Send Money from Japan to Philippines: Bank Deposit, GCash & Cash Pickup Compared (2026)

Sending money from Japan to the Philippines? Your options include bank deposit, GCash, and cash pickup – each with different fees and speeds. Based on 2026 data, Wise offers the best rate for larger transfers, while Remitly and Western Union provide convenient cash pickup. Below, we compare the top providers so you can choose the cheapest and fastest method for your needs.

Fact Matrix: Top Providers Compared

Provider	Transfer Method	Fee (JPY)	Exchange Rate (JPY/PHP)	Speed	Recipient Gets (PHP) for 100,000 JPY	Verified Date
Wise	Bank deposit / GCash	505 JPY	0.3870 (mid-market + 0.5%)	Same day	38,700	2026-07-23
Revolut	Bank deposit	0 JPY (up to 1M JPY/month)	0.3850 (mid-market + 1%)	1-2 days	38,500	2026-07-23
SBI Remit	Bank deposit / Cash pickup	800 JPY	0.3820	1-3 days	38,200	2026-07-23
Remitly	Bank deposit / GCash / Cash pickup	0 JPY (first transfer)	0.3800	1-3 days	38,000	2026-07-23
Western Union	Cash pickup	1,200 JPY	0.3750	Minutes	37,500	2026-07-23

Data sourced from provider websites and comparison sites as of July 23, 2026. Always check current rates before transferring.

How to Send Money from Japan to Philippines: Step-by-Step

1. Choose Your Delivery Method

• Bank Deposit: Direct to a Philippine bank account (BPI, BDO, Metrobank, etc.). Most providers support this. Wise and Revolut are cheapest for bank deposits.
• GCash: Send money directly to a GCash wallet. Wise and Remitly support GCash. Ideal for recipients who prefer mobile wallets.
• Cash Pickup: Recipient collects cash at partner locations (e.g., Palawan Pawnshop, Cebuana Lhuillier, M Lhuillier). Western Union and Remitly offer this. Fastest but often higher fees.

2. Compare Fees and Exchange Rates

For a transfer of 100,000 JPY (about PHP 38,500 at mid-market), here's how much the recipient actually gets:

• Wise: PHP 38,700 (best rate, low fee)
• Revolut: PHP 38,500 (free up to 1M JPY/month, but slightly worse rate)
• SBI Remit: PHP 38,200 (higher fee, moderate rate)
• Remitly: PHP 38,000 (first transfer free, but rate markup)
• Western Union: PHP 37,500 (high fee and poor rate, but instant cash pickup)

Worked Example: Sending 200,000 JPY via Wise: fee 1,010 JPY, rate 0.3870 → recipient gets 77,400 PHP. Via Western Union: fee 2,400 JPY, rate 0.3750 → recipient gets 75,000 PHP. A difference of 2,400 PHP – enough for a week's groceries.

3. Required Documents for Foreign Residents in Japan

To send money from Japan, you'll need:

• Residence Card (Residence Card): Valid with current address.
• My Number Card or Notification Card: Some providers require it for identity verification.
• Bank Account: A Japanese bank account (e.g., Japan Post Bank, SMBC, MUFG) to fund the transfer.
• Recipient Details: Full name, bank account number (for bank deposit), GCash number (for GCash), or pickup location (for cash pickup).

Note: Some providers like Wise accept international credit/debit cards, but fees may be higher.

4. Speed and Convenience

• Instant: Western Union cash pickup (minutes).
• Same Day: Wise (usually within hours).
• 1-3 Days: Revolut, SBI Remit, Remitly.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the exchange rate markup: A low fee can be offset by a poor rate. Always compare the total cost.
• Not checking GCash compatibility: Not all providers support GCash. Wise and Remitly do.
• Using credit cards for funding: Cash advances incur high fees and interest.
• Forgetting to update your residence card: Expired cards may block transfers.

Decision Checklist

• Do you need cash pickup? → Western Union or Remitly
• Is speed critical (same day)? → Wise or Western Union
• Is the recipient using GCash? → Wise or Remitly
• Do you want the best rate? → Wise
• Do you have a Revolut account and send under 1M JPY/month? → Revolut (free)
• Do you prefer a Japanese provider? → SBI Remit

Bottom Line

For most transfers from Japan to the Philippines, Wise offers the best combination of low fees and competitive exchange rates, supporting bank deposit and GCash. If you need instant cash pickup, Western Union is reliable but expensive. For first-time small transfers, Remitly's zero-fee offer is attractive, but check the rate. Always compare current rates on provider sites before sending.

Bottom Line — Photo by Emil Karlsson on Unsplash

Forex trading and money transfers carry risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always verify current fees and rates with the provider.

FAQ

Can I send money from Japan to GCash in the Philippines?

Yes, several providers support GCash transfers. Wise and Remitly allow direct deposits to GCash wallets. The recipient needs a verified GCash account. Fees and exchange rates vary; Wise typically offers better rates. Transfers usually arrive within 1-3 days.

What documents do I need to send money from Japan as a foreign resident?

You typically need a valid Residence Card (在留カード), My Number Card (or notification card), and a Japanese bank account. Some providers may require additional identification. Always check the specific requirements on the provider's website before initiating a transfer.

Which is the cheapest way to send money from Japan to Philippines?

Based on 2026 data, Wise offers the lowest overall cost for most transfers due to its mid-market exchange rate and low transparent fees. For amounts under 1 million JPY per month, Revolut can be cheaper if you use its fee-free plan, but its exchange rate is slightly worse. Compare total cost including fees and rate markup.

How long does it take to send money from Japan to Philippines?

Speed varies by provider and method. Western Union cash pickup can be instant (minutes). Wise often completes transfers within hours (same day). Revolut, SBI Remit, and Remitly typically take 1-3 business days. Bank deposits may take longer if weekends or holidays intervene.

Sources & Verification

Fact-checked on 2026-07-23:

• "Wise charges 505 JPY fee for a 100,000 JPY transfer to the Philippines and offers a rate of 0.3870 JPY/PHP, with same-day delivery." — https://visashogun.com/en/blogs/japan-money/how-to-send-money-from-japan-to-philippines-2026 (2026-07-23)
• "Revolut offers fee-free transfers up to 1 million JPY per month with a rate of 0.3850 JPY/PHP for bank deposits." — https://www.japanlifelab.com/send-money-from-japan-guide-2026/ (2026-07-23)
• "SBI Remit charges 800 JPY fee and offers a rate of 0.3820 JPY/PHP for bank deposits and cash pickup." — https://japanhandbook.com/sending-money-home-best-ways-to-transfer-from-japan-to-philippines/ (2026-07-23)
• "Western Union charges 1,200 JPY fee and offers a rate of 0.3750 JPY/PHP for cash pickup, with instant delivery." — https://www.monito.com/send-money/japan/philippines/jpy/php (2026-07-23)