PESONet Fees by Bank in the Philippines

PESONet fees in the Philippines vary depending on the bank or e-wallet you use. Many digital banks and online banking platforms offer free PESONet transfers, while some traditional banks charge fees that typically range from ₱0 to ₱50 per transaction. Because fees can change over time due to promotions or policy updates, it’s always a good idea to check your bank’s latest schedule of charges before sending money.

If you’re transferring a large amount of money and don’t need it to arrive instantly, PESONet is often the cheaper option compared to InstaPay. It allows users to send higher amounts in a single transaction while keeping transfer costs low or even free.

What Is PESONet?

PESONet, short for Philippine EFT System and Operations Network, is one of the electronic fund transfer services regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) through the National Retail Payment System (NRPS).

It enables customers to transfer funds electronically from one bank or financial institution to another within the Philippines.

Unlike InstaPay, which processes transfers almost instantly, PESONet works in batches. This means transfers are typically credited on the same banking day if submitted before the institution’s cutoff time. Transactions sent after the cutoff may be processed on the next banking day.

Because of this batch-processing system, PESONet is commonly used for:

• Sending large amounts of money
• Paying suppliers and vendors
• Payroll disbursements
• Real estate payments
• Business-to-business transactions

PESONet Fees by Bank

The table below provides a general overview of PESONet fees charged by major banks and financial institutions in the Philippines.

Bank or Institution	Transaction Amount	Cut-Off Time	PESONet Fee
EastWest Bank	Up to ₱250,000	4:00 PM	Free
UnionBank	—	—	Free
BPI	₱250,000 for regular clients ₱500,000 for BPI Preferred clients	4:00 PM	₱10
RCBC	Up to ₱499,999	—	₱10
Land Bank of the Philippines	—	—	₱15
China Bank	Up to ₱499,999	—	₱20
BDO Unibank	₱100 – ₱500,000	3:00 PM	₱50
Metrobank	Up to ₱200,000	3:00 PM	Up to ₱50
Security Bank	Up to ₱500,000	4:00 PM	₱50

Important: Banks frequently revise fees and run promotional waivers. Always verify the latest charges through your bank’s website, mobile app, or fee schedule.

Why Are Many PESONet Transfers Free?

Several banks have removed transfer fees to encourage digital payments and support the BSP’s goal of increasing financial inclusion and electronic transactions.

Digital transfers are generally less costly to process than traditional over-the-counter transactions. As a result, many financial institutions use free PESONet transfers as a competitive advantage to attract and retain customers.

However, some banks may reintroduce fees in the future, so users should stay informed about any changes.

PESONet vs InstaPay Fees

Many Filipinos compare PESONet and InstaPay when deciding how to transfer money.

The biggest difference is speed. InstaPay transfers are processed almost immediately, while PESONet transfers are processed in batches. Because of the faster processing, InstaPay sometimes carries higher fees than PESONet.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Feature	PESONet	InstaPay
Transfer Speed	Same day or next banking day	Real-time
Typical Fee	Free to ₱50	Free to ₱25
Maximum Transfer Amount	Up to to ₱500,000	Up to to ₱50,000
Best For	Large transfers	Urgent transfers

If you need the recipient to receive the money immediately, InstaPay is usually the better option. If you’re transferring a larger amount and can wait until the next processing cycle, PESONet may save you money.

Want to compare transfer charges across different institutions? You can also read our complete guide to InstaPay fees by bank, where we break down the latest InstaPay charges, free transfer options, and tips to reduce transfer costs.

How Long Does a PESONet Transfer Take?

PESONet transfers are not processed instantly.

Most banks follow cutoff schedules throughout the day. If you submit a transfer before the cutoff time, the funds are usually credited later on the same banking day.

Transfers made:

• After the cutoff time
• During weekends
• On holidays

are generally processed on the next banking day.

The exact timing varies from one institution to another.

Is There a Maximum Amount for PESONet Transfers?

One advantage of PESONet is its ability to handle larger transactions.

While specific limits depend on the sending institution, PESONet generally allows significantly higher transfer amounts than InstaPay.

This makes it suitable for:

• Property purchases
• Business payments
• Tuition payments
• Large personal fund transfers

Always check your bank’s transfer limits before initiating a transaction.

Are PESONet Transfers Safe?

Yes. PESONet is part of the BSP-regulated National Retail Payment System and is operated through participating financial institutions.

Security measures typically include:

• Multi-factor authentication
• Secure online banking systems
• Transaction monitoring
• Fraud prevention controls

To keep your account safe, avoid sharing OTPs, passwords, and other sensitive information with anyone.

Tips to Avoid Paying Transfer Fees

While many institutions already offer free PESONet transfers, there are still ways to minimize costs.

Before sending money, consider the following:

• Check whether your bank currently offers free PESONet transfers.
• Compare transfer fees between banks and e-wallets.
• Use PESONet instead of InstaPay when speed is not important.
• Take advantage of promotional fee waivers.
• Consider opening an account with a bank that regularly offers free transfers.

These simple steps can help reduce the cost of moving money between accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PESONet free?

Many banks currently offer free PESONet transfers, although some institutions may charge a fee depending on their pricing policies.

Which is cheaper, PESONet or InstaPay?

PESONet is generally cheaper because many banks offer it for free. InstaPay may have higher fees due to its real-time processing capability.

Can I use PESONet on weekends?

You can initiate a transfer on weekends, but processing typically occurs on the next banking day.

Why hasn’t my PESONet transfer arrived yet?

PESONet transfers follow batch processing schedules. If you sent the transfer after the cutoff time or during a non-banking day, the funds may be credited on the next banking day.

Final Thoughts

PESONet remains one of the most cost-effective ways to transfer money between banks in the Philippines. While transfer fees vary by institution, many banks and digital financial platforms currently offer PESONet transfers at no cost.

For users who prioritize low fees and higher transfer limits over instant processing, PESONet is often the better choice. Before making a transfer, check your bank’s latest fee schedule and processing times to ensure you select the most suitable transfer method for your needs.

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