OFW Remittance Calculator (USD → PHP, 2026)
See exactly how many pesos your family receives after fees and FX margin. Side-by-side comparison of Wise, Remitly, Western Union, PayPal Xoom, MoneyGram, SWIFT, and more.
Send Amount
Service Provider
Mid-Market Rate
Frequency (optional)
Side-by-side comparison
How all 9 remittance services compare for the amount you entered. The cheapest option for your specific send amount is highlighted in green.
| Service | Fee | FX Margin | Family Receives | True Cost |
|---|
How remittance fees actually work
Every USD→PHP remittance costs you two ways: a visible service fee (usually advertised upfront, e.g. $4.99) and an invisible FX margin (the gap between the mid-market rate and the rate you’re given). The FX margin is where most providers make their real money — Western Union, MoneyGram, and PayPal Xoom commonly charge 1.5-2.5% on top of mid-market, while Wise typically stays under 0.5%.
Effective Rate = Mid-Market Rate × (1 − FX Margin %)
PHP Received = (Amount − Fee) × Effective Rate
True Cost = Fee + (Amount × Margin %) [in source currency]
Typical 2025-2026 fees by service
Rates fluctuate weekly. These are average figures for a $500 USD → PHP send. Smaller amounts (under $100) often have proportionally higher fees; larger amounts (above $5,000) sometimes have lower fees with the same provider.
| Service | Typical Fee | FX Margin | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | $4.50 (variable) | 0.3-0.5% | 1-2 business days | Best overall — transparent, lowest total cost for most amounts |
| Remitly | $0 first transfer, $3.99 after | 0.6-1.0% | Minutes (Express) to 3 days | First-time senders, urgent transfers to cash pickup |
| WorldRemit | $2.99-$3.99 | 1.0-1.4% | Minutes to 1 day | Small amounts ($50-$300), cash pickup needed |
| PayPal Xoom | $4.99 | 1.2-1.8% | Minutes | Existing PayPal users, instant bank deposit |
| Western Union (online) | $3.99-$8 | 1.8-2.5% | Minutes to 1 day | Cash pickup at thousands of PH agents |
| MoneyGram | $4.99-$8 | 1.5-2.2% | Minutes to 1 day | Cash pickup, partner with M Lhuillier and SM |
| Bank SWIFT | $25-$50 | 2.0-3.0% | 2-5 business days | Large transfers ($10,000+); receiving bank also charges $5-$15 |
| GCash Remit | $2-$5 (varies by partner) | 1.2-1.8% | Minutes to 1 day | Direct to GCash wallet (no bank account needed) |
| Cebuana Lhuillier | $4-$8 | 1.5-2.2% | Same day cash pickup | Provincial recipients without bank accounts |
5 quick rules to send more, lose less
- Compare every send. Provider rankings shift weekly. The cheapest service for $200 isn’t always cheapest for $2,000. Use this calculator each time, not your habits.
- Watch the FX margin, not just the fee. A “free” transfer with 2% FX margin on $1,000 costs you $20 — more than Wise’s $5 flat fee plus 0.4% margin ($9 total).
- Send larger, less often. Sending $1,000 once costs less than four $250 sends in fees alone. If your family can budget for it, monthly beats weekly.
- Use first-transfer bonuses. Remitly, WorldRemit, and Xoom offer $0 fees or boosted FX rates on the first transfer for new senders. Save them for higher-stakes sends.
- Avoid the airport / kiosk rates. Cash-based services at currency exchange booths in airports typically charge 3-5% FX margin. Use a remittance service from your phone before you leave.
Where each service shines
If you have a US bank account → Wise
Almost always the lowest total cost for USD→PHP. Pulls from your bank via ACH (free) and deposits to any PH bank account or GCash. The rate it quotes upfront is the rate you actually get — no spread surprises. Drawback: takes 1-2 business days; not great for emergencies.
For instant cash pickup → Western Union or Remitly Express
Both have 10,000+ pickup locations across the Philippines (Cebuana, M Lhuillier, Palawan Express, 7-Eleven). You pay 1-2% extra for the speed, but a recipient can withdraw cash within minutes of you hitting Send.
For provincial families without bank accounts → MoneyGram or Cebuana
Cebuana Lhuillier has 2,500+ branches reaching even small towns. MoneyGram partners with M Lhuillier and SM Business Center. Both accept valid ID + recipient code for cash pickup. Fees are higher but reliability is hard to beat in rural areas.
For GCash recipients → GCash Remit (via partner)
Money lands directly in the recipient’s GCash wallet, usable instantly for purchases, bills, or further transfers. Available through partner senders like PayMaya Remit (US), Coins.ph, and select Wise/Remitly delivery options. No bank account needed on the PH side.