Philippine Bank Codes for Paying Filipino Remote Workers

There are two codes you need to pay a Filipino remote worker.

A SWIFT code for international bank-to-bank transfers, and a BRSTN for domestic or platform-based routing within the Philippines.

Get either one wrong and your payment stalls for days, sometimes way longer.

Here is exactly what each code means, which one to use, and the specific codes for the most common Philippine banks.

Top Philippine Bank Codes for Payments

This is the fast reference table most people are looking for. SWIFT codes handle international routing. BRSTN codes handle domestic routing within the Philippines.

Save this table. These ten banks cover the large majority of Filipino remote workers.

When to Use a SWIFT Code for Philippine Payments

When you’re sending money from outside the Philippines directly to your worker’s bank account, you need a SWIFT code.

Think of it as the international address for a bank. SWIFT codes are 8 to 11 characters — a mix of letters and numbers. BOPIPHMMXXX for BPI. BNORPHMM for BDO.

Some banks use one main SWIFT code for the entire institution. Others have different codes per branch.

BPI, for example, tells you to use their main code BOPIPHMMXXX if you’re unsure about branch specifics. Other banks may require the exact branch code.

The safest approach: ask your worker directly. They can pull it from their banking app, their bank’s website, or by calling their branch. Don’t guess. Don’t pull it from a random third-party site.

What Is a BRSTN Code in the Philippines?

BRSTN stands for Bank Routing Symbol Transit Number. It’s a 9-digit numerical code used for domestic transfers within the Philippines.

Most direct international wire transfers won’t ask for this. But some fintech platforms and payment services that clear transactions locally in Philippine pesos will request it — even when you’re sending from abroad.

If a payment platform asks for a “bank code” or “routing number” during a Philippines transfer, there’s a good chance it’s asking for the BRSTN.

BRSTN vs SWIFT: Which Code Do You Need?

Use a SWIFT code when you’re sending an international wire transfer directly from your bank to your worker’s Philippine bank account.

Use a BRSTN when a payment platform routes the transaction domestically inside the Philippines, even if your payment originates internationally.

The simplest breakdown:

• SWIFT — bank-to-bank, cross-border
• BRSTN — platform-based or domestic routing within the Philippines

If a payment service like Wise, PayPal, or Payoneer is handling the transfer, you likely won’t enter either code manually. These platforms abstract the routing in the background. More on that below.

Common Philippine Bank Codes You Actually Need

The full table is at the top of this article, but here are a few worth highlighting individually.

BDO is the most commonly used bank among Filipino remote workers. Their SWIFT code is BNORPHMM and their BRSTN is 010530667.

BPI is the second most common. SWIFT is BOPIPHMM. BRSTN is 010040018.

UnionBank is popular with workers who use their app heavily. SWIFT is UBPHPHMM. BRSTN is 010419995.

If your worker uses a bank not on this list, ask them for their specific codes. Don’t pull from unverified sources.

Bank Codes for Digital Banks and E-Wallet Transfers

The Philippine banking landscape has shifted fast. GCash, Maya, Tonik, GoTyme, and UNO Digital are now common, especially among younger workers.

GCash operates under Globe Xchange, Inc. Their BRSTN is 018040010.

But digital banks handle international transfers differently than traditional banks. Some integrate with traditional banking rails. Others use alternative routing entirely.

If your worker uses a digital bank, the same rule applies as with traditional banks.

Ask them directly for the specific details their bank requires to receive an international payment.

Don’t assume digital bank transfers work the same as traditional ones and if you’re paying a Filipino contractor for the first time, it’s also worth understanding the W-8BEN form requirements that go alongside payment setup.

How Wise, PayPal, and Other Platforms Handle Bank Codes

Fintech platforms hide most of this complexity from you.

When you pay through Wise, you typically enter your worker’s bank account number and the platform handles the routing codes in the background.

Same with PayPal and Payoneer.

But understanding the codes still matters, especially when something goes wrong.

If a transfer stalls and you need to contact customer support, knowing the difference between SWIFT and BRSTN helps you describe the problem clearly.

One thing worth knowing: some platforms use their own internal bank codes that have nothing to do with SWIFT or BRSTN.

Let’s say Upwork asks for a “bank code,” it’s asking for their internal reference number — not a SWIFT code.

Different payment methods require different information.

Fees to Expect When Paying Filipino Remote Workers

Here’s something that surprises a lot of employers for the first time.

Your worker might receive less than you sent.

Philippine banks charge receiving fees for international wire transfers typically 200 to 500 pesos per transaction.

That’s roughly $4 to $10 USD. Sometimes higher depending on the bank and transfer amount.

Your sending bank adds fees on top of that. International wire transfers from US banks typically cost $25 to $50 per transaction.

Then there’s the exchange rate markup. Banks don’t give you the mid-market rate you see on Google. They add a margin — usually 1% to 3%.

Send $1,000 and your worker might receive the peso equivalent of $940 after everything clears.

This is why many employers move to platforms like Wise.

And if you’re handling payroll across multiple contractors, it’s worth reviewing your legal checklist for hiring Filipino contractors to make sure your payment setup is compliant from the start.

Most Common Payment Mistakes to Avoid

Using outdated codes. Banks occasionally update their routing codes. If a transfer fails, verify the code is still current directly with the bank.

Entering branch-specific vs. institution-wide SWIFT codes incorrectly. Some banks want a branch code. Others say to use the main institution code. When in doubt, confirm with your worker.

Assuming digital banks work like traditional ones. They often don’t. Verify the exact transfer method the digital bank supports.

Not accounting for bank holidays. The Philippines observes different holidays than the US, UK, or Australia. A payment sent Thursday might not arrive until Tuesday if there’s a long weekend.

Confusing platform codes with bank codes. If a specific payment platform asks for a bank code, it may be asking for its own internal reference number, not a SWIFT or BRSTN code.

FAQ

What is the bank code in the Philippines?

Philippine banks use two main codes: a SWIFT code (8–11 characters, used for international transfers) and a BRSTN, which is a 9-digit number used for domestic routing within the Philippines. The code you need depends on how you’re sending the payment.

What is the bank code 010530667?

010530667 is the BRSTN (Bank Routing Symbol Transit Number) for Banco De Oro, commonly known as BDO. It’s used for domestic routing within the Philippines and may be requested by certain payment platforms when processing transfers to BDO accounts.

What is the BDO bank code for the Philippines?

BDO’s SWIFT code is BNORPHMM, used for international wire transfers. Their BRSTN is 010530667, used for domestic routing. If you’re paying a Filipino remote worker who banks with BDO, the code you need depends on your payment method.

What is a bank payment code?

A bank payment code is a number or alphanumeric identifier that tells a payment system how to route money to the correct bank or account. For Philippine banks, this typically refers to either a SWIFT code for international transfers or a BRSTN for domestic routing.