Apple Pay is now available in the Philippines, allowing eligible Visa and Mastercard cardholders from participating banks, including GoTyme Bank and Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), to make contactless payments using their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac.
The rollout brings Apple’s digital wallet to one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital payments markets, giving consumers a new way to pay in stores, within apps, and online without using a physical card.
GoTyme Bank and UnionBank announced support for Apple Pay on Aug. 4, enabling their debit and credit card customers to add eligible cards to the Apple Wallet app. Payment processors Visa and Mastercard also confirmed that their eligible cardholders in the Philippines can now use Apple Pay through participating issuers.
“At GoTyme Bank, we’re constantly looking for ways to make banking more seamless for our customers,” said Nate Clarke, CEO of GoTyme Bank. “Bringing Apple Pay to GoTyme Bank customers in the Philippines gives them an easy and secure way to pay wherever they shop.”
UnionBank president and CEO Ana Aboitiz Delgado said adding Apple Pay aligns with the bank’s goal of simplifying everyday banking while providing customers with a faster and more secure payment experience across physical stores, websites, and mobile applications.
Visa said the launch expands payment options for both Filipinos traveling abroad and international visitors to the Philippines while supporting the country’s transition toward a cash-lite economy.
“Apple Pay represents the next evolution of payments in the Philippines, combining ease of use, simplicity, and security in every transaction, helping amplify the payment experience for Visa cardholders in the Philippines,” said Jeffrey Navarro, country manager for Visa Philippines.
Visa cited its Asia-Pacific travel study, which found that 97% of travelers bring credit, debit, or prepaid cards during trips, compared with just 17% who plan to carry foreign currency. Among respondents, 38% preferred cards because of security and fraud protection, while 20% cited broad acceptance.
Mastercard also said Apple Pay gives consumers another secure and convenient payment option as digital payment adoption continues to accelerate in the country.
“The launch of Apple Pay enables secure, seamless, and convenient payment experiences for consumers in the Philippines,” said Jason Crasto, country manager of Mastercard in the Philippines. “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.”
Apple Pay allows users to pay by double-clicking the side button on an iPhone or Apple Watch, authenticating with Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode, and holding the device near a contactless payment terminal. The service also works for purchases made in apps and on websites through supported Apple devices.
According to Apple and its partners, card numbers are not stored on the device or Apple’s servers. Instead, each card is assigned a unique Device Account Number that is encrypted and stored in the Secure Element, a dedicated chip designed to protect payment credentials. Each transaction is authenticated using a one-time dynamic security code.
Customers can activate Apple Pay by opening the Wallet app on their iPhone, tapping the “+” button, and adding an eligible Visa or Mastercard issued by participating banks.