Western Union launches mobile app in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Money transfer giant Western Union has rolled out a new mobile app in the Philippines, making it the first market globally where customers can both send and request funds, a move aimed at tapping the country’s massive remittance flows while riding on fast-growing digital adoption.

The app allows users to transfer money abroad securely using the national QR code payment method, QR Ph, and gain access to bank accounts, digital wallets and cards as well as retail outlets worldwide.

Receivers in the Philippines can choose to cash out at a retail location, transfer to a bank account or credit to a digital wallet.

Equally, the app introduces a new “request” feature, enabling receivers in the Philippines to directly request funds from family members abroad, particularly in the United States, Singapore, Australia, the United Kingdom and other key markets.

“The launch marks an important milestone in our effort to serve consumers in the Philippines better and connect them to their families and loved ones across the world,” Western Union vice president for the Philippines, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands Gregory Laurent said.

“For many in the country, remittances represent a life with more opportunity and hope. At the same time, an increasing number of Filipinos opt to send funds abroad. Our new app gives the opportunity to do both, with the flexibility and trust that Western Union can provide,” Laurent added.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that cash remittances hit a record $38.3 billion in 2024, up three percent year-on-year.

The World Bank ranked the Philippines as the fourth-largest remittance recipient globally among low- and middle-income countries, with the US as the top source, followed by Singapore.