Summary
December is typically the busiest month for remittance overseas family and remittances to the Philippines – overseas Filipinos sent home a record US$3.52 billion in cash remittances in December 2025, taking the 2025 total to US$35.63 billion, as many send extra money home for Christmas and family expenses, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
Growth has slowed in 2026, though the total is higher than last year – cash remittances rose 2.4% to US$17.15 billion in the first half, and 2.2% to US$23.42 billion in January to August, with growth in June (1.7%) the weakest since February 2022; the BSP forecasts 2.7% growth to US$36.6 billion for the full year
Analysts say the final quarter matters for the target – UnionBank’s chief economist said holiday-related transfers typically pick up in the fourth quarter, so the BSP’s 2.7% target remains within reach if current trends hold through year-end
The latest figures
All figures are cash remittances through banks, as reported by the BSP, unless stated.
| Period | Cash remittances | Change on a year earlier |
|---|---|---|
| December 2025 | US$3.52 billion | Record monthly high |
| Full year 2025 | US$35.63 billion | Up 3.3% |
| First half 2026 | US$17.15 billion | Up 2.4% |
| June 2026 | US$3.04 billion | Up 1.7%, the slowest since February 2022 |
| July 2026 | About US$3.24 billion | Up 1.9% |
| August 2026 | US$3.03 billion | Up 1.9% |
| January to August 2026 | US$23.42 billion | Up 2.2% (from US$22.91 billion) |
| BSP forecast for 2026 | US$36.6 billion | Up 2.7% |
Personal remittances, a broader BSP measure that includes money sent through informal channels and in kind, were US$26.10 billion for January to August, up 2.3%. For the full year 2025, personal remittances reached US$39.62 billion.
Why December is the peak
December has historically been the busiest month for remittances to the Philippines. Money sent home goes towards:
- Noche Buena, the Christmas Eve feast, and other holiday spending
- Gifts and celebrations for family
- School fees, medical bills and household costs (the BSP says remittances support recipient households’ income and spending)
The BSP reported record December inflows in 2025, and analysts say fourth-quarter holiday transfers typically lift the annual total.
Why 2026 growth has slowed
Analysts and commentators point to several factors:
- A high base. One analysis (Fizen) notes that 2025 inflows were unusually strong, so 2026 is measured against a high bar.
- Softer overseas deployment. UnionBank’s chief economist said August’s figures show inflows are resilient but growing at a more moderate pace amid softer deployment and global uncertainties.
- Weaker employment and geopolitical risk. RCBC’s chief economist said growth continues but more slowly amid the Middle East crisis and reduced employment, and noted that August’s 1.9% growth was still among the slowest in more than four years.
These are analysts’ views, not OrbitRemit’s. A single month’s slowdown doesn’t establish that overseas employment has contracted, and the BSP still expects growth for the year.
Where the money comes from
The BSP’s January to August data, by reported country of origin, shows:
| Country | Share of cash remittances |
|---|---|
| United States | 39.8% |
| Singapore | 7.1% |
| Saudi Arabia | 6.3% |
| Japan | About 4.9% |
| United Kingdom | About 4.8% |
The country of origin is the one reported by the bank the money passed through, and it doesn’t always reflect where a worker earns the money.
If you are sending money to the Philippines this December
Public holidays in Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines can add time to transfers, so it is worth planning.
- Allow extra time. OrbitRemit’s Help Centre gives settlement guidance in working days, counted after your payment reaches OrbitRemit. Check the estimated delivery time in your account before you confirm. Delivery estimates are not guarantees.
- Get set up early. Complete identity verification and save your recipient’s details before the busy period.
- Know the delivery options. GCash and other mobile wallets are available, as is bank deposit.
- Compare the total received, not just the fee. The exchange rate and the exact PHP amount are shown before you confirm.
OrbitRemit’s fees to the Philippines:
| Delivery method | From Australia | From New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| GCash and wallets | fee-free | NZD $4 |
| Bank deposit | AUD $4 | NZD $6 |
Excludes possible payment method fees.
FAQs (frequently asked questions)
Is December the busiest month for remittances?
For the Philippines, December is typically the busiest month. A record US$3.52 billion in cash remittances was reported for December 2025.
How much did overseas Filipinos send home in 2026 so far?
According to the BSP, cash remittances were US$23.42 billion for January to August 2026, up 2.2% on the same period last year.
Why has remittance growth slowed in 2026?
Analysts cite a high 2025 base, softer overseas deployment, global uncertainty and weaker employment. The BSP still expects 2.7% growth for the full year.
Which country sends the most money to the Philippines?
The United States, at 39.8% of cash remittances in January to August 2026 by reported country of origin, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia.
When does the BSP release remittance data?
Monthly, roughly six to seven weeks after the month ends. August data was released on 15 October.
How do I allow for holidays when sending money?
Check the estimated delivery time in your account before you confirm, and allow extra time around public holidays in Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.
Important information
This article is general information. Figures are as reported by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Philippine media at the time of writing, and some are preliminary and subject to revision. Analysts’ views are those of the people quoted, not OrbitRemit’s, and are not forecasts by OrbitRemit. Transfer times vary by destination and payment method, and delivery estimates are not guarantees. OrbitRemit does not provide advice on exchange rate timing, and its exchange rate includes a margin, with the rate and destination amount shown before you confirm each transfer.
Related guides
- Simbang Gabi 2026: dates, meaning and how Filipinos in Australia and New Zealand celebrate
- Christmas food in Australia
- Christmas food in New Zealand
- Philippines travel guide 2026
Last updated 12 November 2026.
Sources: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data as reported by BusinessWorld, The Philippine Star, SunStar, Daily Tribune, BusinessMirror, Philippine News Agency and Metrobank Wealth Insights (August to October 2026) | Gulf News, Philippine remittances hit record US$35.63 billion in 2025 | Fizen, Philippines remittances H1 2026 | OrbitRemit Help Centre, settlement guidance by destination
