APPLE Pay has officially entered the Philippine payments market with Visa and Mastercard clients now able to register eligible cards on Apple devices for in-store, in-app and online transactions.
Apple, Visa and Mastercard separately announced the local availability of the service on Tuesday, expanding digital payment options in the country as consumers increasingly turn to electronic and contactless transactions.
Debit and credit cardholders from an initial four banks — GoTyme Bank, China Banking Corp., Union Bank of the Philippines and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. — will be able to use Apple Pay.
“The Philippines is home to a digital-first generation that is rapidly embracing a vision for a cashless future, all while expecting security and privacy at every step,” Apple Vice President Jennifer Bailey said.
“We’re thrilled to bring Apple Pay to users in the Philippines, making it easier than ever to pay with the privacy and security they expect from the devices they love,” she added.
Consumers will be able to make payments at merchants that accept contactless transactions, including grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops and retail outlets.
For in-store payments, users can double-click the side button of an iPhone or Apple Watch, authenticate the transaction and hold the device near a contactless payment terminal.
Apple Pay transactions will be authenticated using Face ID, Touch ID or a device passcode, along with a one-time unique dynamic security code.
Visa Philippines Country Manager Jeffrey Navarro called the launch the “next evolution of payments in the Philippines.”
“With Apple Pay, Filipinos and tourists alike now have seamless and secure ways to pay across shops, restaurants, travel destinations and public transport, supporting the nation’s vision to become a cash-lite economy,” he said.
It also expands payment options for Filipinos traveling abroad and foreign visitors to the Philippines.
Visa said that its Global Travel Intentions study found that 97 percent of Asia-Pacific travelers planned to bring credit, debit or prepaid cards compared with only 17 percent who intended to bring foreign currency.
Among the travelers surveyed, 38 percent said they preferred cards because of security and fraud protection features, while 20 percent cited wide acceptance.
Mastercard Country Manager for the Philippines Jason Crasto likewise said the launch would provide consumers with more secure and convenient payment experiences.
“The launch of Apple Pay enables secure, seamless and convenient payment experiences for consumers in the Philippines,” he said.
“As digital adoption continues to accelerate in this region, we’re excited to continue connecting people to the payment choices they want and the peace of mind they need every time they pay,” he added.
Apple Pay can also be used for purchases in apps and on the web through iPhone, iPad and Mac. This allows customers to complete online transactions without repeatedly entering card information, contact details, or shipping and billing information.
Among the retailers and establishments said to be accepting the contactless payment service in stores are Abenson, Abercrombie & Fitch, Anko, Ayala Malls and Ayala Malls Cinemas, Bally, Beauty Bar, Bershka, Beyond the Box, Boss, Calvin Klein, Charriol, Coach, Digimap, Digital Walker, Electroworld, Flying Tiger, Foot Locker, Gap, Globe, Hamleys, Hanamaruken, Hoka, Hollister, JD, Jollibee, Lacoste, Lush, New Balance, Open Source, Power Mac Center, Ralph Lauren, Rustan’s, SaladStop!, Samsonite, Shake Shack, Smart, The Loop, The Matcha Tokyo, The Movie Snackbar, The Underbelly, Tommy Hilfiger, WalterMart Supermarket, Your Local and Zara.
For online purchases, Apple Pay has been made available on the apps and websites of Banana Republic, Foodpanda, Old Navy, Payless and Shopee.
Apple said that Maya Business would also begin enabling Apple Pay for over 5,000 online merchants.
