Physical counters are losing ground in Asia Pacific’s remittance market, as more people turn to app-based transfers that offer speed, security and convenience, according to Visa’s 2025 Money Travels report.
The study surveyed 44,000 senders and receivers across 20 countries and territories, tracking trends in a global remittance market valued at about US$905 billion.
Asia Pacific was identified as a key region where digital channels have become the most preferred choice for money transfers.
India, the Philippines and Singapore recorded the highest adoption rates for digital remittances, at 74%/76%, 74%/66% and 70%/75% respectively.
Japan saw a 10% increase from the previous year, reaching 58%/56%.
Respondents in the Philippines (73%/73%), Australia (58%/55%), Singapore (67%/66%) and India (55%/53%) viewed digital transfers as the fastest way to access funds.
Most reported no issues, with the most positive experiences in Australia, Japan, Singapore and Mainland China, which showed notable year-on-year improvements.
Reasons for sending and receiving remittances varied. In Mainland China (45%/36%), Singapore (38%/33%) and Japan (27%/23%), many transactions went to accounts or investments.
Humanitarian needs were most frequently cited in Mainland China (45%/33%), India (40%), Singapore (27%) and Australia (25%).
Transfers for unexpected needs were highest in India (44%), the Philippines (41%) and Australia (31%).
Regular transfers were most common in the Philippines (39%), Mainland China (34%) and India (30%).
Security and ease of use ranked as the top benefits of digital remittances, with India (50%/53%), Australia (49%/45%) and Singapore (44%/42%) giving the highest ratings for security, and Singapore (51%/51%), the Philippines (48%/54%), Japan (47%/42%) and Australia (42%/40%) for ease of use.
High fees remained the main drawback for both digital and physical transfers.
For digital, the Philippines (43%/30%), India (36%/33%) and Singapore (32%/32%) recorded the highest concerns.
For physical, the Philippines (45%/29%), India (41%/37%), Singapore (38%/30%) and Australia (29%/30%) topped the list.
Physical remittances were also seen as inconvenient, with travel distances posing challenges in India (36%) and Mainland China (27%).
In Australia and Singapore, 29% of respondents described the process as time-consuming.
Security confidence for physical transfers was low across most countries at 3–6%, except in Mainland China where it reached 10–12%.
Visa works with partners including MOIN, WireBarley, Money Chain World Remittance and EzRemit to support more efficient, reliable and secure money movement.
The report highlighted the role of remittances in sustaining households, supporting small businesses and contributing to economic growth across Asia Pacific.
“Remittances have long driven growth across Asia Pacific, uplifting many economies in the region. The clear shift to app-based remittances reflects the region’s demographics, the growing prominence of digital payment modes, as well as user preferences for easy, safe and quick ways to send and receive money.
This shift is an important one for banks, remitters and fintechs to note as it will shape how they engage and serve evolving consumer expectations.”
said Chavi Jafa, Senior Vice President, Head of Commercial and Money Movement Solutions, Asia Pacific, Visa.
“Remittances have long been a lifeline across Asia Pacific, and they will continue to play a vital role in uplifting communities and livelihoods. At the same time, many small businesses are also beneficiary of remittances driving local growth in local economies.
At Visa, we recognise the enduring purpose of our role in delivering remittances on behalf of our clients and continue to innovate and build solutions to enable more efficient, reliable and secure ways to move money.”
said Rhidoi Krishnakumar, Vice President, Head of Visa Direct, Asia Pacific, Visa.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by thanyakij-12 via Freepik
