passport) and a quick selfie. This helps us keep your account secure.
4. Add money to your account: you can add AUD to your balance using a debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a bank transfer from your other Australian account.
5. Start your transfer: go to the Payments tab, tap + New, and select International.
6. Enter recipient details: choose the Philippines as the destination, enter the recipient's bank or mobile wallet details, and specify the amount.
7. Review and confirm: we'll show you the exchange rate and any fees. If everything looks right, tap Send.

Once your transfer's on its way, you can share the tracking details with your recipient so they know exactly when to expect the money.

Beyond transfers, you can also explore our travel money card for when you visit the Philippines.

Exchange and remittance fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply. Exchange rates and fees shown are for illustration only.

The information provided is accurate as of 5 May 2026.