Western Union introduces $50 for $5 – a gift-giving solution for the Philippines

SAN FRANCISCO, California—Filipinos are known for their celebratory spirit and their spirit of gift giving. With over four million Filipinos in the US, Western Union launched the convenient $50 for $5 product that facilitates long-distance gift giving.

Shirleen Velasquez, director of US Money Transfer Product, said that what brought about this promo is that Western Union listened to its customers who said that they have many occasions to celebrate with folks in the Philippines. With the state of the economy, there is just so much to go around. The $50 for $5 allows senders to appropriate their gift dollars to many more recipients.

The main reason customers send money to loved ones back home is to provide for a better life but there are many occasions, too, that senders want to send cash-gifts during special occasions and family milestones.

Velasquez said that Filipinos have strong family ties that even when far away, they want to celebrate special moments with them. The perfect and convenient gift seems to be cash.

As part of the Western Union’s Moving Money for Better global program, the new transfer fees help facilitate gifting solutions for consumers who send money more often and to more loved ones, no matter the occasion or how small the amount to the Philippines.

Accordingly, Western Union’s Moving Money for Better branding concepts focus on products and services as solutions to create “moments of better.” While sustaining the company’s 160-year history of innovation and helping people improve lives, the new branding elements depict visual timelines that invite consumers to be part of the worldwide campaign.

The $50 for $5 fee is available at over 44,000 Agent locations in the U.S. and funds at can be picked up at 8,700 agent locations, including banks, in the Philippines. Although Western Union do not make home deliveries, agent locations are conveniently located nationwide.

Velasquez said that the response has been positive and that there has been a surge of usage of the $50 for $5 promo, “this product is one way of thanking our customers and showing them that we listened to them and want to give them quality service and hoping that with $50 for $5 we are enabling them to be part of special occasions and send the gift of cash to their loved ones.”