Comparing Ways to Send Money from Japan to the Philippines
Last updated: 2026-09-13
A comparison of bank transfers, Wise, SBI Remit, Seven Bank, Western Union, and other options.
Sending money from Japan to the Philippines now covers a wide range of options, from bank transfers to online services like Wise and SBI Remit, Seven Bank, and Western Union. Fees, transfer speed, and receiving methods should generally be chosen based on your purpose — living expenses, a large transfer, an emergency, and so on.
Overview
Comparison table
| Service | Receiving method | Approximate fee | Transfer speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer | A Philippine bank account | Roughly a few thousand yen per bank, plus an intermediary bank fee (often an unknown amount) | Usually around 2–5 days | Fees tend to be high and it's not well suited to small amounts; better for large transfers. Check the intermediary bank fee. |
| Wise | A local bank account | Variable pricing. For reference, a published example shows a fee of about ¥913 for a ¥100,000 transfer (roughly 0.9%) | A few minutes to about a day | Check the applied rate and total amount received on the official site before sending |
| SBI Remit | Partner banks, pickup locations, etc. | From a minimum of ¥460 (varies by amount and destination) | Instant to a few hours | Check identity verification requirements and transfer limits |
| Seven Bank International Money Transfer | Partner pickup locations, etc. | ¥400 for ¥10,000 or less (bank deposit) / ¥490 (cash pickup) | Usually within about 24 hours | Per-transfer, monthly, and annual limits apply. See the official site for fees by amount tier |
| Western Union | Branches, banks, e-wallets, etc. | Variable pricing (check the official site's estimate tool) | A few minutes to about a day | Many receiving methods available |
Remittance calculator (estimate)
This is an estimate. Check each provider's official website for the actual fee and amount received.
Preparation checklist
- The recipient's account details or pickup location (varies by service)
- Identity documents (for both sender and recipient)
- An explanation of the transfer's purpose (may be required for large transfers)
- Each provider's app and account registration
- Checking the exchange rate and fees in advance
Frequently asked questions
Which transfer method is the cheapest?
The best option depends on the amount and receiving method. It's important to compare based on the total amount actually received — including the exchange rate applied — not just the displayed “fee.” You can check an estimate with the calculator below.
What's a good option for smaller, everyday transfers like living expenses?
Bank transfers often add an intermediary bank fee on top of a flat fee, which tends to make them relatively expensive for small amounts. Wise uses percentage-based pricing tied to the actual transfer amount (a published example shows roughly 0.9% for a ¥100,000 transfer), which tends to work out favorably for smaller, recurring transfers like living expenses when you compare the total amount received. That said, the exact fee and exchange rate change with every transfer, so always check the official site or the calculator below before sending.
What's the approximate fee for sending ¥10,000?
Seven Bank International Money Transfer officially lists ¥400 for ¥10,000 or less (bank deposit), and SBI Remit lists a minimum of ¥460. Bank transfers typically add an intermediary bank fee on top of a fee of a few thousand yen, making them unsuited to small amounts. Wise and Western Union use variable pricing, so you need to check the official site each time.
How long does a transfer take?
This ranges from a few minutes to a few days depending on the service, the amount, and identity verification status. For an urgent transfer, check the estimated arrival time on the service's official site beforehand.
Is there anything to be careful of with a large transfer?
Large transfers may require additional identity verification or a declaration of the transfer's purpose. There are also transfer limits set by each provider and country, so check the limit in advance.
Fees, exchange rates, and transfer limits change frequently. Check each provider's official website right before sending.