GCash international transfer review: fees and features

GCash might not be a familiar name for anyone in the UK, but in the Philippines, it is a major service. GCash is the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines. GCash has a range of features which make managing your money easy.

This article will dive into what GCash actually is and how you use it. It will also provide an overview of GCash’s role in making international transfers, complete with pricing information and the transfer limits of the platform.

If you are considering making an international transfer soon, you may also want to think about setting up a Wise account. Not only does Wise offer the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees* for sending money abroad, but it also offers a safe and simple solution.

Learn more about Wise 🌍

But for now, let’s focus on GCash.

What is GCash?

GCash is the biggest wallet platform and app in the Philippines and offers a wide array of services and functions. You can store money, send cash, receive money, pay bills and even shop online.

The beauty of GCash is that everything can be managed through this simple mobile app. GCash also acts as an investment platform, a space to manage loans and a place to access insurance offers.¹

Is GCash available in the UK?

Although GCash is a platform primarily focused on the Phillipines, it is also an app that is available in the UK. GCash Overseas offers support for international users with links to the Philippines.

Eligibility

While GCash might be available to anyone in the UK under the GCash Overseas model, it is important to note that users must have evidence of ties to the Philippines. GCash is available in the USA, Canada, UK, Italy, Australia, Japan, Spain, UAE, South Korea, Taiwan, Germany, Hong Kong, Qatar, Kuwait, Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

To be eligible for GCash, you must be able to provide a phone number in your country of residence, in the UK this is a +44 dial code plus you’ll need a valid Philippine ID. That may include a passport, a driving licence, or some other form of ID. Users must also be 18 or over.²

Can you use GCash in the UK?

So, you may have been able to download GCash in the UK and have been eligible to sign up if you have a Filipino ID or a phone with a Philippine SIM. But, can you actually use the app and all of its features?

Well, with millions of Filipinos living abroad, GCash has specific functionality that allows those international users to be able to stay connected with those at home, through the GCash app. That means that users in the UK with Filipino ties will be able to use GCash for their monetary needs, whether they want to send money to the Philippines or perhaps pay bills abroad.

How to use GCash in the UK

Once you’ve signed up to use GCash in the UK, it’s vital to understand how the platform actually works, especially for international users. We’ve got the lowdown on using GCash for Filipinos living in the UK and for foreigners who have a Philippine SIM.

For Filipinos living in the UK

If you’re a Filipino living in the UK, you must first ensure that your account has been properly verified. That means uploading the necessary ID and activating GCash Overseas with an international phone number or using a Filipino SIM.

Once you’re all set up, you can add funds to GCash using an approved UK bank. Some of those partnered with GCash include Barclays, HSBC, Nationwide, Santander and a range of other familiar or niche banks and building societies.³

For foreigners with a Philippine SIM

If you wish to use GCash as a foreigner in the UK, but through a Philippine SIM, there are still a number of steps you will have to go through to successfully be able to use the platform. More specifically, you will still have to verify your account with an accepted form of ID.

Those may include a Special Resident Retiree Visa, a Filipino Driving Licence, or an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card). Without a direct link to the Philippines, you will not be able to use the GCash app.⁴

GCash International: Fees and pricing overview

If you’re going to be using GCash’s international features, then you’ll need to know how much it will cost you.⁵

GCash International pricing, fees and exchange rate

Using GCash’s international features such as GCash overseas is going to come at a cost. Those prices will partially depend on the bank you’re using and fluctuating exchange rates.

However, GCash also has some standardised fees, which are associated with the GCash card and ATM withdrawals. To get the most out of using GCash it is important to remain aware of the current value of the Philippine Peso.

International transfer fees

While domestic transfers in the Philippines cost nothing, international transfers are a little more complex. Here’s a simple breakdown of the fees you could face.

• UK bank cash in costs 150 PHP
• EU bank cash in costs 120 PHP
• US international bank cash in costs 1 USD
• Outbound international transfers cost 2% of the amount
• The global pay scan to pay costs nothing.

GCash card fees

You may also be interested in using a GCash card. This is a physical prepaid card which links to a user's GCash account. The card is powered by Visa and has individual costs of its own to consider.

A GCash Card typically costs 185 PHP, plus a 65 PHP delivery fee. However, GCash card payments are free. Both AMEX Card payments and GCash Card international payments are also free.

If you are exploring the idea of using an international card, consider the Wise Card. The card can convert to 40+ currencies and can be used to withdraw cash around the world. It costs £7 for a physical card but you can also get a virtual card for free.

💳 Learn more about the Wise debit card

ATM withdrawal fee

It’s only natural that if you have a GCash card, you may wish to withdraw money from an ATM. However, the cost of this process will partially depend on the ATM you use. Individual ATMs will have their own fees, varying, on average, from 8 to 20 PHP

Always choose without conversion when withdrawing money, so that you use GCash’s exchange rate rather than the local figures.

FX fees

Foreign exchange fees are charged by banks and card providers if you’re spending money outside of your typical currency, internationally.

Outbound international transfers typically see banks take around 2% of the amount, but this can vary from 1% to 3%, usually with minimum and maximum fee limits attached.

When you send money to GCash from the UK, your GBP gets converted to PHP. The exchange rate your provider uses makes a big difference in how much money arrives in your GCash wallet.

Many remittance services or banks advertise low or zero fees but make up for it by marking up the exchange rate. This hidden cost can eat into your transfer significantly.

What exchange rate does GCash use?

GCash uses real-time exchange rates that may vary based on when your transaction is made. It is critical to explore these hidden costs further as you move your money, to ensure you are getting the best deal.

It is always advisable to check the app before completing your transaction and compare the rates against other competitors. You may find delaying your transaction could result in new price fluctuations.

GCash International transfer limits

You may wish to transfer a large amount of money to the Philippines. Alternatively, you may wish to receive smaller amounts from overseas. There are always limits on what you are able to transfer internationally through GCash.

GCash has set transfer limits of up to 10,000 PHP but this can vary based on your own individual GCash Wallet and transaction limits. The minimum transfer amount is 500 PHP.⁶

Wise, on the other hand, allows users to send up to 50,000 PHP via InstaPay. However, for larger amounts, users may use PESONet.

Can you receive international transfers to GCash?

Yes, GCash allows users to receive international transfers, straight to their GCash wallet. Accounts must be verified fully to receive these payments.

Money is often sent in conjunction with secure partners. Senders will need the mobile number that is registered to your GCash account to complete the transaction.

Wise also allows you to receive international transfers and allows you to send money to 140+ countries.

How long does a GCash transfer take?

If you are looking to make a PHP transfer, the timeliness of this transaction is key. Especially if you’re paying bills or sending money to a loved one.

The majority of GCash transfers to a linked mobile number are almost instant. However, there are some factors that may slow the process. International services may take a couple of minutes, but Express Send happens in real time.

If your transfer has been delayed, you will receive confirmation that either cash will be returned to your GCash Wallet in 1 to 2 working days, or it will reach the recipient's bank account within 3 to 5 working days.⁷

Is GCash International right for you?

Whether GCash International and GCash Overseas is right for you is entirely dependent on your needs. If you have direct ties to the Philippines and require an easy way to send money abroad, then this platform offers plenty of robust functions which will help you manage your finances. It’s a well-established app for paying bills, investing and even online shopping.

However, if you are a UK citizen, who has a more versatile array of monetary requirements internationally, then Wise could be the answer. Even if you do need to send money to the Philippines, on occasion.

From sending large financial transfers, to establishing a Spend With Others shared account, Wise has all the tools you’ll need to customise your experience. You can find out more about how Wise works to make the correct decision for you and your finances.

Learn more about Wise 🌍

Sources used in this article:

1. GCash - GCash platform info
2. GCash - GCash overseas
3. GCash - how to use GCash with UK banks
4. GCash- accepted forms of ID for GCash
5. GCash - fees
6. GCash - international transfers
7. GCash - when funds aren’t received

Sources last checked on: 19 March 2026