7 Best Mobile Payment Apps In The Philippines For Cashless Transactions

7 min read By Kia Navarro on August 14, 2019

If you are like me, who absolutely abhors bringing a huge amount of cash every time I go out, then mobile wallet apps are for you.

What is a mobile wallet app, you ask? Simply put, mobile wallet apps are applications installed on your phone that store credit. You can use these apps to pay your bills, conduct service transactions (like booking transportation with Grab), and more.

1. GCash
2. GrabPay
3. PayMaya
4. Coins.PH
5. BanKO
6. CLiQQ Rewards
7. PayPal

Don’t get me wrong, I still do carry a bit of cash with me when I’m out. But I make sure that it is just enough for a day’s worth. This is my way to control myself from overspending on things I don’t really need.

I’m sure that I’m not the only one who thinks this way and that is why going cashless is the new trend here in the Philippines. A lot of companies are creating apps that will make our lives easier and hopefully, hassle-free!

So what are the best Mobile Wallet Apps in the Philippines? Read on and I will tell you about seven of the most useful mobile wallet apps!

1. GCash

GCash is currently the leading e-wallet app in the Philippines. This has got to be one of the best mobile wallet apps to date due to its simplicity and ease of availability around the country.

It is basically a money service app that is regulated by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). You can use GCash to pay your bills, make QR payments, book movies, transfer or receive money, and shop at more than 15,000 partnered outlets all around the Philippines.

How does GCash work?

You just have to point your phone’s camera at the Quick Response (QR) code, scan it, and pay. Easy-peasy.

Registering for GCash

There are three ways of registering—register using the GCash App, FB messenger or through the *143# Menu on your phone.

1. GCash App
   • Open your App Store or Google Play Store then download the GCash App
   • You will be asked to enter your mobile number
   • Wait for the six-digit authentication code that will be sent to your number
   • Enter the code then press Submit
   • Fill in the required information: Name, address, birth date, etc
   • Create your own Mobile Personal Identification Number (MPIN). Note: This is a four-digit code that you will use to authenticate all of your transactions under GCash. Change it regularly!
2. FB Messenger
   • Type in gcashofficial on your messenger app
   • Press “Get Started”
   • Select “Start an Account”
   • You will be asked for your Mobile Number, input then press “Continue”
   • You will receive a confirmation message on your messenger once your account is ready
3. 143# Menu
   • Go to your phone’s keypad then dial *143#
   • Look for GCash then press “Register”
   • Fill in the required information
   • Type in your four-digit GCash PIN
   • A confirmation message will be sent to your number once your account is ready

(Read: Your Ultimate Guide To The GCash App And Its Services)

2. GrabPay

For those who are always on the go, GrabPay is the perfect e-wallet app for you.

This mobile wallet is launched by Grab in partnership with Mastercard. GrabPay is a virtual prepaid card that covers shared modes of transportation, GrabFood delivery, fund transfers, groceries, and offline to online (O2O) platform!

How to activate GrabPay Wallet

• Go to your Grab App
• Click GrabPay Wallet
• Select “Set up GrabPay Wallet”
• You will be asked to enter your personal information
• Now your wallet is ready to top up

Linking your Credit or Debit Card

• Open your GrabPay wallet then select “Balance”
• Click the wallet icon
• There will be payment options, select “Credit / Debit Card”
• Enter your card details
• Tap on “Save” then you are done

Ways to cash in

1. Via Store
   • Open your Grab App
   • Select “Cash in”
   • Click your desired amount
   • Choose your preferred cash in store
   • Press “Confirm” then proceed to your selected store to make your cash payment
2. Via Grab Drivers
   • While you are in transit, click “Cash in with driver”
   • Enter your desired cash amount
   • Give the payment to the drivers
   • You will receive a confirmation status once done
3. Via Cards
   • Select “Cash in”
   • You will see an option that says “Cards and Wallets” then click on that
   • Choose the amount you want and your preferred payment method. Once you have selected it click “Confirm”
   • Fill in your card details
   • You will receive a confirmation status once done
4. Request for GrabPay Credits
   • Select “Request”
   • Allow your friend to scan your QR code then you are done

(Read: 5 Great Virtual Wallets And Online Currencies For Cashless Transactions)

3. PayMaya

Aside from shopping and paying bills, if you are into buying games or tickets to see your favorite band live, then PayMaya is for you!

You can also use PayMaya to book flights, send remittances and stream music.

How to Register to PayMaya

• Download the PayMaya app at the App Store or Google Play Store
• Create an account
• Add money to your account and that’s it
• You can also request a physical PayMaya card wherein you can withdraw or swipe at any of your favorite stores. This card can be used either locally or abroad as long as they accept credit or debit cards.
• You can easily monitor your transaction’s history through the app and it even has an EMV chip for added security.
• If you have any questions, you can call PayMaya’s hotline toll-free 1800-1084-57788.

(Read: First Time Using The PayMaya App? Here’s A Guide For You)

4. Coins.PH

Coins.PH is the first and only cryptocurrency app that allows you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, bitcoin cash (BCH), ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP).

This mobile e-wallet app can be used to buy mobile load for local and international numbers, pay bills or even pay for your fancy date last night (as long as it is part of their 100,000 partnered merchants). They also offer other services like shopping online, air-time and remittances.

How to register to Coins.PH

You can register through your mobile or through their website

1. Mobile
   • Download Coins.PH at the App Store or Google Play Store
   • Click “Sign Up”
   • You will be asked to enter your email address and mobile number
   • Press “Create Account”
   • You will be sent a verification code either on your mobile number or email
   • Verify your account and then you are done!
2. Website
   • Go to Coins.PH website
   • Select “Create an Account”
   • Enter your email address or mobile number
   • Press “Create Account”
   • You will be sent a verification code either on your mobile number or email
   • Verify your account and then you are done!

You can add funds to your wallet either from 7 Eleven, Bayad Center, Palawan Pawnshop and 22,000 locations nationwide!

5. BanKO

BanKO was established in 2009 through a partnership between the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Ayala Corp., and Globe Telecom. It is now a whole-owned subsidiary of BPI. This mobile wallet has been dubbed as “the first and only mobile-based savings bank in the Philippines.”

You can shop all you want, buy mobile load, pay bills, local and international remittances using your phone and it allows you to send money to fellow BanKO account holders.

How to register to BanKO

• Go to the nearest BanKO partner outlet
• Bring either a Globe or TM SIM card
• Bring a valid ID and a photocopy of the ID. Valid IDs are the following:
  • Driver’s License
  • SSS
  • Pag-IBIG
  • School ID
  • Birth certificate
• Fill out the application form
• Submit the form together with the requirements

(Read: The Best Online Payment Providers For Small And Big Businesses)

6. 7-Eleven CLiQQ Rewards

Did you know that 7-Eleven has its own app that allows you to buy mobile load, get access to the internet just by using your points, and pay bills?

You can even use the 7-Eleven Cliqq app to buy items from 7-Eleven just by allowing them to scan your apps barcode!

How to register to CLiQQ Rewards

• Buy a card at a 7-Eleven store near you
• Download Cliqq Mobile App at the App Store or Google Play Store
• Activate your card through their website or by SMS
  • Website: https://redeem.7-eleven.com.ph/userAccount/activate
  • SMS: text REG // to 09189090711 and then wait for the verification message

How to load your CLiQQ Rewards Account

• Download Cliqq Mobile App at the App Store or Google Play Store
• Click “Wallet”
• Load your e-wallet at the nearest 7-Eleven store
• Go to CLiQQShop.com to check out all the things you can buy!

(Read: Make Easy Money With These 4 Little-Known Smartphone Apps)

7. PayPal

PayPal has got to be the most commonly known e-wallet account locally and internationally. It’s widely used across the world and you can easily use it to pay for souvenirs or clothes you bought abroad.

Some of the downsides you need to consider if you are signing up for a PayPal account is that it lacks a lot of localized features. You won’t be able to use it to pay for your bills or even buy mobile load, which could be a deal-breaker if you are not really stepping on international waters often.

How to register on PayPal

• Download the PayPal app at the App Store or Google Play Store
• Set up your account
• Start funding it with your credit/debit card or bank account