Google Pay is now officially available in the Philippines, enabling users to make fast, contactless payments with NFC-enabled Android smartphones. Customers can link debit cards, credit cards, or e-money accounts to Google Wallet and pay in stores, online, and in apps.
Google Pay is supported by nine partner institutions: China Banking Corp., EastWest Bank, GCash, GoTyme Bank, Maya Bank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), UnionBank, Wise Philippines, and Zed Financial. TG Ramakrishnan, Google Pay Asia-Pacific strategic partnerships lead, said the platform aims to make payments “simple, easy, and convenient” for all types of users.
Secure Payments Through Visa
Visa hosted the launch, providing tokenization technology for safer transactions. Globally, Visa has issued over 10 billion tokens, supporting 1.5 million+ e-commerce merchants daily.
Visa Philippines country manager Jeffrey Navarro highlighted that Google Pay will simplify payments for locals and tourists, support merchants, and promote a cash-lite economy. More Visa-partner banks are expected to join the service in 2025, expanding its reach further.
BSP and the Digital Payments Push
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) classifies Google Pay and Apple Pay as technology service providers that must register as operators of payment systems (OPS). BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan said the service could encourage non-users and light users to embrace digital payments.
“This adds a convenient and secure option, and the BSP supports all efficient and safe ways of making digital payments,” Tangonan said.
Digital payments in the Philippines are growing fast: in 2024, digital retail transactions accounted for 57.4% of total volume, surpassing national targets. Monthly digital payment value reached $136 billion, or 59% of overall retail activity, signaling strong momentum toward a cash-lite economy.
