For Filipino freelancers, Remitly is better for quick remittances and lower transfer fees to the Philippines, while Wise is better for transparent exchange rates and international payments. Here's my honest comparison after using both for 6 years.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Remitly | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Lower for remittances to the Philippines | Transparent, percentage-based |
| Payment to Philippines | Fast and reliable | Competitive rates, slightly slower |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly interface | Simple and straightforward |
| Best for | Sending money home quickly | International payments with good rates |
When to Choose Remitly
Choosing Remitly can be particularly beneficial in several scenarios. First, if you're looking to send money home to the Philippines quickly, Remitly offers an express service that ensures your funds arrive within minutes. In my experience, this feature has been a lifesaver when unexpected family needs arose. Another scenario is when you're dealing with smaller amounts. Remitly tends to have lower fees for smaller transactions, making it a cost-effective option. For example, when I sent PHP 10,000 to my family, the fees were minimal compared to other services. Remitly is also an excellent choice if your recipient prefers cash pickup. The service partners with numerous locations across the Philippines, including banks like BDO and BPI, ensuring convenience for your family. Lastly, if you're not tech-savvy, Remitly’s user-friendly platform is easy to navigate, which was helpful for me when I first started with online remittances.When to Choose Wise
Wise shines in situations where transparent exchange rates and international transfers are paramount. If you're a freelancer working with clients worldwide, Wise offers real-time exchange rates that are hard to beat. I've noticed that this feature saves me significant amounts on larger transfers. For those who need to pay suppliers or contractors abroad, Wise's multi-currency account allows you to hold and convert money at competitive rates. This was particularly useful for me when I had to pay for software and services from different countries. If you value transparency, Wise clearly outlines the fees and exchange rates before you make a transfer, so there are no surprises. This level of clarity helped me budget my expenses accurately. Moreover, Wise is ideal for those who frequently receive payments from international clients, as it supports various payment methods, including bank transfers and credit card payments.Detailed Comparison
Fees and Costs (Philippines-specific)
In my experience, Remitly offers competitive fees for remittances to the Philippines, especially if you choose the Economy option, which takes longer but is cheaper. On the other hand, Wise applies a percentage-based fee, which can be more cost-effective for larger sums. For instance, when I sent PHP 50,000 through Wise, the savings on exchange rates offset the fees.Payment Methods
Remitly provides multiple disbursement options, including direct bank deposits to BDO, BPI, and UnionBank, and cash pickups at local outlets. Wise, however, excels in offering a wide range of payment options, including credit card and bank transfers, which can be a boon for freelancers with diverse payment needs.User Experience
Both platforms are user-friendly, but Remitly’s interface is particularly intuitive for beginners. Wise, while straightforward, provides more detailed information about fees and exchange rates, which I found reassuring when making international transactions.Client Quality
While Remitly focuses on remittances, Wise is better suited for freelancers who deal with international clients. Wise’s ability to maintain multiple currencies and offer great exchange rates makes it a preferred choice for those who work globally.For Beginners vs. Experienced
For beginners, Remitly’s simplicity and focus on remittances make it a less intimidating option. As someone who started freelancing six years ago, I appreciated the straightforward process. For experienced freelancers, Wise offers advanced features like multi-currency accounts and better control over exchange rates, which can be advantageous.My Personal Experience
In my six years of freelancing, I've used both Remitly and Wise extensively. Initially, I relied on Remitly due to its ease of use and quick transfers, especially when I needed to send money urgently to my family in Manila. For instance, during the holiday season in 2022, I sent PHP 20,000 using Remitly's express service, and the funds were available for pickup in less than an hour. However, as my freelance career expanded internationally, I began using Wise more frequently. The transparent exchange rates and ability to hold multiple currencies made a significant difference when dealing with clients from Europe and the US. In one instance, I received a payment of USD 2,500, and converting it through Wise saved me over PHP 2,000 compared to other services.Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is not comparing fees before each transfer. Both platforms update their fees periodically, so always check the latest rates to ensure you're getting the best deal. Another mistake is ignoring currency conversion rates. With Wise, you can save money by timing your transfers when rates are favorable. I learned this the hard way when I transferred funds during a low rate period. Additionally, some users overlook the verification process. Both Remitly and Wise require identity verification, which can delay your first transfer if not completed promptly. Ensure all documents are ready beforehand. Lastly, underestimating delivery times can lead to issues. While Remitly's express service is fast, the Economy option and Wise’s transfers can take longer, so plan accordingly.Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Remitly or Wise?
Remitly often has lower fees for smaller, local transfers, while Wise offers better rates for larger, international transactions.
Can I use Wise to send money to the Philippines?
Yes, Wise allows you to send money to the Philippines with competitive exchange rates and transparent fees.
Is Remitly faster than Wise?
Remitly's express service is faster for remittances, often completing transfers in minutes, whereas Wise may take a day or more.
Do both services support GCash payments?
Yes, both Remitly and Wise support GCash as a payment method, making it convenient for recipients in the Philippines.
What are the main differences between Remitly and Wise?
Remitly is tailored for remittances with fast transfers and lower fees for smaller amounts, while Wise offers transparent fees and great exchange rates for larger, international payments.