Starting February 13, BPI users might notice a bump in transaction costs when transferring funds to GCash and Maya.
The new fee of P25 is a big change from the previous P10, leaving many users looking for ways to avoid it.
But don’t worry. There are still ways to send money from BPI to GCash and Maya without paying that extra charge.
Whether you make transfers often or only occasionally, we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve to help you avoid unnecessary charges.
What’s Going on with BPI Transfers to GCash and Maya?
BPI has made some changes that could affect how you load your GCash and Maya wallets.
Previously, you could use the “Load E-Wallet” feature in the BPI app, which allowed you to fund your digital wallets with just a small P10 fee.
But now, this option is no longer available.
Instead, users will need to use the “Transfer to Other Banks” feature, selecting either “G-Xchange” for GCash or “Maya Philippines Inc/Maya Wallet” for Maya.
Unfortunately, this means that the cost has gone up.
The new fee is P25 per transfer, which is a sharp increase.
This change was made to align with new regulations set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), part of the National Retail Payment System Framework.
While the fee increase may be understandable from a regulatory standpoint, it’s not exactly great news for those who regularly top up their wallets.
Fortunately, there are ways around it.
How to Transfer from BPI to GCash and Maya for Free
Here’s the good news: There are still ways to transfer funds from BPI to GCash and Maya without paying that extra P25 fee.
Here are a few simple methods you can try.
1. Link Your BPI Account Directly to GCash or Maya
One of the easiest ways to avoid the new P25 fee is by linking your BPI account directly to your GCash or Maya app.
It’s a straightforward process that only takes a few minutes.
Here’s how it works:
- Open the GCash or Maya app.
- Go to the “Bank Accounts” or “Link Accounts” section.
- Enter your BPI account details to link your account.
- Once linked, you can transfer funds directly from BPI to GCash or Maya at a much lower fee of P5.
This option is the most affordable, saving you P20 per transfer.
Over time, those small savings really add up, especially if you transfer funds frequently.
2. Use BPI’s e-Wallet App: VYBE
If you want to avoid fees altogether, consider using BPI’s VYBE app.
The VYBE app allows you to transfer money to GCash and Maya without any charges at all.
Here’s how to use VYBE:
- Download the VYBE app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Sign up and link your BPI account to VYBE.
- After linking, you can transfer money to GCash or Maya without any fees.
This method takes a bit more time to set up, but it’s perfect for those who want to skip transaction costs altogether.
How Will This Fee Affect You?
For those who regularly use digital wallets, even small transaction fees can become a major concern.
Let’s do the math:
- If you transfer funds 10 times a month, you’re looking at an extra P200 in fees.
- Over the course of a year, that adds up to P2,400—money that could be used elsewhere.
By using the alternatives we discussed, you can keep that money in your pocket instead of handing it over to BPI in fees.
Every time you avoid a fee, you’re saving money for something more meaningful.
Looking Beyond the Fees: Streamlining Your Digital Payments
As digital wallets like GCash and Maya become more popular, it’s clear that many of us rely on them to manage day-to-day finances.
Whether it’s paying bills, transferring money, or shopping online, digital wallets have become an integral part of our financial systems.
With BPI’s new rules, there’s a valuable lesson to be learned: taking a little extra time to understand your payment options can help you avoid unnecessary costs.
Using BPI’s alternatives—linking your account directly to GCash or Maya, or using the VYBE app—allows you to make payments without paying excessive fees.
Even though this change might have disrupted your routine, it’s an opportunity to explore other strategies for saving money.
You don’t have to let the P25 fee take a bite out of your budget.
Instead, use these tips to keep your digital wallet funded without the added cost.
Additional Tips to Avoid Fees in the Future
Here are a few more suggestions to minimize your transaction fees moving forward:
- Look for promotions: Sometimes, banks and e-wallets run special offers with reduced or no fees for certain transfers.
Be sure to check for deals regularly. - Make larger, less frequent transfers: If you frequently top up your wallets, consider transferring larger amounts fewer times a month.
This can help you avoid multiple smaller fees. - Explore other banks: If you’re not set on using BPI, look into other banks or financial institutions that may offer lower fees for similar services.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I still use the “Load E-Wallet” option after February 13?
No, the “Load E-Wallet” option is no longer available. You’ll need to use the “Transfer to Other Banks” feature instead.
- Is there a cost to link my BPI account to GCash or Maya?
No, linking your BPI account is free. The transaction fee is just P5 per transfer.
- How do I download the VYBE app?
You can download the VYBE app for free from the App Store or Google Play Store. - Will fees continue to rise in the future?
While it’s hard to predict, it’s always best to keep an eye on BPI’s announcements for any changes to fees or services.
Conclusion
BPI’s decision to increase transfer fees to GCash and Maya may have been frustrating for many, but it also provides an opportunity to rethink how we manage our digital finances.
By using the strategies outlined here, you can avoid the new P25 fee and continue transferring money without the added cost.
Whether you link your BPI account directly to GCash or Maya or use the VYBE app, these options can save you money in the long run.
So, the next time you need to load your digital wallet, you’ll know exactly how to do it without breaking the bank.