Filipinos Lead Digital Remittance Surge in Asia Pacific Says Visa’s 2025 Report

 Speed, security, and convenience make the Philippines a standout in the global remittance shift

The Philippines is taking the lead in the digital remittance revolution across Asia Pacific, according to Visa’s newly released Money Travels: 2025 Digital Remittances Adoption Report. The annual report, which surveyed over 44,000 people across 20 countries, reveals that Filipinos are among the most active users of digital remittance platforms, driven by their demand for faster, safer, and more convenient money transfers.

Digital Remittance Adoption Soars Among Filipinos

Visa’s data shows that 74% of Filipinos now send money digitally, while 66% prefer to receive funds through digital channels. The top motivators? Speed and privacy.

• 73% of respondents in the Philippines consider digital payments the fastest way to access funds.
• 45% view digital remittances as a secure and private option for both sending and receiving money.

“The Philippines processes over 60% of total inbound remittance transactions in Asia Pacific,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Visa’s Country Manager for the Philippines. “This positions us as a key growth driver in the region’s remittance ecosystem and highlights the expanding role of digital platforms in promoting financial inclusion.”

Outbound Remittances and B2B Payments Gain Ground

While the country is often viewed as a top destination for inbound remittances, Filipinos are increasingly active on the outbound side as well. Visa’s earlier reports showed:

• 70% of Filipino SMEs need to purchase goods and services from abroad.
• 60% are interested in sending money overseas for business-related needs.

This growing demand highlights how digital remittance tools are enabling more Filipino entrepreneurs and small businesses to participate in the global economy.

Fees Remain a Major Concern

Despite high adoption, remittance fees continue to be a pain point:

43% of senders and 30% of receivers in the Philippines say digital app fees are too high, the highest rates across Asia Pacific.

For physical remittances, 45% of senders and 29% of receivers express the same concern.

These numbers reflect a pressing need for more affordable digital remittance solutions, particularly for everyday users and small business owners.

Even Older Filipinos Are Going Digital

Contrary to common assumptions, Filipino seniors are embracing digital remittances more than any other age group:

A full 100% of respondents aged 65 and above said they plan to send money digitally.

This outpaces younger users, with adoption at 72% (ages 45–64), 75% (35–44), and 74% (18–34).

This shift shows that digital tools are becoming more accessible and trusted across generations.

Visa Expands Local Partnerships to Improve Access

To address challenges like cost and access, Visa is strengthening its presence in the Philippines through key partnerships. Recent collaborations include:

• USSC Money Services, Inc. (UMSI)
• Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC)

These partnerships help enable Visa Direct, a real-time platform that allows users to send money directly to cards, bank accounts, and digital wallets globally.

“Today’s consumers expect speed, safety, and convenience when sending money,  not just locally, but internationally,” said Navarro. “At Visa, we’re committed to expanding access and ensuring that every Filipino, whether an OFW, business owner, or retiree, can move money in smarter and more secure ways.”