Can Canadians make wire transfers from a CIBC USD account? A closer look
Read on to understand USD wire transfers with CIBC, and discover Wise as an alternative with low fees and a mid market exchange rate
Sending money from Canada to the Philippines is one of Remitly's most-used transfer routes, thanks to fast delivery options and familiar payout methods for recipients. Where things can become less clear is pricing.
Headline rates often rely on limited-time promotions, which means costs may change once those offers end. You might also find Wise offering a clearer pricing model, using the mid-market exchange rate and showing fees upfront so you can see the full cost before you send.
You can transfer up to 140,000 CAD per transfer with Remitly. Additional verification might however be required for transferring large amounts.
For Canadians sending money to the Philippines, Remitly focuses on speed, delivery choice, and a simple setup. Transfers can be funded from Canada using a bank account or Interac e-Transfer, with options designed to suit both one-off sends and regular support for family.
Transfer features
Remitly supports a wide range of payout methods in the Philippines, giving recipients flexibility in how they receive funds, including:
Senders can choose between different delivery speeds at checkout, with estimated arrival times shown before confirming. Transfers can be started via the Remitly website, mobile app, or even WhatsApp, which may appeal to users who want a familiar, chat-based experience.
New customers vs returning users
Remitly places a strong emphasis on first-time transfers. New customers are often offered a promotional exchange rate and zero fees on their first send, typically capped at a set CAD amount¹. These offers can make an initial transfer look very competitive.
After the first transfer, pricing shifts to Remitly's standard rates. Fees and exchange rates then vary based on factors like payment method, delivery speed, and transfer amount. We'll look more closely at how those costs work in the next section.
With Remitly, the exchange rate and any transfer fees are shown before you confirm a payment, giving a clear view of the total cost at checkout, rather than after the transfer has been sent.
Pricing can still vary between transfers. Exchange rates move, and fees may change depending on factors like how you fund the transfer, the delivery speed you select, and how the money is received in the Philippines. While Remitly promotes having no hidden fees, its exchange rates typically include a markup compared to the mid-market rate, which forms part of the overall cost.
Because of this, the amount your recipient receives in Philippine pesos may differ from one transfer to the next, even when sending the same CAD amount. Reviewing the rate and total cost each time helps ensure the transfer still works for you before you send.
Sending money with Remitly is designed to be quick and simple, even if it's your first international transfer. The process is the same whether you use the website or mobile app.
Step 1. Create an account
Sign up using your email address on the Remitly website or mobile app, available on the App Store or Google Play.
Step 2. Enter the transfer details
Select Philippine pesos as the receiving currency, enter the amount you want to send in CAD, and pick a delivery speed.
Step 3. Choose how the money is delivered
Select your preferred payout method — such as bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet, or home delivery — depending on what's available and what your recipient prefers.
Step 4. Add recipient information
Enter your recipient's name exactly as it appears on their ID, along with their contact details. For bank deposits, you'll also need the bank name and account number.
Step 5. Pay and confirm
Add your payment method, review the transfer summary — including fees, exchange rate, and estimated arrival time — then confirm to send.
You'll see a confirmation screen once the transfer has been successfully submitted.
After sending, you can monitor your transfer's progress through your Remitly account on the app or website. Each transfer shows a clear status so you can see where your money is and when it's expected to arrive.
You can also choose to receive updates by email, text message, or in-app notifications. If your recipient is collecting cash, they may receive a message once the funds are ready for pickup, depending on the delivery option selected.
For Canadians who want more predictability when sending money abroad, Wise offers transparent pricing and the mid-market exchange rate. Every transfer is made at the real exchange rate, with fees shown clearly before you send.
Beyond one-off transfers, Wise also provides a multi-currency account that lets you hold and convert across 40+ currencies in one place. From there, you can send money to 140+ countries, including the Philippines, without needing separate accounts or switching services. If you send money internationally more than once, manage funds in different currencies, or want a clearer view of costs over time, this setup can make ongoing transfers easier to manage.
| Features | Remitly | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rates | Exchange rate likely includes a markup, which can vary by transfer and may be influenced by promotions | Uses the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent, upfront fee |
| Transfer duration | Delivery speed depends on payment method and payout option, with Economy and Express options available | Transfers typically complete within hours to a few business days, depending on the route |
| Transfer limits | Up to 140,000 CAD per transfer from Canada², subject to verification | Up to 1.5 million CAD by online bill payment or wire transfer³ |
Eligibility is subject to verification of customers identity.
Remitly remains a popular choice for sending money from Canada to the Philippines, thanks to its wide range of delivery options and a process that's easy to follow. For occasional transfers or situations where payout flexibility matters most, it does the job well.
If you send money more regularly, want clearer pricing from one transfer to the next, or need to move money across multiple countries and currencies, Wise offers a practical alternative. With the mid-market exchange rate, low, upfront fees, and a multi-currency account that lets you hold and exchange 40+ currencies, Wise can provide more consistency and flexibility for your international needs.
Sources:
Sources verified on 21 April 2026
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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