This Mobile Wallet Will Let OFWs Top Up Through US, Europe Banks

The new service is targeted to be available to OFWs in Europe and the US by the second quarter of 2024.

Mobile wallet GCash is, as of press time, available in 13 countries and territories outside of the Philippines. This number includes the United States and European nations such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

There is good news for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in these countries. They will soon be able to connect their GCash accounts to banks in the US and Europe. According to a report by the Philippine Star, what this means is that users will be able to top up money into their accounts through deposits made to partner banks.

The new service comes after GCash received approval from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that lets them launch financial services in the foreign markets they are available in.

Which US, European Banks Are Included?

While a complete list of banks has yet to be released, GCash International General Manager Paul Albano included Bank of America and J. P. Morgan among the examples he cited.

It should be noted that while deposits are made to foreign banks, GCash will continue to transact in peso. What this means is that OFWs should always keep the current conversion rate in mind when topping up their accounts.

Those who wish to top up their accounts through other means can do so via remittance centers such as Western Union.

Where Is GCash Available Abroad?

Aside from the US and the European countries previously listed, the mobile wallet is likewise available in the following countries and territories:

Australia
Canada
Hong Kong
Japan
Qatar
South Korea
Taiwan
United Arab Emirates

This list is expected to grow as three new countries are to be added. The app is scheduled to be launched in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore by next month.