Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Reviewed and updated April 2026 by Maria Santos (THG editorial team). Data verified against official sources and real-world testing.
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 Ready to start earning in dollars? Sign up for Payoneer free →
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
- 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
Open Wise Account — First Transfer FREE
Save ₱800 vs bank transfer. Used by 16M+ people worldwide. Get Started Free →
Pro Tips
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. In my experience, Wise not only offers better rates but also allows you to withdraw directly to your GCash or UnionBank accounts without the hassle of high fees. This means you can receive your payments quickly and at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional bank transfers or even services like Remitly. With Wise, you can enjoy seamless transactions while saving money. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective way to receive international payments, I highly recommend exploring Wise for international transfers — Save up to ₱800. Unlike Remitly, which charges between $3.99 to $7.99 per transfer, Wise offers significantly lower fees, making it a smart choice for freelancers who want to maximize their earnings. As you navigate transferring money to your UnionBank account, consider the added layer of security that a VPN can provide, especially if you’re working remotely. NordVPN not only protects your online activities but also ensures that your financial transactions remain secure. With plans starting at around PHP 400 a month, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. I personally use it when handling sensitive financial matters. Check out NordVPN for a secure online experience. If you’re considering how to make the most of your international payments, I highly recommend looking into Wise for your transfers. It offers competitive fees and real exchange rates, which can save you even more money on each transaction. For instance, their fees are often significantly lower than traditional banks, so you can keep more of your earnings. Try Wise for free and see how it compares to Remitly.
Related reading
Explore these in-depth guides from our editorial team:
- Best Online Jobs for Filipinos in 2026
- Best Headset for VA and ESL Work Philippines Under P3,000 (2026)
- Trabahong Online
- Maya to Unionbank 2026 Guide
- Freelancing No Experience Philippines 2026…
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.