After months of speculation, Apple Pay is now live in the Philippines. For those wondering why the launch is such a Big Deal over our side of the world, it’s worth noting that Apple Pay is already available in more than 90 countries and regions and works with more than 11,000 bank partners worldwide. So it’s definitely about time for the Philippines to hop on that tech! Here’s everything you need to know about Apple Pay.

What are the benefits of using Apple Pay?

Apple Pay is an easier, safer, and more secure way to pay for your transactions using iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. To use it, you simply have to tap your device to point-of-sale systems to pay. But what sets Apple Pay apart from all the other digital wallet services is that it doesn’t need an internet connection. You can use it even when you’re offline or in areas with weak signal. That even gives you the freedom to go for quick errand runs, leave your phone behind, and pay for your stuff using only your Apple Watch.

How to set up Apple Pay on your phone

Setting up Apple Pay on your device is easy and takes less than a minute. Here’s a quick step-by-step:

• Open the Wallet app on your iPhone
• Click on the (+) sign
• Tap on ‘Debit or Credit Card’
• For iOS 18 and above, place your card behind your phone or manually enter your details

For a full list of devices compatible with Apple Pay, check here.

Does Apple Pay work on virtual cards?

Another perk of Apple Pay is that virtual cards can also be added. For now, this is applicable to debit cards from the GoTyme Bank app and credit cards from the UnionBank website.

How to use Apple Pay in the Philippines

Using Apple Pay in stores is seamless and easy. Simply double-click the side button or Home button of your device, authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID, and hold the top of the iPhone or display of the Apple Watch near the contactless reader to pay.

Users can also make purchases with Apple Pay on iPhone, iPad, and Mac for faster and more convenient payments in apps or on the web without having to create accounts or repeatedly type in contact information, card details, or shipping and billing information.

Apple Pay partner banks and merchants

With Apple Pay, users will continue to earn the same rewards and benefits offered by their debit and credit cards. At launch, credit and debit cardholders from banks including Chinabank, GoTyme Bank, Metrobank, and UnionBank will be able to use Apple Pay.

Meanwhile, merchants who can now accept Apple Pay include:

• Abenso
• Anko
• Ayala Malls Cinemas
• Ayala Malls
• Beyond the Box
• Coach
• Digimap
• Foot Locker
• Globe
• HOKA
• Hollister
• Jollibee
• Lush
• Power Mac Center
• Rustan’s
• SaladStop!
• Shake Shack
• Smart
• The Loop
• The Matcha Tokyo
• The Movie Snackbar
• The Underbelly
• WalterMart Supermarket

You can also use it on apps and websites including foodpanda, Jollibee, Rustan’s, and Shopee.

Maya Business, a leading payment processor in the Philippines, will also begin enabling Apple Pay for over 5,000 online merchants.

Is Apple Pay secure?

Is it actually safe to put all your card details on a wallet service on your phone? The short answer is yes. Apple Pay is safer than using a physical credit or debit card. First of all, it requires a Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode before the card can be used for purchases. When you make a purchase, Apple Pay uses a device-specific number and unique transaction code. Your actual card number isn’t shared by Apple with merchants or stored on Apple servers. When you pay with a debit or credit card, Apple doesn’t keep transaction information that can be tied back to you.

For more information, check here.

How excited are you for the Apple Pay launch in the Philippines?

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