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Best way to Send Money to the Philippines with low fee

Digital Wallets vs. Banks: Best Options for Sending Money to the Philippines with low fee

14 May 2025


As the global demand for fast and affordable money transfers grows, Filipino migrants in Canada are constantly looking for the most efficient way to support their families back home. With loved ones relying on regular financial help, choosing the right transfer method has never been more important. For those who send money to the Philippines from Canada, the decision often comes down to using modern digital wallets or sticking with traditional banks. This article explores both options to help you find the best fit for your needs, and also guides you on how ACE Money Transfer helps in providing safe and secure remittance services.

Understanding the Basics of International Money Transfers

Choosing how to send money abroad involves more than just clicking a few buttons or filling out a form. It’s about understanding why transfers are made, what affects them, and which option truly works best for your situation.

Why Filipinos in Canada Send Money Back Home?

Filipino Canadians often send money home to cover a wide range of needs—from everyday family expenses and school fees to urgent medical bills and savings for future investments. Many families in the Philippines rely on this financial support monthly, making consistency and affordability crucial. 

Remittances from Canada to the Philippines have steadily increased over the years, with thousands of transactions being made every week. This shows just how vital reliable money transfer services are to maintaining these life-sustaining connections.

Key Factors to Consider in Choosing a Transfer Method

When deciding how to send money, speed matters. Emergencies can arise, and families may need funds immediately. Along with speed, look at the fees charged—some services take a big cut of your money. 

Exchange rates also differ widely, affecting how much your recipient gets in pesos. Accessibility is another key factor: can both you and your recipient easily access the platform or service? Lastly, don’t ignore security. A reliable service should keep your money and data safe through modern encryption and regulatory compliance.

Digital Wallets: A Modern Money Transfer Solution

With the rise of smartphones and mobile apps, digital wallets have emerged as a quick and convenient way to send money online to Philippines from Canada. They’re especially popular among younger generations who value speed and ease of use.

What Are Digital Wallets?

Digital wallets are mobile-based applications or platforms that allow users to store and manage money electronically. In the Philippines, popular examples include GCash, PayMaya, and Coins.ph. 

These wallets make cross-border transfers easy by linking your funding source in Canada, such as a debit card or bank account, to your recipient’s mobile number or wallet account back home. The result is a fast and direct money transfer process, all managed from your phone or computer.

Benefits of Using Digital Wallets to Send Money to the Philippines

One of the biggest perks of digital wallets is speed. Transfers often happen in real time or within a few hours, which is a huge advantage in urgent situations. Compared to banks, digital wallets usually charge much lower fees, helping you save more on each transaction.

The apps are designed to be user-friendly, guiding you step-by-step so even beginners can manage their transfers easily. Recipients also love the convenience—they get the money straight into their mobile wallet, ready to use for bills, shopping, or withdrawals.

Limitations and Risks of Digital Wallets

While digital wallets offer speed and affordability, they do have limitations. Most come with transaction caps, meaning you can’t send large amounts in one go. Also, both sender and receiver need internet access and some level of tech knowledge to use these platforms effectively. 

There’s also the issue of cybersecurity—though rare, digital wallets can be targets for fraud or scams if proper safety steps aren’t followed. Additionally, regulatory changes may affect availability or features.

Traditional Banks: The Conventional Approach

Despite the popularity of digital methods, many still prefer the traditional way, bank transfers. For decades, banks have been the go-to channel for cross-border remittances, especially for older users and high-value transfers.

How Banks Handle International Transfers?

Banks use systems like the SWIFT network and interbank connections to send money abroad. This process involves routing your money through various intermediary banks until it reaches your recipient’s account in the Philippines. 

While reliable, this method can take two to five business days, and fees vary depending on the bank and the countries involved.

Advantages of Bank Transfers

Bank transfers offer one of the highest levels of security in the financial world. They’re heavily regulated and monitored, making them suitable for large transactions that require extra scrutiny. 

For older senders or recipients who feel more comfortable with traditional institutions, banks provide a familiar and trusted method for managing international money transfers.

Drawbacks of Using Banks for Sending Money to the Philippines

However, this trust and formality come at a cost. Banks often charge high fees and sometimes hide extra charges in the exchange rate. Processing times are also much slower compared to digital options. 

On top of that, the paperwork and verification process can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time users or those unfamiliar with the banking system.

ACE Money Transfer: The Best of Both Worlds

In the middle of these two extremes stands ACE Money Transfer, offering a balanced solution that combines the speed of digital wallets with the trust and reliability of traditional banking.

Bridging the Gap Between Digital and Traditional Systems

ACE Money Transfer uses advanced digital technology to enable quick and secure transfers while maintaining strong partnerships with banks and financial institutions. This means your money can be delivered through multiple payout options: direct bank deposit, mobile wallets like GCash, or even cash pickup from partner locations in the Philippines.

Key Benefits for Canadian Senders

When you choose ACE to send money to the Philippines from Canada, you get some of the best exchange rates on the market. The fee structure is clear and transparent, so you always know how much you’re paying. 

Many transactions are completed instantly or within a few hours, and every step is protected by strong encryption and compliance with global financial laws. Whether you use your phone or computer, ACE is accessible anytime, anywhere.

Ease of Use and Accessibility

Setting up an account with ACE is simple. The mobile app and website are built with everyday users in mind, making the transfer process fast and easy to follow. There’s also dedicated customer support, including multi-lingual assistance, to help you along the way.

With real-time notifications and tracking features, you stay in control of your money transfer every step of the way.

ACE Money Transfer is rated 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot with over 129,000 reviews — a testament to their commitment to excellent service.

Digital Wallets vs. Banks: Side-by-Side Comparison

The choice between digital wallets and banks depends on your goals and situation. For most everyday remittances, digital wallets or platforms like ACE are more suitable because they are faster and more affordable. 

Banks work better for large or formal transactions that require detailed documentation and extra security. For recipients without bank accounts, digital wallets are an obvious winner. On the other hand, those who prefer minimal tech involvement can use ACE’s cash pickup options for easy, tech-free transactions.

Which Is Better for Different Needs?

If you’re sending small amounts regularly, digital wallets or ACE Money Transfer make perfect sense. For larger sums or when dealing with formal obligations, banks may be a safer route.

 If your family in the Philippines doesn’t have access to a bank, digital wallets provide a flexible and instant alternative. And if you or your loved ones prefer dealing in cash, ACE’s wide network of payout partners ensures that everyone is covered, regardless of their preference or location.

Tips for Making the Right Choice

With so many options available, choosing the right one comes down to personal needs and convenience.

Evaluate Your and Your Recipient’s Preferences

Some people are more comfortable using mobile apps, while others prefer face-to-face services or cash handling. Consider what works best for both you and your recipient in the Philippines. 

Do they have access to a smartphone? Are they near a bank or pickup point? The right choice is the one that fits your lifestyle and theirs.

Look for a Flexible Provider Like ACE

Services like ACE Money Transfer provide the best of both digital and traditional methods. They regularly offer fee discounts and promotions, especially for loyal users, making it even more cost-effective over time. 

The availability of different channels, wallets, banks, or cash means you’re never tied down to a single method.

Choosing Wisely: What Works Best for You and Your Family?

Choosing between digital wallets and banks depends on your needs, urgency, and comfort level. While banks offer security and familiarity, they’re often slower and more expensive. Digital wallets, on the other hand, provide speed and convenience but may come with usage limits or tech challenges. That’s where ACE Money Transfer shines, offering a secure, fast, and cost-effective solution that works for all kinds of users. Whether you need speed, trust, or flexibility, ACE makes money transfer from Canada to the Philippines easy and reliable.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to send money to the Philippines from Canada?

Digital wallets and services like ACE Money Transfer generally offer lower fees and better exchange rates compared to traditional banks, making them a more affordable option.

How long does it take to transfer money using ACE to the Philippines?

Most transfers are processed instantly or within a few hours, depending on the selected payout method and the recipient’s location.

Is it safe to use digital wallets for sending money internationally?

Yes, digital wallets are safe when used properly. Choose reputable providers, use strong passwords, and enable two-factor authentication for added protection.

Can I send money to someone in the Philippines who doesn’t have a bank account?

Absolutely. ACE allows you to send money to mobile wallets like GCash or use cash pickup services, so your recipient doesn’t need a bank account.

Are there any hidden charges with digital transfers or bank transfers?

Banks may include hidden fees in their exchange rates or add-on service charges. ACE Money Transfer, however, is known for its transparency and clearly shows all fees before you confirm the transaction.


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