Big news for Western Union users here and abroad: Filipinos can now send and receive money transfers to over 200 countries and territories directly from a single app.
Western Union has launched a new mobile app in the Philippines — a move that introduces much-needed convenience for local users. Crucially, the app, now available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, also promises competitive foreign exchange rates.
What makes the local launch notable is that it’s the first time Western Union has rolled out an app with both “send” and “receive” functionality integrated into the platform. This means users can bypass long queues and in-person visits to physical retail locations, streamlining a process that has long been a staple for millions of Filipinos.
The financial services company also notes that its Know Your Customer identity-verification process is relatively quick, allowing users to get verified in as little as 3 to 5 minutes.
At the event, Gregory Laurent, Western Union’s vice president for the Philippines, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, highlighted the significance of the new app. “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,” he said. “For many in the country, remittances represent a life with more opportunities and hope. At the same time, an increasing number of Filipinos opt to send funds abroad. Our new app gives them the opportunity to do both.”
During the event, we at Revü asked Western Union representatives whether they were concerned the new application might cannibalize their existing retail business — especially considering the vast network of brick-and-mortar locations and partner stores across the country. Laurent was confident this wouldn’t be the case.
“This varies from country to country, but I do know that in the Philippines, access to cash and access to retail remain extremely important, particularly in rural areas and the provinces,” Laurent explained. “So we don’t expect digital to cannibalize our retail. On the contrary, we believe the sum of the two channels will bring more customers to our brand.”
We also learned that the Philippines — the fourth-largest inbound remittance market in the world, receiving an estimated $36 billion annually — was prioritized for this new app due to the country’s high adoption rate of new technologies, particularly in the finance sector, as well as strong support from local regulators.
Additionally, Western Union noted a unique behavior among Filipino users: Many send money not only to family members within the Philippines but also to loved ones who have recently migrated abroad and are just starting out. The company refers to this behavior as “reverse support.”
The new Western Union app arrives at a crucial time. The Philippines, after all, is known for having one of the world’s longest Christmas celebrations, with preparations starting as early as September. And with the country entering its long-haul holiday season, the dual functionality for sending and receiving money could streamline the process for countless Filipinos, whether they’re supporting family abroad or receiving funds from loved ones.
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