Google Pay goes live in PH, bringing tap-to-pay to Android users

• Photo from Google Pay

By TechWatch PH Staff

Google Pay is now officially available in the Philippines, allowing millions of Android users to tap their phones at contactless terminals and pay instantly — a shift that brings the country closer to a fully digital, cash-lite ecosystem.

The service launched today together with Google Wallet, enabling Filipinos to store their credit cards or debit cards directly on their smartphones.

According to reports, the rollout was made possible through a partnership between Google, major payment networks, and key players in the local fintech sector, marking one of the most significant upgrades to the country’s mobile payments landscape.

Reports also confirmed that NFC-capable Android devices can now be used to make tap-to-pay purchases in physical stores and process payments through supported online and in-app checkouts.

This gives users the same payment experience long enjoyed in markets where mobile wallets are already fully integrated into retail environments.

The initial rollout includes a select group of participating issuers. Based on the latest list, the first wave covers China Bank for its Visa and Mastercard lines, EastWest Bank for its Visa and Mastercard credit cards, GCash for Mastercard debit, GoTyme Bank for Visa debit, Maya Bank for Visa credit, RCBC for Visa and Mastercard credit cards, UnionBank for Visa, Wise for Visa prepaid, and Zed Financial PH for Mastercard credit.