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Reviewed and updated April 2026 by Maria Santos (THG editorial team). Data verified against official sources and real-world testing.
Overview
Remitly allows Filipino freelancers to transfer funds directly to Security Bank with competitive exchange rates and low fees. The typical fee ranges from $3.99 to $6.99, depending on the speed of the transfer, and funds usually arrive within minutes to one banking day. Security Bank accounts can be linked for seamless withdrawals, making it an efficient choice for receiving international payments. Quick Facts Feature Details Fees $3.99 - $6.99 depending on speed Processing Time Minutes to 1 banking day Minimum Withdrawal No minimum Supported Banks Security Bank, BDO, BPI, UnionBank Step-by-Step Process To efficiently transfer money from Remitly to a Security Bank account, follow these steps: Sign up or Log in to Remitly: Visit the Remitly website or app. If you haven’t already, sign up for an account using your email address or mobile number. Choose ‘Send to Philippines’: On the main dashboard, select the option tosend moneyto the Philippines. Enter Transfer Details: Specify the amount you want to send. Remitly will show you the exchange rate and applicable fees. Select Security Bank as the Receiving Bank: From the list of banks, choose Security Bank. You will need the recipient’s bank account number and full name as it appears on their bank account. Choose Delivery Speed: Remitly offers different delivery speeds. For immediate transfers, choose the Express option, which might cost more, or opt for the Economy option for reduced fees. Provide Payment Information: Enter your debit card, credit card, or bank account information. Note that using a credit card might incur additional fees. Review and Confirm: Double-check all details to ensure accuracy. Confirm the transaction to initiate the transfer. Track Your Transfer: Use the Remitly app or website to track your transfer’s progress. Notifications will be sent to both the sender and recipient. Fees Breakdown (Philippines 2026) Understanding the costs a Ready to start earning in dollars? Sign up for Payoneer free →
Detailed Guide
ssociated with using Remitly is crucial: Express Transfer Fee: $6.99 for immediate transfers.Economy Transfer Fee: $3.99, which typically takes up to one banking day.Exchange Rate Margin: Remitly offers competitive rates but slightly marked up from the mid-market rate. Expect about 1-2% difference. For context, the $6.99 fee is around P380, which is less than a Grab car ride across Manila during rush hour. This makes Remitly a cost-effective option for quick transfers. Best Banks to Use When selecting a bank to receive your Remitly transfers, consider these options: BDO: Offers extensive branch and ATM networks across the Philippines, making cash withdrawals convenient. Known for reliability but may have higher fees for non-account holders. BPI: Provides great online banking features and a strong customer service reputation. They also offer competitive foreign exchange rates. UnionBank: Known for its excellent digital banking services, UnionBank is a solid choice for tech-savvy freelancers who prefer managing their finances online. Security Bank: Offers competitive fees and flexible account options, ideal for receiving international remittances with ease. For those without bank accounts, GCash and Maya offer alternatives. Both platforms allow you to receive money directly into your mobile wallet, which can be withdrawn at partner outlets nationwide. Verification Issues: Ensure all personal information is accurate, and provide any required identification documents promptly to avoid delays. Transfer Delays: While rare, delays can occur due to bank processing times. Contact Remitly customer service if your transfer takes longer than expected. Incorrect Bank Details: Double-check the recipient’s bank account information to prevent sending funds to the wrong account. Mistakes here can cause significant delays. For any issues, Remitly’s customer service is accessible through their website and app, providing support in multiple languages, including Filipino.
Key Points for Filipino Freelancers
- Create strong profiles on Upwork or Fiverr - Set up Payoneer for receiving USD payments - Consider BIR registration for tax compliance - Use Maya or GCash for quick peso withdrawals - Explore alternatives to OFW work
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Pro Tips
ncluding Remitly, to manage my international earnings. While Remitly is efficient for direct bank transfers, I highly recommend considering Payoneer for broader financial flexibility. With Payoneer, not only can you receive payments from multiple international clients, but you also have the option to withdraw funds to any local bank, including Security Bank, at competitive rates. Additionally, if you are looking for a reliable way to receive your payments with minimal fees, I recommend using Wise to receive international payments. With Wise, you can expect to save around ₱800 compared to traditional bank transfers, which can be a significant amount for freelancers like us who rely on quick access to funds. While Remitly offers competitive fees, I’ve found that using Wise for international transfers can save you more. For instance, when sending $100, Wise charges only around ₱400 in fees compared to Remitly’s potential fee of up to ₱400 if you choose the express option. This makes Wise an appealing choice for frequent transfers. If you’re considering expanding your skill set as a freelancer, check out Udemy courses. They offer a wide range of topics that can help you enhance your freelancing skills. Investing in your education can lead to higher earnings, making your Remitly transfers even more worthwhile. While Remitly offers a fantastic way to receive payments, I also recommend exploring Wise for international transfers. With Wise, you can send money with lower fees and real exchange rates, making your earnings stretch further. For instance, sending $1000 can often cost less than ₱500 in fees, compared to Remitly’s fees. 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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- Web Developer Salary Philippines
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Sources & further reading
For more depth on these topics, these authoritative sources are worth bookmarking:
- HBR Remote Work Research — authoritative reference.
- World Bank Digital Development — authoritative reference.
- MIT Technology Review — authoritative reference. Last verified April 2026.