As millions of Filipinos prepare for the annual surge in holiday remittances, UnionDigital Bank (UD) is removing one of the biggest pain points of the “padala” season: transaction fees.
The digital bank has launched unlimited and free InstaPay transfers for all registered users, a move positioned to help Filipinos stretch their budgets and send more of their hard-earned money to loved ones during the country’s busiest remittance period.
UnionDigital Bank: Helping Filipinos maximize every peso
In the Philippines, Christmas is synonymous with giving — whether it’s OFWs sending holiday budgets home, parents allocating year-end expenses, or ninongs and ninangs preparing their pamasko for dozens of godchildren.
But these multiple money transfers often come with accumulated fees that quietly chip away at the amount families actually receive.
Danilo “Bong” Mojica II, President and CEO of UnionDigital Bank, said the bank’s holiday offer aims to ease that burden.
“As padala season peaks during the holidays, multiple money transfers and expenses can lead to overlooked transaction fees, chipping away at the hard-earned money Filipinos send to their families,” Mojica said. “With our unlimited and free InstaPay transfers, UD hopes to empower Filipinos to give generously, ensuring every peso goes directly to their loved ones with no deductions.”
The free InstaPay feature is available directly through the UD mobile app. Transfers are processed instantly, allowing users to send funds to any participating bank or e-wallet without worrying about costs or delays.
Supporting BSP’s push for a cashless, connected economy
UnionDigital’s offer aligns with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)‘s ongoing push for wider financial inclusion and accelerated adoption of cashless services. InstaPay, one of the country’s automated clearing houses, plays a critical role in enabling real-time, low-value transfers across banks and digital wallets.
By waiving fees at a time when Filipinos are most active in sending money, UD is positioning its initiative not only as a seasonal convenience, but also as a contribution to strengthening digital payment habits.
“UD champions financial inclusion by making payments and transfers simple, mobile-first, and free,” Mojica added. “This reflects our Kaya Mo brand promise — to empower Filipinos with accessible and affordable digital financial services, helping them take control of their finances and believe that kaya nilang umasenso in a more inclusive and cashless Philippines.”
UnionDigital, the digital banking arm of UnionBank, has been one of the more aggressive players in pushing mobile-first services, leveraging the Group’s existing strengths in digital banking and ecosystem partnerships.
InstaPay raffle adds holiday cheer
To encourage more users to adopt digital payments this season, UnionDigital is also launching a holiday raffle. Account holders who send InstaPay transfers of at least ₱100 per transaction can earn electronic raffle entries for a chance to win an iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The mechanics reward frequent users:
- 15 transactions = 15 entries
- 20 transactions = 40 entries
- 25 transactions = 70 entries
Participants simply need an active, verified UD account and must accomplish an informed consent form provided through UnionDigital’s official Facebook page.
The promo runs from November 26 to December 31, 2025, coinciding with the period when remittance activity across banks, fintech apps, and e-wallets typically hits its peak.
A digital-first Christmas for Filipinos
As rising prices, high spending, and heavy traffic shape this year’s holiday season, fintech solutions have become even more essential in helping Filipinos manage budgets, avoid queues, and send money instantly.
UnionDigital’s free and unlimited InstaPay transfers aim to remove one more friction point, allowing Filipinos to focus on what matters most — sharing the season with family.
With remittances expected to spike across December, UD is positioning itself as a platform that supports generosity without added financial strain.
For Filipinos looking to simplify their holiday preparations, the bank encourages users to download the UD app, open an account, and experience fee-free transfers throughout the season.
