BPI, UnionBank to implement P5 cash-in fee for linked account via GCash

Starting October 2, 2023, GCash 50 users will have to cough up PHP 5.00USD 0.09INR 7EUR 0.08CNY 0.62 for cash-in transactions via Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and UnionBank 43.

This change is “due to increasing costs,” as per GCash’s recently updated support document. Users still have less than two months to enjoy free cash-ins through the said banks.

Photo/ GCash Help Center under “General Cash In Inquiries”

You can sidestep this new fee by using workarounds like InstaPay or via other banks’ own platform. And if you’re feeling fancy, go ahead and use PayPal cash-in, which remains free.

However, these workarounds may still have their own set of fees, ranging from P10 to P25, depending on the payment platform or bank used.

Considering that other banks may charge higher fees, opting for the P5 GCash cash-in fee is the more logical choice.

As of writing, Maya—a competing e-wallet and a bank—allows users to transfer funds from BPI for free. However, unlike GCash which has no minimum transfer amount for BPI transfers, Maya requires a minimum transfer amount of PHP 500USD 9INR 722EUR 8CNY 62.

While we can hope that GCash won’t add any more banks to have cash-in fees, only time will tell if more will be added to the list.