Sending money from the US to the Philippines should not be hard. However, choosing the right service can be.
A $500 transfer can look cheap at first, yet the exchange rate may change how much your family receives. A service with a low fee is not always the best deal. You also need to check speed, payment options, transfer limits, and how the recipient gets the money.
So, which one is better in 2026? The answer varies and depends on what matters most to you.
This guide compares BOSS Money and Remitly on a range of things from fees and exchange rates, to delivery speed, GCash and Maya support, transfer limits, and more.
BOSS Money vs Remitly at a glance
The table below gives you the main differences before we look at each feature in detail. Keep in mind that exchange rates and fees can change based on various factors.
|
Feature |
BOSS Money |
Remitly |
|---|---|---|
|
Transfer fee — US to Philippines, $500 |
$0 for eligible new-customer promo transfers; standard fee varies |
$0 for eligible first transfer; standard fee depends on delivery method |
|
Exchange rate markup |
Rate varies by transaction |
Rate varies |
|
Total cost for $500 |
Depends on promotion, rate and delivery method |
Depends on promotion, rate and delivery method |
|
Transfer speed |
Most online transfers completed within minutes; exact timing varies |
Express is designed for speed; Economy is designed for value; exact ETA varies |
|
GCash delivery |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Maya (PayMaya) delivery |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Bank deposit |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Cash pickup |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Transfer limit per transaction |
Up to $5,000 from the US to the Philippines |
Up to $300,000 US sending limit, subject to country, partner and compliance restrictions |
|
Daily / monthly limit |
Exact limits can depend on account and transaction conditions |
24-hour, 30-day and 180-day limits apply |
|
First-transfer promo |
$0 fee on first 3 Philippines transfers under current offer |
No fee on first transfer, plus promotional FX rate for eligible new customers |
|
Mobile app |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Customer support |
Yes |
Yes |
BOSS Money offers up to $5,000 per online transaction from the US to the Philippines. New customers can also qualify for $0 fees on their first three eligible transfers.
Remitly has a much higher US sending limit, with transfers of up to $300,000.1 Your personal limit can be lower based on verification, payment method, destination, and other factors.
BOSS Money vs Remitly: Transfer Fees for the Philippines
The fee you see at checkout is only one part of the cost. A transfer with a lower fee can still deliver fewer pesos if its exchange rate is less favorable. For that reason, compare the fee and the amount the recipient receives together.
BOSS Money fees
BOSS Money does not use one flat fee for every transfer.
The cost can change based on the amount, payment method, delivery method, and other transaction details. The final fee appears before you complete the transfer.
However, for new customers, BOSS Money offers a major advantage. Eligible customers can get $0 transfer fees on their first three qualifying transfers to the Philippines.
That means a new customer could send:
- $200 with a $0 transfer fee
- $500 with a $0 transfer fee
- $1,000 with a $0 transfer fee
The offer applies only when the transfer meets the promotion rules. After the promotion ends, the fee can vary. It’s best to check the exact amount before each transfer.
Remitly fees
Remitly also changes the price based on the way the recipient receives the money. For USD-to-PHP transfers, common delivery fees2 include:
- Bank deposit: $0
- Mobile wallet: $0
- Cash pickup: $4.99
- Home delivery: $4.99
The first eligible transfer can also qualify for a special new-customer offer.3
So, for a $500 transfer, a mobile-wallet or bank transfer may have a $0 delivery fee, while a cash-pickup transfer may cost $4.99.
Remitly also provides different delivery speeds – Express and Economy. While Express is intended for customers who need money quickly, Economy is for transfers where timing is more flexible.
The final price can change, so check the amount shown at checkout.
Which is cheaper overall?
For a new customer, BOSS Money has a strong fee advantage because its current offer covers the first three qualifying transfers. Remitly's new-customer offer applies to the first eligible transfer.
But the lowest fee does not always mean the lowest total cost. The exchange rate matters just as much.
Exchange rate: BOSS Money vs Remitly (USD to PHP)
The exchange rate tells you how many Philippine pesos you receive for each US dollar. A money-transfer provider may offer a rate that is different from the broad market rate you see on a financial website.
Think of it simply: if the wider market rate is $1 = ₱64, but a transfer service offers ₱62, you would receive ₱2 less for every dollar converted. That difference is effectively part of the cost of the transfer.
At the time of this comparison, BOSS Money displays a ₱62.184 (₱64.064 - promotionlal) per US dollar in its rate comparison, while Remitly's US-to-Philippines page shows a ₱61.33 (₱64.28 - welcome rate) welcome rate for eligible new customers.
Now, consider the $500 example:
- For BOSS Money: $500 × ₱62.184 = ₱31,092
- For Remitly: $500 × ₱61.33 = ₱30,665
So, on these displayed rates, BOSS Money regular rate would put ₱427 more in the recipient's hands on a $500 transfer before considering any applicable fee.
This example also shows why a $0 fee does not automatically make one service cheaper. If the exchange rate is better on the other service, the recipient could still receive more money.
How to get the best rate
Start by entering the same amount into both apps. Use the same delivery method and, where possible, the same payment method. Then compare the final PHP amount.
If you need money delivered quickly, Remitly's Express option may make sense. If you have more flexibility, Economy is designed around value rather than urgency.
The best rate can change from one day to the next. Check both services before every large transfer.
How fast is BOSS Money vs Remitly to the Philippines?
Both services can deliver money quickly, but the exact time depends on the payment method, delivery method, transaction checks, and the receiving partner.
|
Method |
BOSS Money |
Remitly Express |
Remitly Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
|
GCash |
Usually minutes; exact ETA varies |
Typically minutes |
Usually 3 to 5 days, but timing depends on transfer |
|
Bank deposit |
Often minutes, but timing varies |
Between minutes to a few hours |
1 to 5 business days |
|
Cash pickup |
Usually minutes, subject to payout location |
Within minutes |
Often between 3 to 5 days, though timing varies |
|
Direct to debit |
Available; timing varies |
Debit-card deposit available where offered |
Availability varies |
Many BOSS Money online transfers are completed within minutes. Some transfers can take longer because of payment processing, security checks, holidays, or other delays.
Remitly transfers also arrive quickly.4 It recommends Express with a debit or credit card, where available, for customers who need faster delivery. Exact timing is shown when you set up the transfer.
When speed matters most
The best transfer option depends on how quickly the money is needed and how much you are willing to pay for speed.
If a family member needs money now, choose the fastest available method. Express may be useful when offered.
If your recipient can wait, a lower-cost option may make more sense than paying for speed.
Check the delivery estimate, transfer limit and final exchange rate before sending. A fast transfer is not necessarily the best-value transfer.
How can recipients receive money in the Philippines?
Both BOSS Money and Remitly give recipients several ways to access their money. Here are some ways:
Transfer limits: BOSS Money vs Remitly for the Philippines
Transfer limits become more important when you send several thousand dollars or more.
BOSS Money currently allows up to $5,000 per online transaction from the US to the Philippines. The exact limit available to you is often shown in the app.
Remitly has a much higher US limit. As of August 2026, it allows customers to send up to $300,000 in one transaction from the US. But this is a maximum, not a guarantee for every account.
Your personal Remitly limit can depend on:
- Identity verification
- Payment method
- Destination
- Transfer history
- Local rules
- Delivery method
Remitly can also apply limits over different periods, such as 24 hours, 30 days, or 180 days.
For either provider, larger transfers can trigger additional verification. You may be asked to provide government-issued identification, address details, bank statements, pay stubs or other information before the transfer can proceed.
There can also be limits on the recipient's side. For example, GCash wallet limits may apply on the recipient's end.
So, before sending a large amount to GCash, check both your sending limit and the recipient's wallet limit.
How can you fund a transfer? Payment methods compared
Both services support several ways to pay for a transfer from the US.
|
Payment method |
BOSS Money |
Remitly |
|---|---|---|
|
Debit card |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Credit card |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Bank transfer (ACH) |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Apple Pay / Google Pay |
Yes |
Yes, though availability depends on location |
BOSS Money - Pros and Cons
BOSS Money is particularly appealing to people who make regular transfers and want to take advantage of promotions.
It provides three $0-fee transfers for new customers, and the service supports mobile wallets, banks, cash pickup and direct-to-debit delivery.
- Three $0-fee transfers for eligible new customers.
- GCash and mobile-wallet delivery are available.
- Bank deposit and cash pickup are supported.
- Direct-to-debit delivery is available.
- Supports debit cards, credit cards, ACH, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Shows the fee, exchange rate and recipient amount before confirmation.
- Most online transfers are completed within minutes
- Standard fees vary by transaction.
- Exchange rates change and can differ from the broader market rate.
- The $5,000 limit may not suit someone sending a very large amount.
- Credit-card issuers may charge additional fees.
- Exact delivery timing depends on several factors.
Remitly - Pros and Cons
Remitly is a good fit for people who want a large transfer limit and several delivery choices. Its Express and Economy options also make it easier to choose between speed and value.
- No fee on the first eligible transfer.
- Current promotional USD-to-PHP rate for eligible new customers.
- GCash and mobile-wallet delivery are supported.
- Express and Economy options can give customers a choice between speed and value.
- Supports debit/credit cards, bank accounts, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Real-time transfer tracking is available.
- Large US sending limit, subject to verification and other restrictions.
- Promotional rates are limited to eligible new customers.
- Exchange rates can change.
- Cash pickup currently carries a $4.99 PHP-delivery fee.
- Transfer limits vary by account, destination, delivery method and verification.
- Exact delivery times are not guaranteed for every transfer.
FAQs
The bottom line
Remitly is better for those who want more flexibility around delivery and larger transfer limits. Its Express and Economy options let you choose based on how quickly the recipient needs the money. It also supports GCash, Maya, bank deposits, and cash pickup.
For either service, don't choose based on the fee alone. Enter the same amount, select the same delivery method, and compare the final PHP amount your recipient receives.
If the difference is only a few dollars, convenience and speed may matter more. If you're sending money every month, however, even a small exchange-rate difference can add up over the year.
Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of September 8, 2026
-
https://www.remitly.com/us/en/landing/send-limits
-
https://www.remitly.com/us/en/currency-converter/usd-to-php-rate
-
https://www.remitly.com/us/en/help/article/first-transfer-promo
-
https://www.remitly.com/blog/money-transfer/how-long-do-international-money-transfers-take/
-
https://www.remitly.com/us/en/providers-philippines/send-money-to-gcash
-
https://www.remitly.com/us/en/providers-philippines/send-money-to-paymaya
This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.
