Google Wallet and Google Pay go live in PH with broad bank and merchant support

Google has officially rolled out Google Wallet and Google Pay in the Philippines, marking a significant step in the country’s push towards a more digitally connected payments ecosystem.

The launch, announced on 18 November, brings Google’s payment services to Android and Wear OS users across seven partner issuers: Chinabank, EastWest Bank, GoTyme Bank, Maya Bank, RCBC, UnionBank and Wise. Cardholders of these institutions can now add their payment cards to Google Wallet and use tap-to-pay features wherever contactless payments are accepted.

Visa and Mastercard cardholders from ChinaBank, EastWest Bank, RCBC and Zed can now add their cards to Google Wallet. Visa cardholders from GoTyme, Maya, UnionBank and Wise are also supported, while Mastercard cardholders from GCash and Zed may link their cards to the service.

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Online and in-app transactions are supported through Google Pay, allowing shoppers to check out wherever the Google Pay button is available. Current partners include Shopee and merchants enabled through PesoPay and Payermax, with Sephora and additional payment service providers - 2c2p, Paymongo, Payrex and Maya - set to follow.

The rollout extends beyond payments. Boarding passes from Philippine Airlines and other major regional carriers can be stored in Google Wallet, which will send notifications on departure or gate changes. Eligible airlines include AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, Jetstar, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Scoot and Thai Airways, as well as bookings from Trip.com.

Tap-and-pay support has also been enabled for MRT-3 in Manila and modern jeepneys in Cebu and Mandaue City. Bus bookings through Easybook are supported, with Beep App ticketing for Manila’s buses and trains planned for future integration.

Google Wallet can additionally store event tickets, cinema tickets, loyalty cards, digital vouchers and digital car keys for compatible vehicles. The app is now available on the Google Play Store, where users can also manage settings and data controls.

GCash has begun integrating with Google Pay, enabling users to link their e-wallets directly without manual card entry. The feature is currently available to select users and will expand over time. Linking requires users to update both the GCash and Google Wallet apps, authenticate via biometrics, and sign in through the Google Pay prompt.

Visa’s research shows that 97% of Asia-Pacific travellers intend to carry cards on trips, compared with just 17% planning to bring foreign currency. In the Philippines, nearly half (44%) of tourists reported encountering payment difficulties, often due to merchant non-acceptance.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently reported that digital retail payments have reached 57.4% of total transaction volume - surpassing the 2024 target under the Philippine Development Plan and progressing towards the 70% target by 2028.

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