AdSense Checks: USD$ or Local Currency?

Several months ago, Google added a new option for AdSense disbursements to allow you to get your checks in local currency (i.e. Philippine Peso). It was a favorable move as local AdSense publishers need not open their own dollar savings account in order to have their checks cleared and encashed.

Banco de Oro has probably the lowest required initial/maintaining amount for a dollar account, $100PHP 5,869INR 8,475EUR 95CNY 728. Other banks like BPI or Metrobank requires at least $500PHP 29,343INR 42,375EUR 476CNY 3,639.

It’s more convenient to get your check in Philippine peso but from initial feedback from other AdSense publishers, Google’s convertion rate is pretty low. Even lower than bank exchange rates by about 2.5%. So, if you can afford to get a dollar account, by all means do so.

On a side note, I used to get the checks via registered mail and I have to go to the Makati Post Office to claim it but recently, they’re delivered straight to my address. And the postal comes from Sweden. Maybe Google found a cheap postal delivery service there.

Abe Olandres

Abe is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of YugaTech with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is one of the pioneers of blogging in the country and considered by many as the Father of Tech Blogging in the Philippines. He is also a technology consultant, a tech columnist with several national publications, resource speaker and mentor/advisor to several start-up companies.

https://www.yugatech.com

11 Comments

Migs says:

19 years ago

Before my second check, I swear I set it to pesos. I still got it to dollars. Which is good, since I wanted to earn in USD anyway. I thought getting it in pesos means it would be from a local bank, such as Citibank Philippines.
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Abe Olandres says:

19 years ago

They’ll just have it in pesos in your cheque but you will still get it from Sweden.
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markku says:

19 years ago

My second check was in peso and the crooks at the Pasig post office took it. Peso checks are easier to fund and encash, and therefore are more attractive to check thieves. At least that’s what I think. ;)

Asiatrust Bank also allows dollar checks with a minimum maintaining balance of 100 dollars.
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Abe Olandres says:

19 years ago

That’s one other reason why I still wanted mine in dollars ($). Mabilis mga kamay ng mga tao sa postal office pag nakakita ng letter “P” eh!
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ederic says:

19 years ago

Real Bank, a thrift bank, also requires only $100 to open and maintain a doolar account. I already have one, but I still ahve to receive my first check. :p
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mypinoybigbrother says:

19 years ago

I also have the same dilemma as to whether get it in Peso or Dollar. My main concern is kung gano kabilis ang clearing. I read from some posts that Peso checks are cleared in a matter of days(3 days daw). Does anyone know if this is true?
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markku says:

19 years ago

Peso checks are indeed cleared in three days, that’s how long it takes in my bank (BDO). The problem with peso checks is security, knowing our notorious postal service. I had a check stolen once, and then encashed from a Landbank branch in Pangasinan. They really know how to do this, to deter you from making significant inquiries or complaints.

I suggest you use secure delivery, but that will cost you 24 dollars per delivery. You will get the check in a matter of days, and you have the money in your hands promptly.
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russellsat says:

19 years ago

mine is in peso but via secure delivery. it will be delivered by dhl. it takes 2 to 3 days after “payment link”

my friend who is earning a couple hundreds of dollars deserves it in ordinary mail. so far all checks were delivered.
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SlackeR says:

18 years ago

Have not rcvd my 1st check yet but just want to ask how much are their conversions nowadays? because if its lower than Php48 = $1 then i’de rather have it in dollars
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