TopRate vs Wise vs Remitly vs LemFi: sending money to Philippines
Looking for a cheaper, faster Wise, Remitly or LemFi alternative for PHP transfers from New Zealand? Here is how TopRate compares on rates, fees, speed and the New Zealand payment rails you actually use.
How they compare (NZD → PHP)
| Feature | TopRate | Wise | Remitly | LemFi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FSPR-registered (New Zealand) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Check provider |
| NZ payment rails explained (bank transfer, debit card) | Yes | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| First-transfer fee (NZD → PHP) | From $0 | Fee + FX margin (varies) | Fee + FX margin (varies) | Low/zero fee + FX margin (varies) |
| Delivery speed | Minutes – 2 business days | Varies by corridor | Varies by corridor | Varies by corridor |
| Live rate-freshness shown on page | Yes | Not shown | Not shown | In app |
| Philippines diaspora / community focus | Yes | General | General | Diaspora-focused |
| Rate benefit that grows over time (earned, not a one-time promo) | Yes — earned special rate | Not advertised | Not advertised | Not advertised |
Comparison is indicative only and based on publicly available information; provider fees, rates and features change frequently. Always compare the live quote in each provider’s app before you send. TopRate Transfer is a registered financial service provider (money remittance) on New Zealand's Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR), supervised for AML/CFT by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
Why senders to Philippines choose TopRate
New Zealand payment rails
Fund transfers with bank transfer and debit card — no card surcharges or slow wires.
Zero-fee first transfer
Send PHP at competitive exchange rates with zero fees on your first transfer.
A rate you earn — not a promo that expires
Your special rate is a rewards benefit that grows as you send — not a one-time introductory offer. T&Cs apply.
FSPR-registered
An FSPR-registered remittance provider, supervised by the DIA, with strong encryption.
Frequently asked questions
Is TopRate a good Wise alternative for sending money to Philippines?
Yes. TopRate is an FSPR-registered money transfer service, supervised by New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), built for sending PHP to Philippines. You fund transfers with local NZ rails (bank transfer, debit card), get competitive exchange rates with low fees, and zero fees on your first transfer. Always compare the live quote in the app before you send.
Is TopRate a good LemFi alternative in New Zealand?
If you send PHP to Philippines from New Zealand, TopRate is a strong LemFi alternative: you fund transfers with local NZ rails (bank transfer, debit card), fees are shown upfront, and instead of a one-time introductory promo your special rate is a rewards benefit you earn — it grows as you send. Always compare the live quote in both apps before you send.
What is the cheapest way to send money to Philippines from New Zealand?
The cheapest option depends on the amount and delivery method on the day. TopRate shows the live PHP rate and fee upfront with zero fees on your first transfer, so you can compare the all-in cost before confirming. We recommend comparing the live quote against any provider before sending.
How long does a transfer to Philippines take?
Transfers to Philippines typically arrive within minutes for mobile money or wallet payouts and within 1–2 business days for bank deposits.
Try the cheaper way to send money to Philippines
Download the TopRate app, check your live PHP rate, and send in minutes.