For years, CIMB Bank has been one of the most popular digital banks in the Philippines—mainly because of its high interest rates and free InstaPay transfers. But as of September 5, 2025, the bank has quietly updated its policy, and many users were surprised to find their free transfers reduced.
So, what exactly changed?
What Changed in CIMB’s Free InstaPay Transfers
Before, CIMB users enjoyed up to 5 free InstaPay transactions per day. But as of September 5, 2025, that number has been cut down to just 2 free InstaPay transfers per day.
After your second free transfer, CIMB will now charge a ₱15 fee per InstaPay transaction, similar to what most digital banks already do.
This move caught many off guard, especially since CIMB’s free transfers were one of its strongest advantages compared to other banks.
How This Change Affects Users
For casual users, two free InstaPay transfers a day might still be enough. But for those who frequently move funds between banks or e-wallets—say, transferring from CIMB to GCash or Maya—this can easily mean extra costs piling up every week.
It’s especially frustrating for freelancers, small business owners, or anyone who manages multiple accounts.
Why Did CIMB Do This?
CIMB hasn’t made a formal public announcement explaining the change, but the update was reflected in their app and FAQs.
Industry watchers believe it’s part of a broader move among digital banks to control operational costs related to InstaPay fees, which are charged per transaction by the system operator (BSP and PESONet networks).
Simply put, CIMB is probably adjusting its business model to stay sustainable long-term—especially as the digital banking landscape becomes more competitive.
Tips to Avoid Extra Fees
If you’re trying to avoid InstaPay fees after your two free transfers, here are a few practical tips:
- Plan your transfers – Combine small transfers into one larger transaction.
- Use PESONet when possible – It’s free, though it’s not instant.
- Schedule fund transfers during the same day to make full use of your two free ones.
- Keep an emergency fund in another free-transfer bank like Maya or SeaBank, so you have flexibility.
Blogger’s Corner
This update got me thinking: free transfers are slowly becoming rare in the fintech world.
For instance, Maribank (Shopee’s digital bank) still offers unlimited free InstaPay transfers, which makes it a solid alternative for frequent movers of funds. Meanwhile, Maya Bank charges ₱15 per InstaPay transaction, which adds up quickly if you use it for daily payments.
So, in a way, CIMB’s move puts it somewhere in the middle—still better than Maya, but not as generous as Maribank.
That said, CIMB remains a great choice for savings with its competitive interest rates. Just don’t rely on it anymore for unlimited fund transfers.
Final Thoughts
The digital banking scene in the Philippines is changing fast. What used to be free perks are now being tightened as banks adjust to transaction costs and market realities.
If you’re using multiple digital banks, always check their latest app announcements or terms and conditions—these small updates can have a big impact on your daily money habits.