Apple Pay is now in the Philippines: Here’s what you need to know

If you’re an iPhone user, you can now leave your wallet in your pocket for many everyday purchases.

Apple has officially launched Apple Pay in the Philippines, allowing eligible iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac users to pay securely using their devices instead of a physical credit or debit card.

Apple Pay is on: Contactless payment service rolls out in PH

How to get started

Setting up Apple Pay is simple:

1. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the ”+” button.
3. Add an eligible credit or debit card from a participating bank.
4. Complete your bank’s verification process.
5. Once approved, you’re ready to pay.

Where can you use it?

Because Apple Pay has just launched in the Philippines, don’t expect to see Apple Pay signs at every checkout counter yet.

Instead, look for stores with contactless (tap-to-pay) payment terminals. If the merchant accepts contactless Visa or Mastercard payments and your card is supported by Apple Pay, simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the payment terminal and authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

Apple Pay expands in PH as Visa, Mastercard announce support

Apple Pay can also be used in supported apps and websites during checkout.

Which banks are supported?

At launch, Apple Pay supports eligible cards issued by:

* UnionBank
* Metrobank
* Chinabank
* GoTyme Bank

Apple said more banks are expected to be added over time.

UnionBank launches Apple Pay for cardholders in PH

A few things to remember

Apple Pay is different from QR-based payment services such as QR Ph, GCash QR, and Maya QR. It uses NFC technology, so it works only with compatible contactless payment terminals.

If your bank has not yet joined Apple Pay, you’ll need to wait until support becomes available. Likewise, if a store doesn’t have a contactless payment terminal, Apple Pay won’t work there yet.

For iPhone users, however, the arrival of Apple Pay marks another step toward faster, more secure, and more convenient cashless payments in the Philippines.