Apple Pay is now available in the Philippines, with Visa and Mastercard announcing support for eligible cardholders, while GoTyme Bank confirmed that its debit card customers can also use the digital payment service on Apple devices.
The announcements came on Tuesday, August 4, following reports from users who earlier shared successful Apple Pay transactions, including payments at the MRT-3 and retail establishments.
READ: Apple Pay PH: Filipinos share iPhone, Apple Watch payments; here are supported banks
Visa and Mastercard said their eligible debit and credit cardholders in the Philippines can now add their cards to Apple Pay on iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac devices.
GoTyme Bank also announced that its debit card customers can now use Apple Pay for in-store, in-app, and online purchases.
With Apple Pay, users can make contactless payments by double-clicking the side button on their iPhone or Apple Watch, authenticating through Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, and holding the device near a payment terminal.
Apple said the service is designed with security and privacy features, with actual card numbers not stored on the device or Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and stored in the device’s Secure Element.
To set up Apple Pay, users can open the Wallet app on their iPhone, tap the “+” button, and follow the steps to add an eligible Visa, Mastercard, or GoTyme Bank card.
The service can be used at establishments that accept contactless payments, including grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores. Users can also make faster payments through apps and websites using supported Apple devices.
“We’re excited to continue connecting people to the payment choices they want and the peace of mind they need every time they pay,” Mastercard Philippines Country Manager Jason Crasto said.
Visa Philippines Country Manager Jeffrey Navarro said Apple Pay supports the country’s shift toward a cash-lite economy by providing Filipinos and tourists with a secure way to pay across shops, restaurants, travel destinations, and public transport.
“At GoTyme Bank, we’re constantly looking for ways to make banking more seamless for our customers,” GoTyme Bank CEO Nate Clarke said, adding that Apple Pay gives users an easier and secure way to pay wherever they shop.
The launch follows growing interest among Filipino Apple users after several people shared online their experiences using Apple Pay before the official announcements, including adding cards from banks such as GoTyme, UnionBank, Metrobank and Chinabank.
