Google has officially launched Google Wallet and Google Pay in the Philippines, allowing users to store payment cards, boarding passes, tickets, and more on their Android devices. The service supports contactless payments wherever VISA and Mastercard are accepted.
“Payment cards from Google Wallet can be used to pay online or in-app at merchants such as Shopee, wherever you see the Google Pay button,” the company said.
Google Wallet acts as a digital container for cards, loyalty passes, and credentials, while transactions are processed via Google Pay. Travelers can also add boarding passes from Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, and other carriers, with real-time updates on gate changes and flight status.
Other features include storing concert tickets, cinema tickets, digital vouchers, loyalty cards, and even digital car keys. Participating banks include ChinaBank, East West Bank, RCBC, Zed, GoTyme, Maya, UnionBank, Wise, and GCash. Google Wallet is compatible with Android smartphones equipped with NFC chips.
“This launch underscores our enduring commitment to accelerating financial inclusion and fueling the next chapter of the Philippines’ dynamic digital economy,” said Prep Palacios, Country Manager, Google Philippines.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda welcomed the launch, noting its timing ahead of the ASEAN Summit and the push for wider adoption of tap-to-pay services in public transit systems like MRT-3.
Apple Pay may follow, with a potential launch early next year, according to Fintech Alliance Founding Chairman Lito Villanueva, who emphasized the security of tap-to-pay via tokenization technology.
“It can contribute a lot towards advancing digital payments experience and hopefully convert more non-users or light users to using digital,” said BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan.
