GUIDE: The Best Digital Banks for Filipinos Traveling Abroad
Digital banks are the future.
by Ina Louise Manto | July 09, 2026
Gone are the days when we had to carry cash when travelling internationally and line up at the airport or at money changers in the city we were visiting. All thanks to the proliferation of cashless payments and digital banks, paying for transactions is now one tap away. While cash is still king in some destinations, opting for cashless payments is preferable nowadays, as you get better foreign exchange (forex) rates and even cashbacks. If you’re travelling soon and want to utilize digital banks, here are the best ones to have on your phone:
GCash
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With 94 million users and over six million merchants, GCash is an all-in-one e-wallet that lets you easily pay for bills, send money, and withdraw money, even without a traditional bank account. That’s why it’s one of the widely used e-wallet options for Filipinos, not only locally, but also internationally.
Pros:
- Easily pay through QR code. GCash is part of the Alipay+ network that has millions of merchants in Asia, North America, Middle East, Oceania, and Europe. This e-wallet works in over 46 countries.
- You can use your GCash card to withdraw money from international ATMs that are a part of the Visa, Mastercard, or Bancnet network.
- Enjoy real-time exchange rates, so it’s easier to prepare for your purchases.
- GCash also offers travel insurance, which you can purchase through the mobile application.
Cons: Some ATM transactions may incur additional fees.
Forex fee: GCash offers 0.76% foreign transaction fees, as of writing.
Can I get a physical card? Yes, you can get a GCash physical card. Once your account is verified, you can order a card for PHP250, and it will be delivered to you within 15 working days.
App: Gcash is available for download on iOS and Android.
MariBank
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For Shopee users, you may recognize MariBank as the rebranded version of SeaBank as of 2025. MariBank is a digital bank that offers the same products and services as a traditional bank, without requiring a physical branch. Meaning, you can enjoy a savings account, competitive interest rates, and rewards all in your mobile phone.
Pros:
- Maribank offers free withdrawals in international locations.
- Users enjoy up 1.0% monthly cashback on purchases.
- You can use your physical card for terminals that accept Mastercard.
- Transactions reflect real-time, which you can check through the app.
Cons:
- MariBank charges a 2% foreign transaction fee for overseas online purchases.
- Some international ATMs may still incur additional fees when withdrawing.
Forex fee: MariBank offers 0% forex fees on physical swipes.
Can I get a physical card? Yes, verified MariBank users can get a physical card for as low as PHP49. Verified users can easily order their card through the mobile app.
App: MariBank is available for download on iOS and Android.
GoTyme
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You’ve probably seen a GoTyme kiosk when you visited a Robinsons mall or shopped at a Gokongwei-owned establishment. GoTyme is a collaboration between the Gokongwei group of companies and digital banking group Tyme, which launched in the Philippines in 2022. It’s a digital bank that allows users to open multiple savings account, invest, and manage their finances, all in one app. Since its public launch, it has attracted over nine million users in the Philippines.
Pros:
- The GoTyme app is available in 131 countries.
- Offers zero withdrawal fees in international ATMs.
- GoTyme users earn Go Rewards points when they use their card. Earn 1 point for every PHP500 spent for international, online, and in-store transactions. Meanwhile, users can earn 1 point for every PHP100 spent at Robinsons Retail brands.
- Transactions reflect real-time through the mobile application.
Cons: Some ATMs may still charge an additional fee when withdrawing.
Forex fee: GoTyme offers a 1% forex fee on all debit card purchases abroad.
Can I get physical card? Yes, you can easily get a GoTyme physical card. All you need to do is verify your account and visit a kiosk near you. There are over 500 kiosks nationwide, where you can get a card for FREE in just five minutes.
App: GoTyme is available for download on iOS or Android.
How can I get a physical card?
Getting a physical card from your digital bank is more convenient than just tapping through your phone, especially when you need to withdraw cash. Here’s how you can get one:
@8list.ph ❌ Mangolekta ng blind boxes ✔️ Mangolekta ng physical cards for PH digital and neobanks 🤭 Free pa yung iba diyan! #KayaToday #8listPH #adulting #fintech #fyp ♬ original sound – 8List.ph
Do you own any of these cards and have you used them for international travel? Share your experience in the comments!
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