With Apple Pay's recent launch in the Philippines, user excitement signals a shift towards digital payments, as more banks prepare to join by year-end.
Apple Pay’s debut in the Philippines has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among users, who are quick to embrace this new payment option. Social media is flooded with clips showing delighted customers tapping their iPhones and Apple Watches at various payment terminals, from fast-food joints to train stations.
According to Jason Crasto, the country manager for Mastercard Philippines, the initial response has been overwhelmingly positive. “Our issuing partners have indicated a significant uptick in card registrations,” he remarked in an interview. Crasto sees this enthusiasm as a clear indicator that Filipinos are ready to adopt digital payment methods.
“When provided the option, Filipinos have shown they prefer digital payment,” he added. This sentiment is echoed by the current limited availability of banks supporting Apple Pay, which currently includes Chinabank, GoTyme Bank, Metrobank, and UnionBank. Mastercard is facilitating the service for the first three banks, while GoTyme utilizes Visa for its eligible cards.
It’s important to highlight, however, that not every card from these banks is eligible. Users must confirm whether their specific credit or debit card works with Apple Pay, leaving prominent banking players like BDO and BPI — with 3.9 million and 3 million cards in circulation, respectively — out of the loop for now. RCBC, another major bank with nearly 1.5 million cards, also hasn't joined the Apple Pay network yet.
Nevertheless, Crasto noted that many other banks are poised to join Apple Pay in the coming months, potentially expanding the service significantly by the end of 2026. “Most of the other banks in the Philippines are expected to be live by the end of this year,” he said, projecting that the fourth quarter will see a notable increase in participating financial institutions.
How does Apple Pay work? Users can add compatible bank cards digitally through the Wallet app on their devices. By tapping the plus sign and using their device to scan the card or enter the details manually, users can set up their payment method. Verification steps may apply based on the issuing bank, and an Apple Account along with Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode is necessary. There’s no standalone Apple Pay app required.
At checkout, users simply double-click the side button on their iPhone or Apple Watch to authenticate, and then hold their device near the contactless terminal. Apple Pay supports transactions in apps and websites that accept it, and users can still earn usual rewards like points and miles associated with their cards. Apple emphasizes that card numbers are not stored or shared with merchants, ensuring privacy.
The Next Phase: Contactless Payments for Manila’s LRT1
Looking ahead, the integration of Apple Pay into Manila's public transport system is on the horizon. Crasto mentioned that Mastercard is collaborating with financial institutions and the Department of Transportation to introduce contactless payments for the LRT1. This would allow passengers to tap their enabled cards or devices for a smoother boarding experience, replacing traditional ticketing methods.
Crasto teased that an announcement regarding this feature may be imminent, although no specific launch date was provided.
QR Payments: A Complementary Approach
On the topic of the fast-growing QR payment ecosystem, Crasto dismissed the idea that it poses a threat to traditional card payments. “We don’t view QR as a competitor,” he clarified. Instead, he sees various digital payment solutions as complementary, arguing that different options help decrease the reliance on cash within the economy.
He expressed that increased participation in digital payments aligns with regulatory objectives, which aim to reduce cash transactions and enhance the country’s digital payment penetration. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reports that digital payments constituted 57.4% of retail transactions by volume in 2024, showcasing a shift in consumer behavior.
As the digital payments arena evolves, it’ll be interesting to see how Apple Pay navigates this complex landscape and how its expansion could potentially transform consumer payment habits across the Philippines.
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