How to Receive Money from Remitly Philippines (GCash, Bank, Cash Pickup)

Michelle Alyssa

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If someone sent you money through Remitly, you’ll want to know how to receive it, what you need, and how long it takes.

Remitly is a money transfer service people use to send money internationally. In the Philippines, you can receive funds in several ways, including bank deposit, GCash, cash pickup, and even home delivery in some cases.

This guide walks you through each option step by step, so you can access your money quickly and without confusion. We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

Can Remitly receive money?

Remitly itself is mainly a money transfer sending service. Senders use it to transfer money internationally, while recipients receive the funds through supported payout methods¹.

In the Philippines, common options for receiving transfers include:

  • Bank account deposits
  • Mobile wallets such as GCash
  • Cash pickup from partner locations
  • Home delivery (available in some areas)

The sender chooses the option, so confirm with them before the transfer is sent.

How to receive money from Remitly

Receiving money with Remitly is usually simple. Here’s how it works:

  1. The sender creates a transfer using Remitly
  2. They choose how you’ll receive the money
  3. You get a notification or reference number
  4. Follow the steps based on the payout method
  5. Access your money (bank, GCash, cash pickup, or delivery)

The exact process depends on the delivery option selected.

How to receive money from Remitly to a bank account

One of the most common payout methods is bank deposit.

If the sender chooses this option, the transfer is delivered directly to the recipient’s bank account².

What the sender needs

To send money to your bank account, they’ll need:

  • Your full name (as shown on your account)
  • Bank name
  • Account number
  • Sometimes your address or contact details
  • For international transfers: IBAN or SWIFT/BIC (if required)

Steps to receive a Remitly transfer to a bank account

  1. The sender enters the recipient’s bank account details.
  2. Remitly processes the transfer.
  3. The funds are deposited into the bank account.

Once the transfer is completed, the money usually appears directly in the recipient’s bank balance.

This option is convenient because there is no need to visit a pickup location.

How to receive money from Remitly to GCash

Mobile wallets are widely used in the Philippines, and Remitly transfers can also be sent to GCash accounts³. If you want a more detailed walkthrough, check this guide on sending money from Remitly to GCash.

Before you receive money, make sure your GCash account is active and fully verified (required for international remittance)

Steps to receive money from Remitly to GCash

  1. The sender selects GCash as the payout method.
  2. They enter the mobile number linked to the recipient’s GCash account.
  3. Remitly processes the transfer.
  4. The funds appear in the GCash wallet once the transfer is complete.

After receiving the money, the balance can be used for:

  • Bill payments
  • Sending money to other users
  • Bank transfers
  • Cash withdrawals through partner outlets

How to receive money from Remitly with cash pickup

Some senders choose cash pickup as the payout method.

With this option, recipients collect the funds from a partner location rather than receiving them digitally⁴.

Steps to receive a Remitly cash pickup transfer

  1. The sender selects a partner pickup location.
  2. The recipient receives a transfer reference number.
  3. Visit the selected pickup location.
  4. Present the reference number and a valid ID.
  5. The agent releases the funds.

Cash pickup locations may include:

  • Partner remittance centres
  • Retail agents
  • Participating banks

To pick up cash in person, you’ll need the transfer reference number from the sender and two valid forms of photo ID. The reference number is required to claim your money, and your name must match exactly with the details provided in the transfer.

Some locations in the Philippines only accept specific IDs, so it’s best to bring two forms of identification.

Accepted primary IDs include:

  • Driver’s license
  • Philippine passport
  • UMID
  • School ID

If needed, you can also use secondary IDs such as an NBI clearance, police clearance, postal ID, seaman’s book, or voter’s certification.

Can Remitly deliver money to your home?

Yes, in the Philippines, home delivery is available in some cases⁵.

Remitly works with partners like LBC Remittance to deliver cash directly to your address.

How it works

  1. The sender selects home delivery
  2. A courier delivers the cash to your address
  3. You show a valid ID
  4. The courier hands over the money

This option is useful if you live far from a pickup location, can’t travel easily or prefer to receive cash at home. Availability depends on location and the sender’s selected option.

How long does it take to receive money?

Transfer times vary depending on factors such as:

  • Payment method used by the sender
  • Payout method selected
  • Destination country
  • Banking hours and processing times

Some transfers can arrive within minutes, while others may take longer depending on processing requirements⁶.

Common issues when receiving Remitly transfers

Most transfers are smooth, but delays can happen due to incorrect recipient details, additional identity verification, or missing requirements for cash pickup (such as a valid ID and reference number).

Alternatives for receiving international payments

If you receive money regularly, you might want more flexibility.

Some services, like Wise, let you:

  • Receive money with local account details
  • Hold multiple currencies
  • Convert money using the mid-market exchange rate (the rate you’ll usually see on Google)

This can help you manage international payments more easily.

Meet Wise: Receive money and get paid from abroad with low fees and the mid-market rate

With Wise, you'll get 8+ local account details including PHP, USD, GBP, AUD, and more. This way, you can receive money directly, in a cheap and convenient manner. All you need to get started is to sign up for a free account, and you'll be able to manage your money with just a few taps of your phone.

After getting your money, you can easily convert it to 40+ currencies, with low fees, and the mid-market rate - also known as the rate you see on Google. This includes exchanging to PHP with a one-time conversion fee from 0.57% that's shown upfront, and no markups or additional fees.

Receive, exchange, and move your funds to your local bank account in PHP in a cheap and convenient manner with Wise.

🚀 Get started with Wise


Sources
  1. Receiving money options
  2. How to receive a bank transfer
  3. Receiving money using GCash
  4. Cash pickup details
  5. Receiving money in the Philippines
  6. Remitly website

*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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