GCash Extends Zero-Fee Middle East Transfers to April 2026
GCash extended its zero-fee transaction program for Filipinos in the Middle East through April 30, 2026. The waiver covers transfers from nine countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Key Takeaway
OFWs in the Middle East save transfer fees on all GCash transactions for another two years.
GCash waived all transaction fees for Filipinos in nine Middle East countries and territories through April 30, 2026.
The fintech platform covers bank transfers to the Philippines, bill payments, load purchases, and GCash International Transfer services from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan. Users receive refunds as in-app cashback with no registration required.
GCash said the goal is to make everyday transactions more affordable, accessible, and seamless for Filipinos. The company positioned the extension as supporting government efforts to prioritize the safety and welfare of overseas Filipinos working in the region.
The zero-fee coverage applies to four destination countries through GCash International Transfer: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. Users sending money from the other five locations can still access free bank transfers, bill payments, and load top-ups to Philippine numbers.
GCash said it will continue monitoring developments in the region and assess whether to extend the financial relief measures beyond April 30, 2026.
🇵🇭 What This Means for Filipinos: The waiver directly cuts remittance costs for hundreds of thousands of OFWs in Gulf countries who rely on GCash to send money home. With the Philippines receiving roughly ₱2.22 trillion ($37 billion) annually in overseas worker transfers, fee-free channels like this compete with traditional remittance providers that typically charge 3-5% per transaction. GCash's move pressures other Philippine fintech platforms like Maya to match the zero-fee offering or risk losing Middle East market share.
