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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
Using Wise to transfer money to UnionBank in the Philippines is a cost-effective and quick option for freelancers. The fees are generally low, around 0.5% of the transfer amount, and the funds typically arrive within 1-2 business days. This method supports seamless transfers directly to your UnionBank account with minimal hassle. Quick Facts Aspect Details Fees 0.5% of the transfer amount Processing Time 1-2 business days Minimum Withdrawal No minimum Supported Banks BDO, BPI, UnionBank, GCash, Maya Step-by-Step Process 1. Create a Wise Account: Sign up on the Wise website or mobile app using your email address and a secure password. Verify your account with a valid ID. Set Up Your Transfer: Log in to yourWiseaccount, click on “Send Money,” and enter the amount you wish to transfer. Choose PHP as the currency and UnionBank as the recipient bank.Add Recipient Details: Enter the recipient’s full name, UnionBank account number, and any additional required information.Review Transfer Details: Check the conversion rate, fees, and estimated delivery time. Wise provides transparency by showing the exact amount the recipient will receive.Pay for Your Transfer: Choose a payment method. Options include bank transfer, credit/debit card, or other available methods in your region.Track Your Transfer: Once the payment is made, you can track the transfer status through the Wise dashboard or app. You and the recipient will receive email notifications once the transfer is complete. Fees Breakdown (Philippines 2026) In 2026, Wise charges a competitive fee of around 0.5% of the transfer amount. For example, if you’re transferring $500, the fee would be approximately $2.50, which is about PHP 150 — less than a Grab ride across Manila. This fee includes the conversion rate, which is often more favorable than traditional banks. Best Banks to Use When choosing a bank to receive your Wise transfer, consider the following:
- **BDO (Banco de Oro) Ready to start earning in dollars? Sign up for Payoneer free → Switching to Wise can save you up to ₱800 compared to Payoneer’s fees for international transfers, making it a smarter choice for freelancers.
Detailed Guide
**: Offers extensive branch and ATM networks. However, their processing times can be longer for international transfers. BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands): Known for reliability and customer service. They provide competitive exchange rates but may charge additional fees for incoming international transfers.UnionBank: A top choice for freelancers due to its user-friendly app and online services. UnionBank processes Wise transfers efficiently with no hidden fees.GCash/Maya: For those preferring digital wallets, GCash and Maya offer convenience and quick access to funds. You can link these wallets to your UnionBank account for seamless transfers.Transfer Delays: Sometimes, transfers may take longer due to bank holidays or incorrect recipient details. Double-check all information before confirming the transfer.Currency Conversion Rates: Wise offers competitive rates, but they fluctuate. Monitor these rates to transfer when they are most favorable.
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
nces. In my experience, using Wise is far cheaper than options like Payoneer. With Wise’s fee of only 0.5%, you can transfer larger amounts without worrying about high costs. If you’re frequently receiving international payments, switching to Wise can save you significant money over time. I encourage you to Open Wise Account Free — Save ₱800 and see the difference for yourself. If you’re looking for a reliable way to receive payments as a freelancer, consider how Wise’s fees stack up against traditional bank transfers. For instance, while banks may charge up to ₱1,500 for international transfers, Wise only charges about ₱800 in fees, making it a budget-friendly option. I highly recommend you Open Wise Account Free — Save ₱800 and enjoy seamless transactions. Additionally, if you want to ensure your online activities are secure while working remotely, consider using a VPN like NordVPN. It helps protect your data and privacy, especially when managing finances online. Given the increasing threats to online security, investing in reliable protection is essential. You can easily enhance your online safety with NordVPN, which offers top-notch encryption at a competitive price. As a freelancer, I find that using Wise for my international transfers is incredibly beneficial. The low fee of about 0.5% makes it easy to keep more of my earnings. I can send money directly to my UnionBank account without worrying about hidden charges. If you’re looking for a reliable way to manage your payments, try Wise for free and experience the difference yourself. Choosing the right bank to pair with Wise is essential. UnionBank’s digital-first approach aligns well with Wise’s service model, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize convenience and speed. Meanwhile, BDO and BPI, while reliable, may add additional fees and processing time to incoming international transfers. For freelancers who frequently deal with international clients, Wise provides a clear advantage in terms of cost and speed. The ability to track transfers in real-time adds a layer of security and peace of mind, knowing exactly when your funds will arrive. This feature is particularly beneficial for freelancers who manage tight budgets and need accurate financial planning. 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.
Related reading
Explore these in-depth guides from our editorial team:
- PayPal o Payoneer 2026: Which Is Better for Filipinos?
- Remitly vs Wise 2026: Which Is mas mabuti para sa Pinoy?
- Payoneer Philippines Guide
- Which is better, Payoneer or Wise 2026?
- Payoneer vs Wise 2026: Which Is Better para sa Filipinos?
Sources & further reading
For more depth on these topics, these authoritative sources are worth bookmarking:
- Wise Mission Mid-market rate — authoritative reference.
- World Bank Remittance Prices — authoritative reference.
- FATF Cross-Border Payments — authoritative reference. Last verified April 2026.