Payment options in the country just expanded with Google Wallet.
Google Wallet is a digital wallet that allows contactless payments. It is not a typical e-wallet where you send funds to. It is where you store your debit and credit card information. This way, you don’t have to pull out your cards when paying. You don’t even need to open the app. You just unlock your phone and tap it on point-of-sale machines.
Google Wallet is not limited to Android phones. It is also available in Wear OS, meaning you can make contactless payments with your Android smartwatches. No need to even pull out your phone.
Google Wallet can be used at tap to pay stations at MRT-3 and on modern jeepneys in Cebu and Madaue City. Beep will also support Google Wallet eventually, allowing easier access to travel in Manila via trains and bus.
To add on to this, Google Wallet is not only for payments. You can store your boarding passes for flights, creating a paperless (but digital) trail. You will also get updates for last-minute changes, so you would no longer get jumpscares learning your new boarding gate has been moved to the far end of the terminal.
Google Wallet is available in multiple countries, including US, UK, Japan, and many more. You can refer to this list to see which countries support Google Wallet.
Loyalty cards and digital vouchers can also be added in Google Wallet. Google has specifically mentioned IKEA Family card membership and Mang Inasal vouchers.
As of now, these are the current partners supporting Google Wallet in the country.
- VISA and Mastercard cardholders of ChinaBank, EastWest Bank, RCBC Bank, and Zed.
- VISA cardholders of GoTyme, Maya, UnionBank, and Wise.
- Mastercard card holders of GCash and Zed.
- For boarding passes: Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, Jetstar, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Thai Airways: Bookings from
Last August, the BSP cleared its regulatory stance on Google Pay by saying it does not need to register as an Operator of Payment Systems in the country. The reason for this is that Google Pay does not hold users’ funds, like other e-wallets and banks.
Google Wallet can now be downloaded in the Google Play Store.