If you’re one of the many Filipinos searching for Work From Home Jobs in the Philippines or already hired in remote jobs in the Philippines, then getting paid easily, securely, and with minimal fees should be one of your top priorities.
As a member of the growing virtual staff community, you need reliable payment solutions that make sure your hard-earned salary reaches you on time and without unnecessary deductions.
At VirtualStaff.ph, we’ve made it easier for over 1,000,000 Filipinos to land full-time and part-time opportunities with real businesses abroad. But after you’ve been hired, the next step is to ensure that you have the right bank account or payment gateway connected to receive your salary smoothly.
This guide will walk you through the best banks and payment gateways for Filipino remote workers, helping you choose the right one based on fees, convenience, and accessibility.
Why Choosing the Right Bank or Payment Gateway Matters
When you’re working with employers from the USA, UK, Australia, or other countries, your salary doesn’t just come in pesos. Most employers pay in US dollars or other foreign currencies, which means you’ll need a trusted financial partner to receive and convert those payments.
With VirtualStaff.ph, your salary is deposited directly into your bank account in pesos, eliminating the hassle of dealing with dollar payments and costly conversions.
Here’s why it’s important to choose wisely:
- Lower fees = higher take-home pay – The wrong payment gateway could eat up 3–10% of your salary in transaction charges.
- Faster access to funds – Some banks and gateways release your salary within hours, while others can take several days.
- Security and peace of mind – You want your money in safe hands, with reliable fraud protection.
- Accessibility – Whether you live in Metro Manila or a provincial area, you need options that allow easy cash withdrawals or mobile banking.
At VirtualStaff.ph, once you’re hired, your salary is sent directly into your account through the platform’s secure payroll system. That’s why we recommend having the right bank or payment gateway in place from the start.
Best Banks for Filipino Remote Workers
1. BDO (Banco de Oro)
BDO is one of the largest and most accessible banks in the Philippines, making it a great option for virtual staff who want a reliable local bank.
Pros:
- Wide branch and ATM network across the country
- Dollar savings accounts available for direct USD deposits
- Competitive conversion rates for foreign currencies
- Online banking and mobile app features are stable
Cons:
Some fees for international wire transfers can be on the higher side
Account opening requires maintaining a minimum balance
Best for: Those who prefer traditional banking with nationwide coverage.
2. BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands)
BPI is another trusted choice with excellent digital banking services.
Pros:
- Solid mobile app for managing accounts online
- Dollar accounts available for those receiving USD
- Quick processing of international transfers
- Accessible ATMs and branches nationwide
Cons:
- Higher minimum maintaining balance for dollar accounts
- Limited free withdrawal slots
Best for: Remote workers who want strong online banking tools and international payment support.
3. UnionBank of the Philippines
UnionBank is popular among remote staff in the Philippines because of its strong digital banking features.
Pros:
- Quick account setup (even online)
- Partnership with PayPal for easy withdrawals
- Lower fees for foreign currency transactions compared to other banks
- Active app features with real-time transfers
Cons:
- Fewer physical branches than BDO or BPI
- Sometimes longer processing times for wire transfers
Best for: Virtual staff who rely heavily on PayPal or want a fully digital banking experience.
4. Security Bank
Security Bank is smaller compared to BDO or BPI but offers competitive rates for international transfers.
Pros:
- Dollar accounts available
- Good foreign exchange conversion rates
- Reliable customer service
- Stable mobile banking app
Cons:
- Fewer branches and ATMs nationwide
- Account opening process may be stricter
Best for: Remote workers who want better currency conversion and are okay with fewer branches.
5. Landbank of the Philippines
While traditionally seen as a government bank, Landbank is a solid choice for those living in provincial areas.
Pros:
- Accessible in rural areas
- Dollar savings accounts available
- Reliable remittance services
Cons:
- Online banking app is less user-friendly
- Limited services compared to private banks
Best for: Virtual staff in provincial areas who need a stable local option.
Best Payment Gateways for Filipino Remote Workers
Aside from banks, payment gateways play a huge role in helping Filipinos with remote jobs in the Philippines receive salaries from international employers. These platforms bridge the gap between your employer abroad and your local bank.
1. PayPal
PayPal is still one of the most common methods for remote payments.
Pros:
- Widely accepted by international employers
- Easy to link with UnionBank, BPI, and other Philippine banks
- Instant transfer options available
Cons:
- High withdrawal and conversion fees
- Sometimes account holds or delays in funds
Best for: Freelancers and virtual staff who work with multiple employers and need global accessibility.
2. Payoneer
Payoneer has become one of the best payment gateways for remote jobs in the Philippines.
Pros:
- Lower fees compared to PayPal
- Direct transfers to Philippine banks
- Multi-currency support (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.)
- Fast processing of payments
Cons:
- Annual card fee if you use their prepaid Mastercard
- Not all employers are familiar with Payoneer
Best for: Virtual staff with employers in the US, UK, or Australia who prefer lower fees than PayPal.
3. Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Wise is known for its transparency and low conversion rates.
Pros:
- Excellent exchange rates (real mid-market rates)
- Clear, low fees
- Supports direct deposit to Philippine banks
- Easy-to-use app
Cons:
- Not as widely used as PayPal or Payoneer
- Employer needs to be familiar with Wise to send payments
Best for: Virtual staff who want to maximize their salary by avoiding excessive conversion losses.
4. GCash
GCash is a mobile wallet that’s very popular in the Philippines.
Pros:
- Easy to withdraw to local banks
- Works well for smaller, faster payments
- Convenient for bill payments and everyday expenses
Cons:
- Not always accepted by international employers directly
- Requires linking to PayPal or other gateways
Best for: Remote workers who want to move funds quickly for everyday use.
5. WorldRemit and Remitly
These platforms are primarily used for remittances but can also work for remote payments.
Pros:
- Quick transfers to Philippine banks and wallets
- Easy to use
- Reliable customer service
Cons:
- Fees depend on the country of origin
- Not all employers use them
Best for: Remote staff with employers who prefer direct remittance platforms.
How VirtualStaff.ph Helps You Get Paid Securely
While you can choose your preferred bank or payment gateway, VirtualStaff.ph makes the process even easier for Filipino workers.
Here’s how:
- Direct Payments – Once you’re hired through VirtualStaff.ph, your salary is processed through the platform’s payroll system and sent directly to your bank.
- 0% Salary Deduction – Unlike freelancing sites that take a big cut, VirtualStaff.ph doesn’t deduct from your pay. You keep 100% of what you earn.
- Legit Contracts – You’re protected by enforceable, Philippine-compliant contracts.
- All-in-One Dashboard – Track your salary, attendance, and compliance without needing multiple apps.
- Secure & Long-Term – Instead of short-term gigs, you get real, stable employment with global businesses.
This means that whether you use BPI, BDO, UnionBank, PayPal, or Payoneer, your income is safe, secure, and properly managed within VirtualStaff.ph.
Tips for Choosing the Best Bank and Payment Gateway
If you’re just starting your career in work from home jobs in the Philippines, here are some tips to make sure you choose the right setup:
- Open at least one major Philippine bank account (BDO, BPI, or UnionBank).
- Have a backup digital wallet like GCash for quick transfers.
- If your employer prefers PayPal, link it to UnionBank for lower withdrawal fees.
- If your employer is open to options, suggest Payoneer or Wise for better rates.
- Always compare conversion fees before withdrawing.
- Keep your accounts secure with two-factor authentication.
Final Thoughts
When you’re building your career in remote jobs in the Philippines, you should not only focus on finding the right employer but also on setting up the right payment method. The right combination of a bank and a payment gateway can save you thousands of pesos every year, making your work-from-home journey more rewarding.
At VirtualStaff.ph, we don’t just connect you with employers; we help you build a long-term career as virtual staff with secure payments, contracts, and the tools you need to succeed. Whether you’re a virtual assistant, bookkeeper, customer support specialist, or graphic designer, you can work for global companies, get paid directly, and grow your career from the comfort of your home.
If you haven’t already, create your free account on VirtualStaff.ph today and start applying for part-time or full-time work from home jobs in the Philippines. Once hired, link your preferred bank or payment gateway, and enjoy the security of getting paid on time, every time.
