Western Union has rolled out a new mobile app in the Philippines, introducing a platform that allows users not only to send money abroad but also to request remittances — a first for the global brand.
The app, now available on the App Store and Google Play, enables users to transfer funds seamlessly through Western Union’s extensive global financial network, covering billions of bank accounts, millions of digital wallets and cards, and hundreds of thousands of retail outlets worldwide. Transactions can be funded securely using the Philippines’ national QR code payment method, QR Ph.
Receivers in the country can also request money from family and friends living in major Filipino diaspora hubs such as the United States, Singapore, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Funds can be accessed in multiple ways — via bank deposit, digital wallet, or cash pickup at retail partners. Additionally, recipients in the Philippines can redirect incoming remittances to their preferred bank account or wallet through the app.
Gregory Laurent, Western Union’s Vice President for the Philippines, Japan, Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands, said the launch was a significant step in strengthening financial connections among Filipinos worldwide. “Today’s 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,” 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.”
Latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that remittances to the Philippines reached a record $38 billion in 2024, making the country the fourth-largest recipient of remittances among low- and middle-income economies, according to the World Bank. The United States remained the top source, followed by Singapore.
