Wise vs KAST: USD to PHP Fees, Rates and Transfer Comparison

Sending dollars to the Philippines is easy. Knowing exactly what you’re paying for is where it gets interesting.

Many people searching for the cheapest way to send money from the US to the Philippines assume the displayed rate tells the whole story.

But when you send USD to PHP, two things determine what actually arrives in the recipient’s account: the exchange rate and the fee structure behind it.

Both Wise and KAST show the numbers before you confirm. That’s good. The difference is how they apply their fees and how that affects the final PHP amount.

Two transfers can deduct the same amount in USD and still deliver different results in PHP. Same dollars. Different outcome.

This guide compares Wise vs KAST for USD to PHP transfers, focusing on exchange rates, fees, and what the recipient actually receives.

How USD to PHP Transfers Work

A USD to PHP transfer happens when US dollars are converted into Philippine pesos and paid out locally. This process is also commonly described as converting US dollars to Philippine pesos or sending dollars to a Philippine bank account.

Freelancers, remote workers, and anyone sending money home regularly go through this process.

Most USD to PHP transfers follow three basic steps:

• Your funds start as USD in a bank account, wallet, or payout platform.
• The platform converts USD to PHP using its exchange rate.
• Fees are applied, either as a visible transfer fee, built into the rate, or both.

Here’s what matters: not all USD to PHP transfers cost the same, even when the dollar amount is identical.

Two providers can convert the same $1,000 and deliver different PHP amounts. The difference usually comes from the exchange rate used and how the fees scale with the transfer size.

When comparing Wise vs KAST, the key metric is this: how much PHP lands in the recipient’s account.

What Fees Matter in USD to PHP Transfers

When you send USD to PHP, the headline rate is not the full story. The number that matters is the final PHP amount received.

That result usually comes from three cost layers.

Exchange Rate (USD to PHP Exchange Rate)

The USD to PHP exchange rate does most of the work. Even a small change in the rate can noticeably affect the final PHP amount, especially for larger transfers.

Some platforms aim to stay close to the mid-market rate. Others apply a spread that slightly reduces what you receive.

A difference of a fraction of a peso per dollar can add up quickly. Even small exchange rate markups or FX margins can significantly affect the total amount received in PHP.

USD to PHP Transfer Fees

Most providers charge a fee to process a USD to PHP transfer. This can be:

• A flat fee
• A percentage-based fee
• Or a combination of both

A percentage fee increases as the transfer amount increases. A flat fee stays the same regardless of how much you send. The structure directly affects how much PHP the recipient gets.

Delivery Method and Processing

How the money reaches the Philippine bank account can also influence the experience.

Processing times and payout routes may vary, but from a cost perspective, what matters is whether additional fees or margins are involved in the final calculation.

When comparing KAST vs Wise, focus on the total deducted in USD and the total received in PHP. That comparison reveals the true cost.

How USD to PHP Transfers Work on Wise

Wise uses an account-based model. You hold or deposit USD, convert it, and then send PHP to a Philippine bank account.

The typical flow starts with depositing or holding USD in your Wise account. You then convert USD to PHP, review the exchange rate and the USD to PHP fees shown on the confirmation screen, and send the PHP amount to the recipient.

Wise generally uses a percentage-based fee model. While the percentage may decrease slightly at higher amounts, the total fee increases as the transfer size increases. This means the USD to PHP transfer cost grows as you send larger amounts.

Converting USD to PHP on Wise

In this example transfer:

• Amount converted: $1,161.19 USD
• Exchange rate shown: 1 USD = 58.8560 PHP
• Fees (included): $10.58 USD
• PHP received: ₱67,720.30

Wise shows the exchange rate, the fee, and the estimated delivery time before you confirm the transfer.

How USD to PHP Transfers Work on KAST

KAST also uses an account-based USD balance and supports local PHP bank payouts.

The process begins by funding your KAST balance in USD, either through a USD bank transfer or, where available, via supported stablecoins like USDC or USDT.

You then initiate a PHP payout, review the total amount deducted and the final PHP amount the recipient will receive, and confirm the transfer.

KAST uses a flat network fee that does not scale with the transfer size.

Converting USD to PHP on KAST

For the same transfer amount:

• Total deducted: $1,161.19 USD
• Network fee: $2.00 USD flat
• PHP received: ₱68,050.02

KAST shows the final “recipient receives” amount clearly before confirmation, so you can see exactly how much PHP will land in the account.

Wise vs KAST: USD to PHP Fees Compared

When comparing Wise vs KAST for USD to PHP transfers, the main difference is the fee structure.

In the example above:

Both platforms deduct the same total amount in USD. The difference appears in the PHP received.

Because Wise uses a percentage-based USD to PHP fee model, the cost increases with larger transfers. KAST uses a flat fee, which remains constant regardless of transfer size.

For higher amounts, a flat structure can result in more PHP delivered to the recipient.

Which Is Better for USD to PHP Transfers?

The better option depends on what you prioritize in a USD to PHP transfer.

Both Wise and KAST show the exchange rate and fees before you confirm. Both allow you to see the final PHP amount upfront.

The difference is how the USD to PHP fees are structured and how that structure affects the final payout.

In the example above, KAST delivers more PHP for the same USD deducted, because the flat fee does not increase with the transfer amount.

If you regularly send larger USD to PHP transfers, fee structure becomes increasingly important, which makes KAST a viable Wise alternative.

If you regularly convert USD to PHP or get paid in USD and spend in PHP, understanding how fee structures work can make a noticeable difference over time.

Final Takeaway

When comparing KAST vs Wise for USD to PHP, the real question is not just the exchange rate.

It is how much PHP will the recipient actually receive after all USD to PHP fees are applied?

That number tells you the true cost of the transfer.

Before sending USD to the Philippines, check the final PHP amount. Then choose the platform that delivers the result you want.

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