Pouch
Buy, save, and spend Bitcoin with Lightning-fast payments and global remittances for Filipinos.
Why We Recommend Pouch
Pouch Philippines, Inc. is licensed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as an Operator of Payment Systems, providing regulatory oversight for its operations. The parent company is registered in the United States as a money services business with FinCEN, adding an additional layer of regulatory compliance.
For business accounts, Pouch partners with Netbank to offer PDIC-insured PHP deposit accounts, meaning business funds held in these accounts receive government deposit insurance protection. The platform emphasizes a non-custodial philosophy for long-term Bitcoin savings, explicitly encouraging users to withdraw their Bitcoin to personal self-custody wallets rather than storing it on the platform.
Best For
Filipinos looking to buy Bitcoin at competitive PHP-BTC exchange rates and withdraw to self-custody wallets will find Pouch offers significantly lower fees than traditional Philippine exchanges and e-wallets. The platform claims withdrawal fees up to 90% lower than other local platforms.
Overseas Filipino workers and their families benefit from the Send Globally feature, which enables transfers between Philippine and US bank accounts via ACH in 0-3 days rather than weeks, using Lightning Network rails for speed and cost efficiency. Recipients can cash out at over 10,000 outlets including 7-Eleven and MLhuillier.
Small merchants and businesses in the Philippines can accept Bitcoin payments via Lightning Network while receiving instant PHP settlements, with Pouch absorbing the exchange rate risk. Over 400 businesses across tourist destinations like Boracay, Cebu, and Manila already use Pouch for payment acceptance. The Batch Pay feature enables efficient payroll and supplier payments.
Services & Features
- Buy BTC with PHP at competitive rates
- Lightning Network payments
- Send Globally (PHP to US banks)
- Merchant Lightning acceptance
- PDIC-insured business accounts
- QR Ph and InstaPay integration
- Cash in/out at 10,000+ outlets
- Batch Pay for payroll
Considerations
Pouch is a custodial service requiring full KYC verification with government-issued ID before withdrawals, even for small amounts. Services are primarily designed for Philippine residents, with limited functionality outside the Philippines.
