Visa cardholders will soon be able to pay at GCash QR merchants directly through the GCash app, removing the need to top up their wallets before making a purchase.
The new feature, developed by Visa, a digital payments processor, and GCash, a finance app with the largest cashless ecosystem, allows users to link eligible Visa cards to their GCash accounts and use those cards as the payment source for QR code transactions.
The capability addresses a common pain point for digital wallet users who run out of wallet balance at checkout. Instead of transferring money from a bank account or topping up the wallet first, users can pay immediately using their linked Visa card.
The move comes as digital payments continue to grow in the Philippines. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), digital transactions now account for 57.4% of the country’s monthly retail payment volume, reflecting increasing consumer preference for cashless payments.
“Consumers increasingly expect flexibility in how they pay, and are looking for payment experiences that are simple, secure, and seamless,” said Jeffrey Navarro, country manager for Visa Philippines. “This exciting collaboration expands that flexibility for consumers, allowing consumers to use their Visa credentials across everyday digital payment journeys including QR payments. This takes us forward in making digital payments more accessible and convenient for everyone.”
The companies said the feature is designed for everyday purchases, from restaurants and retail stores to weekend markets and tourist destinations where GCash QR payments are accepted.
Each transaction made using a linked Visa card will be protected by Visa Payment Passkey, Visa’s biometric authentication technology. Instead of entering passwords or waiting for one-time passwords (OTPs) sent by SMS, users can verify payments using their fingerprint, face recognition, or device PIN.
Built on Fast Identity Online (FIDO) standards, Visa Payment Passkey is designed to make online payments both faster and more secure. Visa said biometric authentication can reduce fraud by up to 50% compared with SMS-based OTP verification.
“This new feature further enhances the GCash experience for millions of Filipinos, giving them greater freedom in how they pay and manage their funds while maintaining the experience they’ve come to expect from GCash,” said Ren-Ren Reyes, president & CEO of G-Xchange, Inc. (the mobile wallet operator of GCash). “This partnership also reinforces our shared trust with Visa to expand financial inclusion and bring more Filipinos into the digital economy.”