More Filipinos are turning to digital investing, and GCash’s GFunds (formerly “GInvest”) is one of the most accessible ways to get started. If you’re thinking of investing through GFunds but want to understand what’s really available and how it works, this guide breaks it all down.
What is GFunds?
GFunds is a feature inside the GCash app that lets users buy, manage, and sell investment funds from partner fund providers. It is available for fully verified GCash users who are at least 18 years old.
To start, you’ll need to answer a Risk Profile Questionnaire (RPQ) so GCash can match you with funds that suit your risk level.
Types of Funds Available and Minimum Investments
Here are the fund options currently on GFunds, with their risk levels and minimum investments:
| Fund / Provider | Type / Focus | Risk Level | Minimum Initial Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATRAM Peso Money Market Fund | Peso-denominated, low volatility | Conservative | ₱50 |
| ATRAM Total Return Peso Bond Fund | Fixed-income (gov’t + corporate bonds) | Moderate | ₱50 |
| ATRAM Philippine Equity Smart Index Fund | Local equities via index | Aggressive | ₱50 |
| ATRAM Philippine Sustainable Development and Growth Fund | Local equities with ESG/growth focus | Aggressive | ₱50 |
| ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund (BPI) | Global assets with diversification | Aggressive | ₱1,000 |
| ATRAM Global Technology Feeder Fund | Global tech stocks | Aggressive | ₱1,000 |
| ATRAM Global Consumer Trends Feeder Fund | Global consumer sector | Aggressive | ₱1,000 |
| ATRAM Global Equity Opportunity Fund | Broad global equities | Aggressive | ₱1,000 |
| ATRAM Global Health Care Fund | Global healthcare/biotech | Moderately Aggressive | ₱1,000 |
| ATRAM Global Infra Equity Fund | Global infrastructure equities | Moderately Aggressive | ₱1,000 |
| Manulife Global Preferred Income Feeder Fund | Income + dividends | Aggressive | ₱1,000 |
| Manulife Global REIT Feeder Fund | Global real estate investment trusts | Aggressive | ₱1,000 |
| Manulife APAC REIT Fund of Funds | Asia-Pacific REITs | Moderate-Aggressive | ₱1,000 |
| Manulife Asia Dynamic Bond Feeder Fund | Bonds across Asia | Moderate-Aggressive | ₱1,000 |
How Buying and Selling Works
- Buy orders are not instant. The Net Asset Value Per Unit (NAVPU) is updated daily, not real time.
- Processing times vary per fund. Local peso funds like ATRAM Money Market typically take 3 business days, while global feeder funds may take up to 5 business days.
- Sell orders (withdrawals) are credited to your GCash wallet after a few business days once processed.
Fees, Risks, and Other Notes
- These are investment products, so they are not insured by PDIC. Market risks apply, and you can lose value.
- Some funds have minimum maintaining balances. Selling all units may be rejected if your remaining balance falls below the required minimum.
- Buy and sell orders cannot be cancelled once submitted. Refunds for failed orders are returned to your GCash wallet within 2–3 business days.
Who Is GFunds Best For?
GFunds is ideal if you:
- Want to start investing with a low entry cost (as low as ₱50)
- Prefer easy access to both local and global funds
- Like managing everything through your smartphone
But it may not be for you if you:
- Need instant liquidity (due to processing delays)
- Want guaranteed returns (better to stick with savings or time deposits)
How to Start with GFunds
- Fully verify your GCash account.
- Open GInvest inside the GCash app and go to GFunds.
- Complete the Risk Profile Questionnaire.
- Select the fund that fits your risk appetite.
- Place your Buy order and hold for the medium to long term.
Blogger’s Corner
GFunds makes investing easier for Filipinos. You don’t need a big starting amount, and you get access to both local and international markets. But just like any investment, it comes with risks.
If you want to grow your money steadily, GFunds can be a good starting point. Just remember: start small, diversify, and invest only what you can afford to leave for the long term.