APPLE PAY is now live in the Philippines, enabling contactless payments via supported devices.
iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, and iPad users can now add select Philippine-issued credit and debit cards to their Apple Wallet and use them for transactions anywhere that takes contactless payments, whether it be in-store, via apps or online.
Based on the Apple Pay Philippines page on the Apple website ( initial supported banks are China Banking Corp., GoTyme Bank Corp., Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., and Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank). The page also lists several brick-and-mortar and online merchants and e-commerce platforms already accepting Apple Pay.
These lists are expected to be updated as the rollout continues.
Supported cards must have near field communication technology activated and will also need to be verified when adding to the Wallet. Apple Pay is built into supported devices, so there is no need to download a separate app.
Apple said using Apple Pay is secure as it requires Face ID, Touch ID, or the device passcode to authenticate purchases.
“Your identity isn’t shared with merchants, and they don’t see your actual card number. And your card numbers are never stored on Apple servers,” it said. “When you pay with a debit or credit card, Apple doesn’t keep transaction information that can be tied back to you.”
Compatible devices are iPhone models are those with Face ID and Touch ID, except iPhone 5s; iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini models with Touch ID or Face ID; Apple Watch Series 1 and later; Mac models with Touch ID; Mac models introduced in 2012 or later with an Apple Pay-enabled iPhone or Apple Watch; and Mac computers with Apple silicon that are paired with a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.
Payment processing networks Mastercard and support for Apple Pay in the Philippines in separate statements.
“The launch of Apple Pay enables secure, seamless, and convenient payment experiences for consumers 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,” said Jason Crasto, Country Manager of Mastercard in the Philippines.
“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. 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,” said Jeffrey V. Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines.
GoTyme Bank said in a statement that its Visa debit card can now be used with Apple Pay.
“At GoTyme Bank, we’re constantly looking for ways to make banking more seamless for our customers. Bringing Apple Pay to GoTyme Bank customers in the Philippines gives them an easy and secure way to pay wherever they shop,” GoTyme Bank Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel D. Clarke said.
UnionBank also said separately that Apple Pay is now available for its cardholders in the Philippines.
“As we continue building a next-generation bank, we’re focused on making everyday banking and payments simpler, safer, and more intuitive. Bringing Apple Pay to UnionBank cardholders enhances the payment experience by allowing customers to pay quickly and securely with the devices they use every day. Whether they’re shopping in-store, online, or in-app, customers can enjoy a more seamless way to pay, with the security and convenience they expect from UnionBank,” UnionBank President and CEO Ana Aboitiz Delgado said.
The launch of Apple Pay follows the rollout of other tap-to-pay services in the Philippines over the past few months, including Google Pay and Garmin Pay.
These are expected to support the government’s push for a cash-lite economy. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) wants digital payments to account for 60%-70% of the total volume of retail payments by 2028 in line with the Philippine Development Plan.
In 2024, digital payments made up 57.4% of the country’s total monthly retail transaction volume (from 52.8% in 2023) and 59% of the combined value (from 55.3%), according to BSP’s latest Status of Digital Payments in the Philippines report.
The central bank has not released 2025 data. —Bettina V. Roc
