Google Pay Finally Arrives in the Philippines

Filipinos now have another secure way to pay without pulling out a wallet. Google Pay has officially launched in the Philippines, giving Android users the chance to make fast contactless payments using their smartphones. Nine financial partners are supported at launch, with more expected soon.

The first banks and providers supporting Google Pay include China Bank, EastWest, GCash, GoTyme, Maya, RCBC, UnionBank, Wise, and Zed Financial. This already covers a big number of cardholders and e-wallet users in the country.

To start using Google Pay, users only need an NFC capable Android phone and the Google Wallet app. Debit cards, credit cards, and even select e-money accounts can be added. Once set up, payments can be made in stores that support contactless terminals, as well as in apps and websites.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas classified Google Pay and Apple Pay as technology service providers, which means they must register as payment system operators. This ensures that the service meets local standards for security and operations.

As a user who enjoys mobile wallets abroad, this is a major upgrade for everyday transactions in the Philippines. Physical cards get lost, stolen, and even skimmed. With Google Pay, every transaction requires identity verification like biometrics. If a phone ever gets misplaced, Google's Find Hub makes locking it or removing payment access simple and instant.

I have been waiting years to tap my phone to pay, just like in the US. I hope more companies adopt Google Pay soon. One dream upgrade is to let commuters use it with the beep card system for MRT and LRT. Tap to ride would be even smoother if the phone worked exactly like a beep card with no third party delays. GCash's NFC Tap often does not work. It would make daily travel quicker and stress free.

What sets Google Pay apart? While services like GCash and Maya have popularized digital payments, QRPh scanning can be slow and offers limited security. Plus, we can’t add multiple payment methods in GCash or Maya, and topping up can be costly and inconvenient. Meanwhile, if you have Maya or GCash cards, they can be added into your Google Wallet. 

People are excited about Google Pay because it adds another way to pay. Some might not see the point yet; perhaps because they haven’t encountered a use case for it. Let’s keep an open mind and not dismiss something simply because it’s new or unfamiliar, or because GCash or Maya already exists. 

Now that Google Pay is here, we are finally catching up to the modern, secure, tap and go experience the rest of the world has enjoyed for years. The more businesses that join in, the better life gets for everyone.