Top 12 Cashless, Digital & E-Payment Systems for Consumers & Merchants in the Philippines

Last Updated on – Nov 2, 2022 @ 2:43 pm

“Sir, wala po ba kayong smaller bill?

I pulled out my wallet to count the 20-peso bills I had. Alas, I’m a hundred pesos short.

“Sorry miss, yan lang talaga e.”

She bites her lower lip and gives out a faint sigh. Glancing at a small corner room, she calls out her manager who rushes to the counter to punch in a code to open the cash terminal.

As I was watching them count the bills, I can’t help but feel a bit embarrassed for inconveniencing them. “But it’s all the money I have”, I thought. What can I do?

While handing over my change she quipped, “Sorry to keep you waiting sir, please come back again.”

I smiled and thanked her, struggling to clutch my cheeseburger, fries and drink in one hand (it was take-out) while the other clasped a bunch of 100-peso bills and coins.

It happens to all of us. Worse, it seems to happen when we’re pressed for time.

Whether it’s on a taxi, fast food joint, supermarket, or even your friendly neighborhood suking tindahan, the classic issue of “walang barya” always pops up in the most inopportune moments.

And it’s frustrating.

I can’t remember the number of times I was late for school because of it. And as if to remind us that it’s our responsibility to always have loose change ready, the jeepney’s sticker says, “Barya lang po sa umaga.”

I can’t help but think of those scenes in movies where they tap a card on a screen and the whole transaction is complete. Voila—everything done in mere seconds.

Smooth. No hassles. Smaller bill not required.

Except I remember—-that wasn’t from a movie. It was from a TV ad! The technology is already here but most of us are just not aware or hesitant to try it out.

Whatever the reason for this reluctance might be, it’s high time we take a closer look at what cashless technology is all about and what it can do for us. I promise, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

This report from the Wall Street Journal in 2018 shows that in China, more than a billion people use digital payment methods to pay for almost everything—street food included.

Which begs us to ask the question, “If the technology is here, why are we not using it?”

3 Reasons that hindered cashless technology in the Philippines

There are three main reasons that hinder the adoption of cashless technology in our country:

Unbanked Filipinos

This report by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas published in 2019 revealed that a whopping 71 percent of Filipino households don’t keep money in banks.

You read that right—71%.

That means that out of 10 households, only 2 have deposit accounts. And while this is worsened by the fact that only 37 percent of the 1,634 cities and municipalities across the entire country do not have a banking office, you’ll be surprised to know that 81.3 percent of households here in Metro Manila don’t own bank accounts.

Clearly, it’s not simply a topographical issue.

Access to the Internet  

Internet in the Philippines can be described in two words: Expensive and slow.

According to this study conducted by Akamai in their 2017 Global State of the Internet Report, the average connection speed in the Philippines is 5.5 Mbps—making us the country with the slowest internet speed in Asia Pacific.

And it’s not only slow, it’s expensive. On a monthly average, we pay a lot more compared to folks living in Hong Kong and Singapore, yet the speeds they have are more than triple of what we have here.

This not only hinders adoption of e-commerce from customers like you and me, but also from Small and Medium Enterprises who typically need to shell out more to avail of a more expensive “enterprise plan” suitable for their business.

EMV Technology Latecomer

If you ever noticed those sim-card looking chips in your ATM or credit cards, that’s called an EMV.

Named after its founders: EuroPay, MasterCard, and Visa, EMV technology offers enhanced security and wider international usability for your cards and allows secure payments through mobile.

When I think about it, perhaps a big reason why Filipinos are hesitant to embrace these technologies is our general lack of trust over digital systems.

This is exacerbated by news showing reports of theft in ATM terminals and phishing websites. I wonder if EMV was adopted earlier, would there have been reduced instances of theft leading to better adoption from our countrymen?

After all, other countries started using EMV tech almost a decade ago.

---

The Benefits of Going Cashless

While the above reasons may seem daunting, Filipinos are bullish in their outlook and willingness to delve into the world of digital payments.

The 2016 Consumer Payment Attitudes Survey conducted by Visa revealed that 6 out of 10 Filipino consumers are open to contactless payment methods.

Clearly, the demand is here.

The rise of E-commerce sites like Lazada, Zalora, Shopee, and pioneers like MetroDeal and CashCashPinoy proved that Filipinos reluctance towards e-commerce is slowly dwindling and it’s only a matter of time till we realize the full potential of it when we switch to digital and cashless payments.

So what are the benefits, you ask?

Convenience

Forget long lines when paying bills. Expect smoother and faster transactions that complete in seconds.

Need to send or receive money?

No need to visit the nearest bank or remittance outlet. Think of all the hours everyone can save. Precious hours that can be spent on more important stuff. It’s costly to you, me, and our economy.

Safety

Back in college, my wallet was always attached to a steel chain with the other end hooked to one of the belt loops. It was dual purpose: I thought it looked cool and kept my wallet safe at the same time.

Fashion judgements aside though, it gave me a sense of security that it won’t get lost or get pickpocketed easily. Fast forward to today though, we can completely bypass the risks brought about by bringing cash and utilize cashless payment methods for our purchases.

Access to more products

I always envied folks in the US during their Black Friday sale. Hundreds of products offered at less than half the price, sometimes even way less.

What prevents us from getting a piece of the action?

Credit Cards.

Most of these popular online stores require that you use credit cards or PayPal as method of payments. And it’s not only international purchases that require them.

Locally, hundreds of great products and services can be availed only through the use of cards. In 2016, only 9 percent of transactions were made through debit and credit cards in the Philippines, which clearly shows we’re way behind.

The good news is, through the use of digital and cashless technology, we can avail of these services and merchandise without the need to secure a credit card.

Recommended: 8 Best Online Credit Line for Shopping in the Philippines

Lessen the “friction” during financial transactions

Merchants know that by making the payment process simple and easy, more people will buy their products. And this benefits both parties: customers can also avoid long queues and complex steps just to make payments.

It’s a win-win situation. And just like my experience earlier, no more “smaller bill, please” requests from cashiers. Finally!

Build Good Credit standing to access more financial options

Attempting to avail more diverse and advance financial features and services from banks and other agencies is typically an arduous process.

If we can successfully implement a credit rating system similar to those of other countries through adoption and development of cashless systems, we might be able to experience increased adoption of these other financial vehicles that can vastly improve a person’s financial health.

Easy Auditing

Digital payment systems store data like transaction history within the app itself or through your account information online.

This makes tracking your spending and auditing your finances a whole lot easier. As a result, we can be more mindful and conscious of our spending which can lead to better financial management.

---

The Philippines is Ready to Go Cashless

In the Philippines, many Filipinos are now using cashless apps to do their financial transactions. Paying bills, sending money, and even buying load can all be done in just one click. All you need to do is deposit your money on a machine and do the transactions from your phone.

According to a recent study conducted by Visa, almost 70 percent of the Filipino population are now into cashless apps. Thousands of Filipinos are also into online shopping, increasing from 71 percent in 2016 to 92 percent in 2017. Most of the payment methods these people use are cashless.

According to Stuart Tomlinson, the Philippines’ Visa manager, technology has made it easier for Filipino consumers to buy and pay for their purchases. In addition, most Filipinos see the convenience and benefits that they can get from making online payments. Thus, it has changed a traditional perspective to a more accessible, digital lifestyle.

Tomlinson also added that 15 percent of Filipinos are now using their cards to make purchases in the recent year. In addition, one study proved that 70 percent of Filipino consumers pay their transportation fees via debit or credit card. Also, 50 percent of the consumers in the country own more than two e-wallets.

---

Types of Digital and E-Payment Systems

Now that you are aware of its benefits, it’s time to give you some background knowledge on the types of these cashless systems.

Digital & Mobile Wallets

The advent of mobile apps ushered a new age for e-commerce. Through apps installed on our smartphones, we can make payments with just a few finger taps.

QR code payments is one of the most popular contactless payment methods used in the country right now, where consumers can transact by simply scanning QR codes via mobile apps.

Related: 8 Best Mobile Wallets in the Philippines

Contactless Credit Cards & Debit Cards

Swiping a credit card? That’s so 90’s. With a simple tap-to-scan, you can pay for your purchase in mere seconds.

Related: 8 Best Online Payment Gateways in the Philippines

RFID

At its core, it’s a technology used to automatically identify and track tags to objects. It allows data to be stored to various objects.

As a payment mechanism, it allows users to wave the RFID-embedded device over the Point-of-Sale (PoS) terminal to make the payment.

---

The Top Cashless E-Payment Systems in the Philippines

Ready to go cashless? By sheer convenience alone I’m personally willing to try it out. And so should you.

To help you get started, we’ve prepared a list of the current cream of the cashless services crop for your easy reference to what’s the best e-payment systems in the Philippines that you can check out.

1. Gcash

Gcash is one of the most popular e-wallets in the Philippines. It is a Globe product (in partnership with the Ayala Corporation & ANT Financial), but people using other networks can register their mobile number for a Gcash account.

Gcash is pioneering the local Digital Payment Industry in the Philippines, and many Filipinos use this platform.

How it works

Gcash works like any other e-payment platform. First, you need to download the app on your smartphone to create an account and do transactions. Then, you can conveniently pay your bills, send money, and buy load through the app with no stress.

Once you have the Gcash app, you first need to register your mobile number to set up an account. After that, Gcash will ask you to verify your account before entirely using the app for transactions. You will need a valid ID (check out Gcash’s list of accepted valid IDs) and take an in-app selfie to verify your account.

Key Features

Gcash has plenty of features that you can take into consideration. Here are some of the features you can look into:

Cash In

For you to use your Gcash account, you first need to fund your wallet. There are plenty of ways to put money in your Gcash account. Refer to this list below on how you can load your Gcash wallet.

1. Over the counter – Machine cash-in at Shell SELECT, Pay&Go, and TouchPay, PureGold, Savemore, any SM Supermarket, Robinsons and SM Department Stores, Globe Stores, eBay, ExpressPay, TrueMoney, Bayad Center, ExpressPay, PERA Hub, Cebuana Lhuillier, Villarica, Palawan Pawnshop, Tambunting Pawnshop.
2. Online Banks – UnionBank, BPI, BDO, Landbank, Mastercard/Visa Bank Cards, AUB, PNB, MetroBank, PBCom, PSBank, RCBC. 
3. Remittance Centers – Western Union, Paypal, MoneyGram.

Send Money

It’s easy to send money to your family and friends with Gcash. In addition, you may send money to another Gcash account, any e-Wallet system, or bank account. However, be mindful of the possible fees and transaction limit when sending money to other wallets.

You may check out Gcash’s partner banks to see if you can send money to the bank you desire. Here are some of the banks you can send money with Gcash:

• BPI/BPI Family Savings
• BDO Unibank
• Metrobank
• LandBank of the Philippines
• Security Bank
• UnionBank
• Chinabank
• EastWest Bank
• RCBC
• UCPB
• PSBank
• AUB
• PBCom
• AllBank
• Bangko Mabuhay
• BDO Network Bank
• CTBC Bank 
• Robinsons Bank

Save Money

Paying bills and sending money is not the only thing Gcash is famous for. You can also use your Gcash account as a savings account. If you open a Gcash Savings Account, you can enjoy the best interest rates that can go up to 4.1% annually.

The best thing about opening a savings account with Gcash is it does not require any maintaining balance. You can withdraw and deposit money whenever you want. To deposit money, you need to enter the amount you wish to put in the account and click Proceed.

Buy load

Are you running out of load? Don’t worry! You can easily buy load with Gcash by typing the mobile number on the app and select the kind of load you want to purchase.

Pay Bills

Paying your bills will never be a hassle anymore with Gcash. The app has plenty of options and partner merchants for bill payments. You can pay everything on the app, from electric utilities, cable, and internet down to government and loans. 

You can also pay your credit card bills, insurances, real estate bills, healthcare, schools, and foundations through Gcash. Check out the app’s list of biller options to see if your biller is available for Gcash pay.

Pay QR

Shopping will be easier with Gcash’s Pay QR option. Malls these days have QR codes on their counters for shoppers to scan and pay. To do so, you only need to check the QR code and type in the amount you need to pay.

Gcash Credit

Gcash Credit is one of the most recent features Gcash offers. The app has a revolving credit line that is somehow like credit cards and bank loans. You can enjoy up to 30,000 PHP credit lines with low-interest rates at 3%.

To apply for Gcash Credit, you first need to work on your score. One is only eligible for Gcash Credit if your score is high. You can increase your score through constant cash in transactions, paying via QR, paying bills online, and saving money on the app.

Other features

Other Gcash features include:

• Gcash for streaming and shopping
• Gcash KKB
• Gcash American Express Virtual Pay
• Request Money
• Invest Money
• Gcash Mastercard

Pros

• Gcash has 33 million active users in the Philippines (as of Feb 2021)
• Offers a wide array of other financial services (from bank transfers, micro loans, investing, and saving)
• They already have thousands of partner merchants
• Gcash American Express Virtual Pay
• Payments can be made through QR.
• Allows credit services to Gcash users
• Fast verication process for new accounts/users

Cons

• Poor customer service
• Monthly and annual limit problems
• Heavy charges for transfers
• Features are limited sometimes
• Security issues – particularly with online scammers using the platform to receive money

How to Apply for Merchants

Applying as a Gcash merchant is not that complicated. As long as you have all the requirements, you can use it for Gcash merchants anytime. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Download and fill out the Merchant form. Indicate your type of business and make sure the form you have suited your business type.
2. Prepare your requirements. Here are the possible conditions you might need:

For Individual:

• One (1) Government-issued valid ID
• Scan to Pay Application Form

For Sole Proprietorship:

• One (1) Government-issued Valid ID
• Certificate of Registration issued by DTI
• Proof of Bank Account (passbook)
• Gcash Application Form
• Branch Enrollment Form (BEF)
• Certificate of Registration issued by BIR
• Mayor’s Permit
• Implementing Agreement
• KYC Form

For Partnership:

• Certificate of Registration issued by SEC
• Partners Resolution (Notarized Secretary Certificate)
• Proof of Bank Account
• Articles of Partnership
• One (1) government-issued valid ID of authorized signatories
• Gcash Application Form
• Branch Enrollment Form (BEF)
• Certificate of Registration issued by BIR 
• Implementing Agreement

For Corporation:

• Certificate of Registration issued by SEC
• Partners Resolution (Notarized Secretary Certificate)
• Latest General Information Sheet (GIS)
• Proof of Bank Account
• Articles of Partnership
• One (1) government-issued valid ID of authorized signatories
• Gcash Application Form
• Branch Enrollment Form (BEF)
• Certificate of Registration issued by BIR
• Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
• Implementing Agreement

1. Email the completed forms and requirements to iwantgcashqr@mynt.xyz with the subject line “QR Application/Inquiry – [Your Business Name] + [City].” You should also include your contact details and your business/office address.
2. Wait for a representative to contact you to confirm your application.
3. Complete the application by sending the form’s hard copy to Gcash’s representative.

Merchants using Gcash

Here is a brief list of Gcash Merchants as of today:

• Ayala Malls
• Bench
• Jollibee
• KFC
• National Bookstore
• Puregold
• Robinsons Department Store
• Robinsons Supermarket
• The SM Store
• Sports Central
• Surplus
• Toy Kingdom
• WalterMart Supermarket
• Watsons

Verdict:

For Merchants:
For Consumers:

---

2. Maya

Maya (created by Smart & PLDT) is essentially a virtual prepaid card where users can cash in, send, request money, and quickly pay online purchases. 

Depending on your mobile network, you either get a virtual Visa or Mastercard. If you obtain a physical card, you can use it at establishments here and abroad, wherever Visa is accepted.

How it Works

The process is quite easy. After downloading their app, register your personal info and create an account. An SMS will be sent to you for verification.

After entering this into the box provided, you can then view your card and use it. If you want their EMV card, you can purchase it for P150.00 and they will deliver it to your address.

You can load your Maya wallet via Robinson Department stores, SM Centers, Smart Stores, 7-Eleven, RCBC Online Banking, LBC Express, ECPay, BayadCenter, TouchPay, Palawan Express, and others.

Key Features

There are a lot of features Maya holds for its users. In this section, you will know everything you can enjoy with Maya. Here are among its key features that you might want to know:

Convenient money sending

Whether you need to send money to your family or friend, you can always do it in just one click with Maya. The app has the best instant money sending. Also, wherever you may be locally or internationally, you can send money in an instant. 

To send money using Maya, first, you need to log in to your Maya account. Next, click on “Send Money” and enter all the details, including the recipient’s mobile number and the amount. Once done, review all information and click “Send Money.” Finally, wait for Maya’s confirmation SMS for the code. 

Gaming credits.

Getting gaming credits has got to be Maya’s best feature. For online gamers and people who love to purchase games online, having a Maya account can be advantageous. Most online sites require you to pay online, and most of them have Maya as an option. 

Exclusive benefits from Maya merchant stores

Paying and shopping through Maya is most convenient, especially when you avail from its merchant stores. Moreover, you can get discounts and avail of promos from shops and restaurants using your Maya card. 

Convenient bookings and purchases.

Unlike some e-wallets, Maya wins best because you can purchase almost anything using it. So whether it’s your most-awaited concert ticket or vacation flight, you can pay in one click using Maya. 

Pay Bills

Do you always dread the long lines when you need to pay your bills? With Maya, you don’t even have to go out of your house. With just a few clicks on the Maya app, you can pay your bills in an instant.

To pay your bills, first, you need to open the Maya app and click on “Pay Bills.” Then, choose your biller on the list provided and type in all necessary information for the payment. Then, enter the amount paid, wait for the confirmation via SMS, and pay!

Buy load

With Maya, you don’t have to go out and buy load from a nearby network loader. Instead, you can easily purchase load from the app. One great thing about Maya is they offer discounted prepaid load for all telco providers, not just Smart. 

Scan to Pay (via QR or PoS)

Like Gcash, Maya also has a scan-to-pay feature, making it convenient for everyone to settle wherever they are. All they need to do is scan the establishment’s Maya QR code and enter the amount they need to pay.

You also have two options for Scan to Pay: check via QR code or Maya One device (their Point-of-Sale system).

Claim Money

Maya also has a feature that allows you to claim money wherever and whenever you want. You can receive money from Western Union, MoneyGram, or withdraw from your Maya Visa/Mastercard physical card. When claiming from Western Union, make sure you have the 10-digit reference code from the sender.

Pros

• Supports both Visa and Mastercard (which can also be used for purchases outside of the country).
• Available to any type of telco subscriber
• No need to visit a Smart outlet to apply for the physical card
• Integration with Facebook Messenger
• EMV cards will be delivered right to your doorstep
• Comes with a virtual payment card that enables users to make online purchases without using credit cards
• Offers an all-in-one Android PoS that accepts all kinds of digital payments in-store (including credit/debit cards)

Cons

• Loading from Smart Money to Maya may require a 0.5% fee. 
• Expensive fee depending on the amount you send or load. 
• Slower process for upgrading your account

How to Apply for Merchants

Another awesome thing about Maya is they offer merchant accounts for small businesses and big enterprises. If you are interested in applying as Maya’s merchant, here’s what you need to know and prepare.

For small businesses

For start-up businesses, Maya partners up with PayPal to connect payments from clients. To do so, here’s a step-by-step process:

1. Download the Maya app on Google Play, App Store, or App Gallery. Once you have the app, register and activate your virtual VISA card.
2. Load up your account. Maya has a minimum deposit of 100 PHP. You may cash in through Maya’s partners such as Smart Padala Centers and 7-Eleven. 
3. Next, create your PayPal account. You can sign up for a PayPal account at www.paypal.com/ph/webapps/mpp/account-selection.
4. Once you have a PayPal account set up, you can now link your Maya card to it. Click on “Banks and Cards” and choose “Link a Card.”
5. Enter your Maya Visa card information and ensure everything is correct. Your address should also match your Maya registration address.
6. Load your Maya with at least 100 PHP to move forward with PayPal’s authorization request. The authorization amount will immediately be refunded on your PayPal account once the card is verified.
7. Once your PayPal account is successfully connected to your Maya, you can now withdraw funds from PayPal. To do so, click on “Withdraw Funds” under Summary Page.
8. Entire your desired amount for withdrawal and select Maya as an option. A minimum withdrawal amount of 500 PHP is required.
9. Confirm your withdrawal amount. Keep in mind that withdrawal processes via PayPal may last up to four business days. 

If it’s your first time using Maya and PayPal together, there might be a chance your first transaction will put on hold. If you experience such, you can contact PayPal for support.

For Enterprise

Maya also offers Maya Business (formerly PayMaya Enterprise), where you can accept payments online, in-store, mobile, invoice, or through QR codes. Here’s how to apply for Maya Business:

• Go to Maya’s website and sign up for a business account.
• Next, a form will pop out of the screen. Fill it in with necessary information such as your name, address, contact details, business details, and more.
• Next, choose what payment option you want your business to have. You can generate a QR code or select a package that will suit your business best.

Next, choose your pricing. Maya offers a fixed rate, but they also have promo rates for newbies. The promo rate will run-up to December 31, 2021. Here is a list of the following rack and promo rates:

Rack Rate: 

• Visa, MC, JCB – 3.5% + 15 PHP fee per transaction
• Maya QR, WeChat Pay – 1.5% fee per transaction
• QR PH, Gcash – 2% fee per transaction

Promo Rate:

• Maya QR, WeChat Pay – 1.5% fee per transaction
• QR PH, Gcash – 2% fee per transaction

Here are some packages Maya offers for enterprises:

• Online Maya Checkout
• Maya One
• Maya Checkout
• Digital Invoice
• Maya ONE Lite
• Maya QR Code

Merchants using Maya

• Mercury Drug
• Cebu Pacific
• Jollibee
• McDonalds
• Meralco
• Grab
• Petron
• UniOil
• Clean Fuel
• Lazada
• Zalora
• Landers Superstore
• SSS
• BIR
• DTI
• PRC

Verdict:

For Merchants:
For Consumers:

---

3. Coins PH

Coins.PH is a mobile wallet app that uses Blockchain technology to let you pay bills, buy, sell, send, and receive BitCoins (and Ethereum), make payment requests, and withdraw cash via ATM.

How it Works

What makes Coins.PH unique is its support for regular Peso, BitCoin, Ethereum, and XRP Wallets.

Once you have an account open, you can either use the service via the website or through their mobile app.

There are several ways to load up your wallet: Bank transfer, 7-11 Kiosks, Globe GCash, M.Lhuiller E-Pay, SM Bills Payment Center, and others. You can also withdraw your funds from Coins PH through ATMs or over the counter (local banks). 

Once loaded, you can use it to purchase goods and services just like a regular credit/debit card. You can convert your money from Peso to Bitcoin/Ether/XRP or vice versa.

The app pretty much offers the same services as Maya and Gcash, but with just a hint of Bitcoins. 

Key Features

Just like the first two e-Wallets we mentioned in this guide, Coins PH also has similar features. So here are some features you need to look into for Coins PH:

Mobile Payments

Buying load or paying for your mobile postpaid plans will never be a hassle again if you have Coins PH. With the app, you can purchase load for any network with just one click. All you need to do is type in a mobile number, the amount of load you want to buy, and confirm.

Money remittances

You can also send and receive money quickly with Coins PH. No need to go to a physical remittance store. Simply type in the amount of money you wish to send, enter the recipient details, and hit send. 

Bills payment

Similar to Gcash and Maya, Coins PH also has a bills payment option for their users. You don’t have to go out and pay your bills because you can do it via Coins PH’s app. Whether you need to pay for utilities, telco, loans, or credit cards, Coins PH has you covered.

Here is a list of billers that Coins PH accommodates on their app:

• Globe
• Smart
• PDF
• Meralco 
• Manila Water
• Maynilad
• NBI
• Pag-Ibig
• SSS
• DFA
• VECO

Gaming Credits

Aside from paying your bills and easy cash, you can also buy gaming credits using Coins PH. The app supports multiple gaming credits, including Cherry, Garena Shells, Steam, and Razer Gold. You can play all you want and pay for credits in just one click with Coins PH.

Cardless ATM

Paying bills and other purchases online will no longer require you to withdraw and pay through remittance centers. With Coins PH, you can make all transactions on the app. Coins PH serves as a cardless ATM where you can deposit, make transfers, and pay purchases whenever you want.

Remit Money

With Coins PH, you can send money not only locally but internationally too. Coins PH allows its users to send money anywhere in the world. Here is a list of countries that you can transact with Coins PH:

• Australia
• Canada
• Japan
• Hong Kong
• Kuwait
• Malaysia
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Singapore
• Taiwan
• United Arab Emirates
• United States

Scan & Pay

You can quickly pay for purchases in-store with Coins PH’s QR code. Ask the establishment if they offer Coins PH a form of payment and scan their code from your phone. Payment transactions will be processed right away by scanning their Coins PH QR code.

Buy Cryptocurrencies

With the beaming market of Bitcoin these days, many people use it as a form of cash to pay purchases and bills. Coins PH offers its users to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP through the app. In addition, you can check their online Bitcoin price chart for updated Bitcoin selling prices. 

Other features:

• Coins Pro (their own crypto exchange/trading platform)
• Accept and send payments for business.

Pros

• Digital wallet that combines support for both Peso and Bitcoin currency
• Great option for people who own Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies
• You can open an account and make e-payments even without a bank account
• Easy to cash in/cash out with over 33,000 partner locations all over the Philippines
• Offers 10% rebate when buying load on the app (for only up to P2,000 worth of load – then 5% thereafter).

Cons

• Higher fees for areas outside Metro Manila
• Higher fees for converting cryptocurrencies to fiat (PHP), as well as sending/receiving cryptocurrencies
• Stringent account verification process (and for account upgrades)
• P400,000 limit for cash in and cash out (per month).

How to Apply for Merchants

To apply as a merchant for Coins PH, you first need to sign up as a business on the app. Then, you may visit the website and click on the Business Option. Just to be sure, you need to prepare your business documents with you for the application.

Such documents would be:

• Business permit
• Government-issued IDs of owners
• Business information

Merchants Using Coins PH

• DFA
• Globe
• Manila Water 
• Maynilad
• Meralco
• Traveloka
• Robinsons MovieWorld
• Wendy’s 
• Smart
• PDF
• Sun Cellular
• ALEX
• FamilyMart

Verdict:

For Merchants:
For Consumers:

---

4. AUB Paymate

Asia United Bank has made it easier for Filipinos to make online transactions and payments.

The AUB Paymate is among the best online banking apps you can use for cashless transactions. Here’s what you need to know more about it.

How it Works

Just like any other online banking apps, you can download AUB Paymate on your mobile phone and do transactions from there.

AUB Paymate works with Gcash, GrabPay, Hello Money, HomeCredit Pay, WeChat Pay and Alipay, making it better for users to accept payments internationally.

Merchants will need to register and fill out a form on AUB Paymate’s app (or website) to set up an account. Business requirements might be required, so you need to prepare those too. Once everything is all verified, you can start using AUB Paymate for your business.

Key Features

What makes AUB Paymate one of the best and most trusted banks is its features. Here are some key features to know about AUB Paymate.

QR/ E-wallet Payment Acceptance

This feature is prominent in most cashless apps, but with AUB Paymate, you will enjoy it better. The app allows different acceptance implementations, including AUB Paymate Mobile App, fixed QR code on standee, API for cash register integration, and E-commerce integration. It also offers social commerce through Paymate BOTTY.

Here are AUB Paymate QR and E-wallet partners:

• Local – Hello Money, Gcash, HomeCredit Pay, GrabPay, ShopeePay, QR PH
• International – WeChat Pay, Alipay, UnionPay, Xnap, Thai QR, PayNow, Alipay+

Bank Payment Acceptance/ InstaPay

Transferring money from your AUB account to another bank has never been this easy with AUB Paymate. Businesses can highly benefit if they can accept bank payments as customers prefer cashless transactions nowadays.

Moreover, you can send money to other banks conveniently with AUB Paymate through InstaPay (no charge online bank transfers).

PayMate Botty

One of the best features AUB Paymate has is its excellent PayMate Botty. This feature is a 2-in-1 E-Commerce solution for merchants to accept online orders through social media messaging apps. You may also have the option to accept payments through your website.

All you need to do is download PayMate Botty’s plugin and install it on your website. Then, customers can easily order and pay right on the website with the help of PayMate Botty.

Pros

• Real-time currency conversion, which allows foreign customers to pay through their currency. No need to convert to Peso.
• Allows easy access to real-time daily payment transactions and statuses

Cons

• System sometimes crashes.

How to Apply for Merchants

Applying for an account with AUB Paymate is easy. If you wish to be a merchant of AUB Paymate, here are the things you can do:

1. Fill out AUB Paymate’s application form. Keep in mind that there are businesses that are not allowed to accept QR payments. Check the list on their official website to know more.
2. Open an AUB Settlement account. AUB will handle all approved transactions on AUB Paymate. Before you open an AUB account, make sure to wait for your merchant accreditation approval advice.
3. Once you have the approval advice, you will have remote training via video, phone call, or on-site about AUB Paymate. AUB’s Onboarding Team will guide you through this.

Merchants Using AUB Paymate

• Robinsons Department Store and Supermarket
• Handyman and Appliances by Robinsons
• Daiso Japan
• Toys “R” Us

Verdict:

For Merchants:
For Consumers:

---

5. Dragon Pay

Established in 2010, Dragon Pay is the brainchild of CEO Robertson Chiang, who wanted to solve the problem of low-adoption rate of e-commerce in the country.

He wanted to create an alternative mode of payment that will allow unbanked customers to pay for products and services without the need for a credit card or savings account.

Today, it offers strong merchant features like Mass Payout and Recurring Payments.

How it Works

Dragon Pay should not to be confused as a digital wallet. It’s an online payment platform that allows online-based shops (or ecommerce) to accept payments via non-traditional methods outside of cash or credit cards.

Let’s say you wanted to purchase an item in Metro Deal. In the checkout page, you choose Dragon Pay as the payment method. Dragon Pay will then provide you with several options on how you wish to pay for the item.

You can choose Over-the-Counter payments, online banking, bayad center, and much more.

Once selected, an email will be sent to you containing deposit instructions for making your payment. You then proceed to the payment outlet (for example, Bayad Center) and hand over your payment.

Key Features

Aside from offering multiple cash-in methods, here are some other features that DragonPay has to offer.

Best customer support

Whenever you need help with transacting with DragonPay, their customer support is there for you. The system is approachable, and you can report all your problems whenever you experience one.

Fixed fee per transaction

Unlike other e-wallets or online banking apps, DragonPay offers a fixed transaction fee. As a result, you don’t have to worry about paying a hefty price for large transactions.

Secure transactions

You can now pay purchases and pay and send money anywhere with DragonPay. Online payments will be very convenient and easy when you use DragonPay.

Recurring payments

You may schedule recurring payments whenever you need with DragonPay. The system is built to handle even the most prominent transactions. Thus, you will never have to worry about paying or invoicing manually.

Pros:

• Payment platform that makes online purchases possible for people without credit cards or other online means through DragonPay-supported merchants
• Strong merchant features
• Broad list of merchants and billers.
• Partnered with government offices as the back-end of their online payment services (NBI, POEA, IPO, PSE, etc)

Cons:

• Not a true mobile wallet solution

How to apply for Merchants

• Email their sales team at: sales@dragonpay.ph

Merchants using DragonPay:

• Lazada
• Shopee
• Robinsons Department Store and Supermarket
• 7-Eleven

Verdict:

For Merchants:
For Consumers:

---

6. 7-Connect

7-CONNECT is 7-Eleven’s platform for e-commerce businesses that enables cash payment convenience for your customers. Customers will be able to pay for online purchases at any 7-Eleven store.

How it Works

Similar to Dragon Pay, it is a payment gateway that allows you to purchase and pay for products online through partner merchants and pay for it at any 7-11 stores around the Philippines.

Key Features

7-Connect has tons of features that no other online payment gateway has. Here are among those features to look into:

Kiosks in 7-Eleven stores

You can conveniently cash in via 7-Connect when you go to any 7-Eleven store. There is a kiosk primarily available near the entrance or counter of the 7-Eleven branch. Type in the necessary information about the payment, get the receipt, and pay at the counter.

Pay using the CLiQQ App.

As mentioned earlier, you can download the CLiQQ app on your phone for easier transactions with 7-Connect. When you have the app, you can access the billers and fill out forms for payment. Then, take a screenshot of your payment and scan it at the 7-Eleven store near you.

Bills payment

7-Connect supports over 100 billers not only in the Philippines but also internationally. Whenever you purchase online, you can pay using 7-Connect if it’s available as an option. 7-Connect  accommodates fees such as utilities, tuition, remittance, credit card, loans, and government transactions.

Available 24/7

All 7-Eleven stores are open 24 hours and seven days a week, and so does 7-Connect gateways. So if you need to pay for something, 7-Connect is a convenient way to do so.

Pros

• Easy payments of online purchases through 7-Eleven stores

Cons

• Not a true digital mobile wallet solution

How to apply for Merchants

If you wish to apply as a partner merchant of 7-Connect, you will need to submit certain business documents. 7-Connect is a great payment gateway for businesses that want to accommodate customers who do not have credit cards. 

Below are some of the requirements if you want to apply as a 7-Connect merchant:

For single proprietorships:

• DTI and Business Registration
• Mayor’s Permit
• Income Tax Return with Audited Financial Statement
• BPI Bank Account (CA/SA) is required

For corporations:

• SEC Registration
• Articles of Incorporation & By-Laws
• DTI Business Registration if Corporate Name differs from Business Name
• Mayor’s Permit
• Income Tax Return with Audited Financial Statement
• BPI Bank Account (CA/SA) is required
• Contract Person and details for Notices
• Duly authorized representative who will sign the agreement and position certified by Corporate Secretary

Merchants of 7-Connect

• Dealamigos
• TCAT Philippines
• AirAsia
• Sarri Republiq
• SkyJet
• Travel Book PH
• Rex Bookstore
• Money Online
• HelloPay
• Air Asia
• Ensogo

Verdict:

For Merchants:
For Consumers:

---

7. GrabPay

GrabPay is the ridesharing company’s way of offering its customers a cash-free method of paying for all their Grab transactions (from rides, food & other deliveries, groceries, shopping, bills, and travel).

As the name suggests though, it is strictly limited for this purpose, at least for the time being.

Grab has also started to show its interests in competing in the financial space by offering personal/micro-loans and insurance. This could open up so many possibilities for their own digital payment platform in the future (perhaps, enabling credits to be used on food, shopping, and other financial services).   

Also Read: Online Cash Loans: How to Get Personal & Business Loans in the Philippines

How it Works

There are several ways you can load up on GrabPay:

• You can hand over cash to your GrabPay Driver and they’ll take care of loading the credits into your account.
• Or you can use your credit or debit card to top it up.
• GrabPay credits can also be purchased via select payment centers like 711, SM Business Centers, BayadCenter, Cebuana Lhuillier, ECPay, LBC Express, and Robinson’s Business Centers.
• Instant and seamless cash-in are also available through online banking and ATMs.

Key Features

Just like any other e-wallets we mentioned in this article, GrabPay allows you to pay purchases and bills conveniently from your phone. All you need to do is set up an account, get verified, and start using the app for payments. Here are other vital features GrabPay has to offer.

Payment method for Grab services.

We all know how Grab is highly popular these days. Whether you book a cab, order food, or have a parcel delivered to a friend, you can pay for these services using GrabPay. All you need to do is cash in funds to your GrabPay wallet and use it as a payment method on the Grab app.

Pay purchases

You can also pay for your purchases using GrabPay! So if you’re dining outside with your family or going shopping with your friends, you can use GrabPay to pay for everything. Make sure the establishment you’re purchasing from offers GrabPay as a form of payment method too!

Bills payment

Aside from Grab services and online shopping sprees, you can also pay your bills using GrabPay. The platform offers accounts payment for utilities, government, loans, credit cards, and schools. You can check out the full eligible billers on GrabPay’s list of partners.

Buy load

Like. Gcash and Maya, you can also buy load using GrabPIn addition, the app sometimes has discounted promos on prepaid load, so don’t miss out!

Earn GrabRewards

Just like points earned from credit card companies, GrabPay also has its GrabRewards. You can earn points and use them to redeem rewards. Such rewards could be a voucher, a discounted coupon, or more!

GrabPay Card

Grab’s virtual pay card (Mastercard) allows Grab users to use their GrabPay balance for transactions outside of their platform. These transactions are also counted for earning more GrabRewards too.

Lastly, it’s free to activate – no signup fees! You can activate it here.

Pros

• Convenient and cash-free way of paying for all services within the Grab platform
• Earn GrabRewards points when you use GrabPay
• GrabPay Card (powered by Mastercard) – works like a debit card and accepted by millions of online merchants worldwide (that allows users to use their GrabPay balance anywhere).

Cons

• Only serves some of the major cities in the Philippines – Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao City, Bacolod, Subic, Bataan, Pampanga, Cagayan De Oro, Baguio, Naga, and Iloilo

How to Apply for Merchants

If you wish to become a GrabPay merchant, you can easily apply through their website. All you need to do is fill out a form and wait for them to contact you via email. Thus, you must use an active email account.

Such requirements for GrabPay merchant application include:

• Valid and active Gmail address
• Form 49
• Form 24
• Form 9
• Bank account statement
• And NRIC/Passport details

Once all documents are provided, GrabPay’s sales team will get back to you within five business days to finish your sign-up process.

Merchants Using GrabPay

• Zalora
• SM Cinema
• ABS-CBN Store
• KTX
• Dragonpay
• Savemore
• SM Supermarket and Department Store
• Ace Hardware
• Starbucks
• MiniSO
• Uniqlo
• Watsons

Verdict:

For Merchants:
For Consumers:

---

8. Paymongo

Paymongo is a payment platform that enables businesses to accept payments from customers via e-wallets, credit card, and OTC.

The company is based in the Philippines and was the first Filipino-owned tech startup to take part in Y Combinator. (from which they received $12 million funding in 2020).

How it works

Paymongo offers merchants and businesses several ways to integrate their payment system: 

• PayMongo links: Lets you send a link that customers can open which will automatically route them to a payment platform so they can easily pay (with multiple options).
• PayMongo API: Can be installed directly in your website and app so customers can pay within it (you won’t be redirected to a different page).
• E-commerce plugins: For businesses using Shopify, Woocommerce, and Magento. 

Key Features:

Per-use fee structure

As of this writing, PayMongo implements the following fees for each successful transaction:

• Visa and Mastercard payments: 3.5% + Php15 + 1% Foreign Fee (if applicable)
• E-wallet – For GCash and GrabPay: 2.9%
• M Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier, 7-Eleven and Coins.ph: 1.5% or ₱10 (whichever is higher)

Payment via SMS

Through PayMongo links, partners can send payment forms via SMS.

Highly-secure transactions

PayMongo features PCI Service Provider Level 1 compliance and has been audited by an independent PCI-certified auditor. They also have PCI-DSS and HSTS features for added layers of security on card and website transactions.

Easy integration

PayMongo API, e-commerce plug-ins, and PayMongo links make it very easy for partner businesses to send and receive payments from their customers.

Pros

• Easy to use interface
• Clear payment methods and schemes
• Easy integration to business websites and apps
• Pay-per-use scheme (no recurring charges)

Cons

• Activation process might take time.

How to Apply

Visit the PayMongo website and provide your basic details. To activate your account, you need to provide the necessary documents. It typically takes 7 business days for their compliance team to review your documents and application.

Individual (unregistered business): 

• Government-issued ID (one (1) primary ID or three (3) secondary IDs)

Sole Proprietor: 

• DTI Registration
• Government-issued ID of the person registered with the DTI (one (1) primary ID or three (3) secondary IDs)

Partnership: 

• SEC Certificate of Registration
• Articles of Partnership
• Partner’s Resolution to designate the authorized person to transact with Paymongo and the bank account where your payouts will be deposited
• Government-issued ID of any of the partners (one (1) primary ID or three (3) secondary IDs)

Corporation: 

• SEC Certificate of Incorporation
• Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws (all pages)
• Latest General Information Sheet (GIS) submitted to and received by the SEC (all pages)
• Government-issued ID of any of the incorporators (one (1) primary ID or three (3) secondary IDs)
• Government issued-ID of person authorized to transact with PayMongo (one (1) primary ID or three (3) secondary IDs

Merchants using Paymongo

• Rustan’s
• Beauty MNL
• Kumu
• PDAX
• Boozy
• DMCI Homes
• Lugang Café
• Sunnies Studios
• GoodWork.ph

Verdict:

For Merchants:
For Consumers:

---

9. PayPal

The world-renowned online payment system remains one of the popular ways to send and receive money and make purchases online.

How it Works

As a buyer, you simply need to set up your PayPal account. You can fund it by linking it to your bank account or adding cash into it. You can then proceed in making online purchases by selecting PayPal as payment method.

Key Features

Businesses can receive payments conveniently.

Clients’ PayPal wallets, over the line, via digital wallets, and billing credit and debit cards online or in-store are all options for enterprises.

Integrates third-party point-of-sale systems (POS)

PayPal works with various third-party point-of-sale (POS) platforms, retail sites, and other applications. Customers may install the PayPal Here application to receive mobile payments. PayPal also offers its technology, such as the Chip and Tap + Charging Stand. However, we think it depends on your business size. You may not need to buy it.

Best customer service and assistance

Those who have problems or require assistance with PayPal may call customer care specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or browse a vast public directory for answers.

Pros

• Worldwide merchant support
• Process of receiving money as merchant is easy
• Usage is highly tied for online purchases – but with their new debit card (that supports both Visa and Mastercard), you can pretty much use and access your funds through POS and ATMs.
• Paypal Business account is easier to set up compared to other payment gateways
• No contracts and minimums
• It can integrate with shopping carts, specifically online and third-party applications

Cons

• May still require that you link your bank account for funding it
• Transaction fees can be pretty expensive
• The more extensive the business, the higher the transaction fees
• There is a monthly fee charged for virtual terminals

How to apply for Merchants

To open a PayPal business account, complete the digital application, which requests personal contact details as well as more information about your company. Then, you’ll be able to make transactions in a couple of minutes throughout most situations.

It’s worthwhile mentioning that PayPal monitors its eyes on vendors’ activities and will restrict or terminate profiles that it judges to be a severe risk. A large percentage of complaints and refunds, purchases of a new or high-cost product category, or a quickly growing sales volume are all potential warning signals.

Sign up for a free account: https://www.paypal.com/ph/webapps/mpp/merchant

Verdict:

For Merchants:
For Consumers:

---

10. PesoPay

PesoPay is among the best online payment gateways in the Philippines today. It is the perfect platform for Filipino merchants, and they also welcome new merchants not only in the country but also internationally. Here’s what you need to know about PesoPay.

How It Works

Just like DragonPay and other online payment gateways mentioned in this article, PesoPay is not that far from the others. Users and merchants use the gateway to provide local businesses a payment solution they can trust. PesoPay accepts different payment methods including mobile, online, and point-of-sale payments.

Key Features

Here are some of PesoPay’s features that you can look into:

Easy card payments

Paying your credit cards and bank cards will never be a hassle again. Skip the line and pay your cards using PesoPay. You can make different card payments with PesoPay locally and internationally. 

Alternative payments

Businesses will highly benefit from PesoPay if they become a partner. With PesoPay, you can offer your customers to pay online using their debit, e-Wallets, cash, and PayPal.

Excellent payment solutions

PesoPay provides their users and partners the best payment solutions available today. PesoPay has unique offers and packages where businesses can tailor according to their needs.

Extensive payment services

Aside from offering payment services in the Philippines, PesoPay also has a selection of options abroad. If you have customers from other countries, you can receive their payments using PesoPay. 

Exceptional customer support

PesoPay holds pride for their customer support system. Plenty of merchants and PesoPay users like to use their gateway because of their excellent customer service and support. Each merchant will have a dedicated team with an account manager, operation staff, and technical support. 

Pros

• SchedulePay for recurring payments.
• Free shopping cart plugins with e-commerce platforms
• Built-in fraud management system

Cons

• Best for large companies.
• Best for Chinese markets as well.

How to Apply for Merchants

If you wish to apply as a merchant for PesoPay, all you need to do is prepare your business requirement and contact them via email. Any business, organization, or charitable institutions in the Philippines is eligible for a merchant of PesoPay. As long as they are registered in the country, they can apply.

Sole proprietor businesses and partnerships are also welcomed to apply as PesoPay’s merchant. As long as you have proper business registration papers, you can send an application. Such documents might include:

• Philippines Business Registration Certificate or
• Non-profit organization registration document
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Article & By Laws
• Business Permit
• BIR certificate
• Tax Exemption Certificate (for NGOs)
• Latest financial statement
• Valid ID of signatories 
• Business write-up
• Secretary Certificate for Corporation

You may email PesoPay for more inquiries at sales@pesopay.com.

Merchants using PesoPay

• Amadeus
• Arcadier
• Beds25.com
• BookLogic
• easyStore
• Direct with Hotels

---

11. WeePay

WeePay is a payment service provider (PSP) that has been praised for its simplicity, although some users have complained about financing delays and inadequate user support.

It is a payment service provider (PSP) that allows retailers to receive money transfers, but it is not a merchant acceptor. The distinction between such a payment service company like WeePay and a typical commercial acquirer is that PSPs combine all its customers into a single big bank account, while commercial acquirers offer each merchant their own bank account.

How it Works

WeePay helps SaaS firms to avoid these problems by delivering a payment alternative that is housed on the company’s own infrastructure.

Customers do not need to visit a third-party portal to register and make and receive money. WeePay’s programmer resources enable businesses to design their own private label transactions alternative for its desktop and mobile software.

Key Features

POS Debit and Credit card terminals

WeePay provides its users with both debit and credit card payment options. You can process any form of card payment using WeePay. They can accommodate any type of business, small or big.

Online payments

The platform has a safe and secure way for users to accept online payments whenever and wherever.

Digital banking solutions.

A lot of people have banking apps nowadays, and WeePay has partnered up with several banks locally and internationally. You can make transactions from WeePay to your bank account and vice versa. 

Pros

• Excellent customization options.
• Ease of platform use.

Cons

• The pricing is a bit expensive
• Customer support is not very responsive.

How to Apply for Merchants

WeePay does not accept merchants. However, you can use it as a single user. You may contact them via email or their website to sign up. 

Merchants Using WeePay

• BancNet
• Metrobank
• RCBC
• CTBC Bank
• Castles Technology
• SmartPesa
• MCU Hospital
• Finessa

---

12. Xendit

Xendit is a full-service payment gateway based in Indonesia and has markets across Southeast Asia. They offer a seamless and intuitive integration with leading money transfer providers. 

How it works

Xendit facilitates online transactions between businesses and its customers. It acts as a secure platform where the transfer of funds can happen instantaneously with full authorization between the two parties. Xendit partners with multiple merchants and banks to cover as much user base as possible. 

Xendit processes transactions through 3 phases:

Encryption: Sensitive data is encrypted as it passes from the customer, the merchant’s server, and the bank. This encryption makes the data exclusive only to the buyer and seller, thus protecting it from unintended use and/or malicious activities.

Request: The financial institution issues an authorization request which gets sent to the payment processor. Once the payment is approved (or rejected), a confirmation will be sent to the payment gateway.

Fulfillment: In this final step, the payment gateway will provide authorization to proceed with the transaction. 

Key Features:

Wide range of services

You can make recurring payments for bills, one-time payments, credit card and debit card support, ACH payments and eCheck processing. You can also send to multiple recipients in a single transaction.

Intuitive admin dashboard

Xendit’s dashboard features a clean and intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate and use. The main menu sits on the left side, clicking one of the options will open it up on the main panel.  All the important admin features like access management, payout time, dispute resolutions, reports, and manual payment entry are here, providing both old-time users and newbies everything they’ll need.

Safe and secure

Xendit’s gateway features PCI compliance with fraud protection tools to ensure highly secure and safe transactions. It also has data tokenization and 2-factor authentication for additional security.

Continuous software development

Xendit is diligent in improving their service and thus continues to develop and add features that users will find useful. 

Pros:

• Excellent customer support
• Intuitive user interface

Cons:

• A bit more pricey compared to its competitors

How to Apply

Simply visit the Xendit website to apply as a merchant or partner. You’ll be asked to complete certain forms and submit the necessary requirements. Approval will be provided once Xendit deems your application acceptable. 

Merchants using Xendit

• Lazada
• OYO
• MOKA
• Samsung
• Unicef
• Traveloka
• Fore
• TechinAsia
• Allianz Bank

---

Like Grit PH on Facebook