How to Send Money with Remitly: Simplified Guide
Remitly stands out for OFWs who need dependable remittances to the Philippines because it pairs transparent pricing with delivery choices families actually use. You see the peso rate and fees before sending. Remittance can be transferred through BDO or BPI deposit for tuition deadlines, GCash or Maya for instant wallet spends, or Cebuana and M Lhuillier pickup when a bank account isn’t handy.
Filipino workers abroad lean on Remitly for weekly allowances, emergency help, and big-ticket needs like hospital bills without queueing at a counter. You can fund a transfer with a bank account or card, choose Express when time matters or Economy to trim costs, and track every step so your loved ones know when money lands. This guide explains each option, outlines verification, and shares simple checks that prevent delays.
Key Takeaways
- Match the delivery method to your family’s reality, bank deposit, mobile wallet, debit-card deposit, or cash pickup, to balance convenience with speed.
- Compare Express vs Economy before paying so you’re clear on arrival times, fees, and the exchange rate.
- Verify early and make sure names and numbers match exactly to avoid holds, especially on larger transfers.
- Use in-app tracking and alerts so both you and your recipient know when the money arrives.
What Is Remitly
Founded by Matt Oppenheimer, Josh Hug, and Shivaas Gulati, Remitly has allowed OFWs and immigrants to send their remittance to family members. It is a Seattle-based company.
Security is one of the company’s major feature to prevent theft. Remitly uses a 256-bit SSL encryption and allow you to secure your account with a 2FA lock. There i also a real-time fraud monitoring to stop scammers.
Step-by-Step: Sending Money Through Remitly
Sending remittance to your loved ones is made easier with Remitly. Here is how to send money through the service:
Setup a Remitly Account
Create or sign in, choose your country of residence as the sending location, then select the Philippines as the destination. Enter the amount and pick Express for speed or Economy to save on fees.
Pick a Delivery Method
See delivery choices that match family’s needs. Follow the steps for bank deposit, mobile wallets, debit-card deposits, and cash pickup.
Philippine Banks
Bank deposit suits families who prefer direct account credit. Remitly supports banks like BDO, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Security Bank, Philippine National Bank, RCBC, China Bank, CIMB, and BDO Network Bank. Details must match. Speed depends on chosen transfer.
- Open the app, set your route to the Philippines, and choose Bank Deposit.
- Pick the bank, then enter the account name exactly as it appears on the bank’s records.
- Add the account number and any requested branch or bank info, then save the recipient.
- Choose Express for urgent needs or Economy to save on fees, review the rate and fee, then pay.
- Track delivery in the app and share arrival updates with your family.
Mobile Wallets
Mobile wallets deliver speed for everyday spending. Remitly supports GCash, Maya, coins.ph, and PalawanPay in the Philippines. Your recipient uses funds for bills, QR payments, or cash out. Enter wallet-registered name and number to avoid delays and failures.
- Select Mobile Wallet as the delivery method.
- Choose GCash, Maya, coins.ph, or PalawanPay.
- Enter the wallet holder’s full name and mobile number as registered on the wallet.
- Confirm fees and ETA, then pay with your bank account or card.
- Send the in-app confirmation to your recipient so they can check their balance.
Related: How to Create GCash Account in 2025
Debit-Card Deposit
Debit-card deposit sends directly to a Visa or Mastercard debit card tied to a bank account. Your recipient shares the 16-digit card number. No bank account number is required. Funds post quickly, making this a valuable option for urgent family needs.
- Choose Debit-Card Deposit as the delivery method.
- Enter the recipient’s 16-digit Visa or Mastercard debit card number.
- Review the rate, fee, and estimated arrival time, then pay.
- Share the confirmation so your recipient can watch for the deposit notification.
Cash Pickup
Cash pickup helps relatives without bank accounts. Remitly’s network includes LBC and USSC nationwide, with additional partners like Palawan Pawnshop, Cebuana Lhuillier, and M Lhuillier in many areas. The recipient brings a matching ID and a reference number to claim the money within hours.
- Pick Cash Pickup and choose a nearby partner location such as LBC or USSC.
- Enter the recipient’s full name exactly as it appears on their valid ID.
- Confirm fees and ETA, then pay. Save the reference number shown in the app.
- Send the reference number and pickup location to your recipient. Remind them to bring a valid ID that matches the name.
- Track status in the app and notify your family once funds are ready for pickup.
Remitly Limits and Verifications
Remitly sets sending limits and ID checks to keep transfers safe and compliant. You’ll see caps by amount and frequency. Larger transfers may require extra documents. Matching names and clear purposes help prevent delays.
Sending limits
Transfer caps vary by your the country, destination, and delivery method you use for sending your remittance. Your verification status also affects limits. Some routes allow high single-transaction amounts, but daily and monthly ceilings still apply. You can review limits in-app before paying and adjust your plan if needed.
How Verification Works
Remitly will ask for identity proof to confirm who’s sending and reduce fraud. Typical checks include email confirmation, followed by a government ID and address details when required. Completing verification early speeds up approvals and helps avoid last-minute holds. Keep your profile data consistent with your ID.
Documents for Higher Limits
Bigger transfers will require going through the KYC process by verifying your identity. Be ready with a valid photo ID plus proof of address. Members reported that Remitly also requires proof of income or source of funds, along with a brief purpose for the transfer. Upload clear images and ensure names and dates are visible on the documents you send
Matching Details Prevents Delays
Names and addresses on your transfer should match the ID on file and, for cash pickup, the recipient’s ID. Mismatches can cause pending status or requests for more information. Double-check before you submit to keep the transfer moving.
Conclusion
Sending money with Remitly is straightforward once you know the delivery choices and required details. You can balance speed and cost by choosing Express or Economy based on your family’s needs. Real-time tracking and notifications give peace of mind until the funds arrive. Verifying your account early and matching names exactly helps you avoid delays. If you’re an OFW, this guide should help you send support home smoothly and confidently.
