Low-fee remittances to the Philippines, Tagalog-speaking staff, and branches in Scarborough, Mississauga, Winnipeg, and Metro Vancouver
Over 900,000 Filipinos call Canada home, with the largest communities in Toronto (Scarborough), Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Edmonton. Sending remittances to the Philippines (OFW remittances) is a major financial need, and many banks have tailored services to serve this community.
TD has made significant efforts to serve the Filipino-Canadian community, including Tagalog-speaking staff at Scarborough, Mississauga, and several BC branches. TD Global Transfer offers competitive rates for sending money to BDO, BPI, and other Philippine banks.
Scotiabank has partnerships with Philippine banks and competitive international wire services. Their StartRight newcomer program is ideal for Filipinos arriving as skilled workers, caregivers, or PRs. Some Winnipeg and Scarborough branches have Filipino staff.
RBC is popular with Filipino healthcare workers and caregivers due to its strong newcomer program and wide ATM network. RBC's international remittance service supports transfers to Philippine banks.
For everyday Canadian banking with no fees, KOHO is the top choice for Filipino Canadians looking to maximize their savings. The $100 welcome bonus is ideal for newcomers establishing themselves in Canada.
| Service | Fee | Exchange Rate | Speed | Philippine Bank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remitly | $0–$3.99 | Near mid-market | Minutes–hours | BDO, BPI, UnionBank |
| Wise | ~0.5% | Mid-market | 1–2 days | Major PH banks |
| GCash/PayMaya | Variable | Variable | Instant | GCash wallet |
| TD Global Transfer | $0–$10 | 2–3% markup | 1–3 days | Major PH banks |
| Bank wire (Big 5) | $15–$30 | 2–3% markup | 2–5 days | Major PH banks |
No monthly fees, cashback rewards, and instant e-Transfers. Open today with code 45ET55JSYA.
Open KOHO — Code: 45ET55JSYAFor the lowest fees on remittances to the Philippines, Remitly and Wise beat all Canadian banks. However, TD Global Transfer and RBC InternationalRemit are the best bank-based options if you prefer to send directly from your bank account without a separate app.
There are no Filipino-chartered banks in Canada, but several credit unions in areas like Scarborough, Winnipeg, and Metro Vancouver have significant Filipino memberships and may offer more community-focused service. Ask locally about community credit unions.
Yes. With a valid caregiver work permit, you can open a bank account at any major Canadian bank. Bring your passport, work permit, and your Canadian employer's address. Most banks will not require a credit history or minimum deposit for newcomers on valid work permits.
TD Canada Trust has the most Tagalog-speaking staff among major banks, particularly at Scarborough (Lawrence Ave, Kingston Rd), Mississauga, and some Vancouver branches. Call your local branch in advance to ask about Filipino staff availability.
Yes. KOHO is an excellent no-fee everyday bank account for Filipino Canadians. It has no monthly fees, gives cashback on groceries and restaurants, and comes with a $100 welcome bonus using code 45ET55JSYA. Use KOHO for Canadian spending and a service like Remitly for sending money back to the Philippines.