Apple Pay Launches in the Philippines, Expanding Digital Payment Options

Apple Pay has officially entered the Philippine payments market, allowing users of iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads, and Macs to make contactless transactions. This service is now available for customers of four initial banks: GoTyme Bank, China Banking Corporation, Union Bank of the Philippines, and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.

Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s Vice President, emphasized the significance of this launch, stating that 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. The service aims to simplify payments for both local consumers and tourists.

“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.”Jennifer Bailey, Vice President, Apple

Users can add their eligible Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards to the Apple Wallet app and utilize them for in-store, in-app, and online purchases. For in-store transactions, customers simply need to hold their device near a contactless terminal and authenticate the payment using Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode. Importantly, merchants do not receive the customer's actual card number, ensuring privacy and security.

Mastercard and Visa have both expressed strong support for the service. Jason Crasto, Mastercard’s Country Manager in the Philippines, noted that the launch of Apple Pay enables secure, seamless, and convenient payment experiences for consumers in the Philippines. Similarly, Jeffrey Navarro, Visa’s Country Manager, described the launch as the next evolution of payments in the Philippines, helping amplify the payment experience for Visa cardholders in the Philippines.

“The launch of Apple Pay enables secure, seamless, and convenient payment experiences for consumers in the Philippines.”Jason Crasto, Country Manager, Mastercard

The BSP has set a target for digital payments to account for 60% to 70% of total retail transactions by 2028, reflecting a growing trend towards electronic payment solutions. In 2024, digital payments already comprised 57.4% of the total monthly retail transaction volume, up from 52.8% in 2023, according to BSP data.

“The launch represents the next evolution of payments in the Philippines, helping amplify the payment experience for Visa cardholders in the Philippines.”Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager, Visa

Apple Pay can be used at various merchants, including well-known retailers such as Jollibee, Zara, and Ayala Malls, among others. Additionally, it will be integrated with over 5,000 online merchants through Maya Business, a leading payment processor in the Philippines.

The launch of Apple Pay follows the earlier introduction of Google Pay in November 2025, which has already begun reshaping the digital payment landscape in the Philippines. As competition intensifies among digital wallet providers, consumers can expect more options and enhanced services in the evolving marketplace.