Google Pay has officially launched in the Philippines, introducing another major global digital wallet with tap-to-pay support into the local market.
Several banks and fintech firms will support Google Pay, connecting through the Visa and Mastercard payment networks. BDO and BPI will soon follow as they continue technical integration.
Google Pay allows users to store debit and credit cards inside Google Wallet on Android phones and wearables. Payments can be made by tapping devices at NFC-enabled terminals, similar to contactless card transactions.
The service also supports in-app purchases and online checkout, removing the need to manually enter card details.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) earlier ruled that Google Pay and Apple Pay do not need to register as payment service providers. The central bank said that these platforms function only as technology service providers, meaning they only enable transactions but do not directly handle or store funds.
The arrival of Google Pay is expected to boost the country’s digital payments ecosystem, which has grown rapidly with the adoption of QR Ph and the rise of e-wallets during the pandemic.
Also Read: PH banks prepare for Apple Pay and Google Pay integration
Apple Pay is also expected to enter the market soon, setting the stage for stronger competition with local players.
Supported PH Banks:
- Chinabank – Mastercard credit cards, Visa credit and debit cards
- EastWest Bank – Mastercard credit cards, Visa credit cards
- GCash – Mastercard debit cards
- GoTyme Bank– Visa debit cards
- Maya Bank – Visa credit cards
- RCBC – Mastercard credit cards, Visa credit cards
- UnionBank – Visa cards
- Wise Pilipinas– Visa prepaid cards
- Zed Financial PH – Mastercard credit cards
Go here for the updated list of supported PH banks.
