Google has started rolling out Google Pay in the Philippines, bringing tap-to-pay support to more banks, e-wallets, and card issuers in the country.
The launch adds another option for mobile payments as more Filipinos shift to digital transactions for stores, transport, and online services.
Why it Matters: Google Pay gives Android users a unified way to store cards and pay using their phones. The launch also prepares the local market for wider NFC adoption as more banks and e-wallets begin offering contactless cards.
The platform currently supports several Philippine banks and fintech apps. The supported cards found in the document include:
- China Banking Corporation (ChinaBank) – Mastercard credit cards, Visa credit and debit cards
- EastWest Banking Corporation – Mastercard credit cards, Visa credit cards
- GCash – Mastercard debit cards
- GoTyme Bank Corporation – Visa debit cards
- Maya Bank – Visa credit cards
- Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) – Mastercard credit cards, Visa credit cards
- UnionBank of the Philippines – Visa cards
- Wise Pilipinas – Visa prepaid cards
- Zed Financial PH – Mastercard credit cards
These banks and issuers allow their supported cards to be added to Google Pay for tap-to-pay purchases in stores with NFC terminals, as well as online checkouts that accept the service. Google Pay also includes features like digital passes and transit cards depending on local availability.
The launch comes at a time of growing digital wallet usage in the Philippines. Many banks now issue contactless cards, and several retail chains already accept NFC payments at checkout. Google Pay adds another option for Android users after years of relying mostly on QR-based payments.
A related development is Apple’s plan to introduce Apple Pay locally in the second quarter of 2026, according to industry sources. Once it goes live, both major mobile ecosystems will support tap-to-pay transactions in the country.
Google has not yet given full details about additional partner banks, merchant support, or a wider rollout timeline, but more issuers are expected to follow in the coming months.
With Google Pay now active in the Philippines, how soon do you think most stores will fully switch to tap-to-pay support?
