Western Union intros its first digital remittance app in PH

Western Union has introduced its first digital app in the Philippines, giving users the ability to both send and receive money internationally — a dual functionality not yet available in other markets.

Photo shows Ricardo "Don" Alair II, country director for Philippines, Guam, Northern Mariana, and Palau at Western Union (left) and Gregory Laurent, vice president for the Philippines, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands

Unlike similar versions in Asia-Pacific countries that only allowed remittance collection, the new app lets Filipino users request money from overseas senders and initiate transfers abroad. This makes the Philippines the first global market to benefit from the expanded service.

The move comes as remittances to the Philippines hit a record $38 billion in 2024, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The World Bank also ranked the country fourth among low- and middle-income nations for remittance inflows last year, with the US and Singapore leading the sources.

Through the app, customers can access Western Union’s international financial network of billions of bank accounts, millions of digital wallets, and thousands of retail outlets.

Transactions can be made via the national QR PH payment system, and users can monitor transfers with a unique money transfer control number (MTCN).

The app also streamlines fund requests from senders in the US, Australia, Singapore, the UK, and other countries with large Filipino communities. Recipients can claim money through cash pick-ups, bank deposits, or transfers to digital wallets. Funds can also be redirected to preferred accounts once received.

Gregory Laurent, Western Union vice president for the Philippines, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, described the initiative as a milestone.

“For many in the country, remittances represent a life with more opportunity and hope. At the same time, we are witnessing a growing trend of Filipinos sending money abroad, and our new app addresses both needs, offering the flexibility and trust that Western Union is known for,” he said.