Filipinos traveling abroad now have a simpler way to settle their purchases as GCash rolls out its Tap to Pay feature for global use.
In a recent announcement, the country’s leading e-wallet confirmed that users with NFC-enabled smartphones can now pay at over 150 million establishments worldwide where Mastercard is accepted. The feature, first introduced locally in June, is powered by GCash’s partnership with Alipay+ and Mastercard.
NFC, or near field communication, enables secure wireless transactions by allowing devices to communicate within a short distance—technology already widely used in platforms like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
The move builds on GCash’s scan-to-pay service, which is already accessible in more than 50 international destinations. By combining these payment options, the company aims to spare overseas travelers from the hassle of carrying large amounts of foreign currency or multiple bank cards.
“With Tap to Pay, we’re not just modernizing payments; we’re empowering Filipinos with a seamless and globally competitive solution that is locally relevant and universally accessible,” said Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of G-Xchange Inc., GCash’s mobile wallet operator.
The feature is also gaining traction at home, with GCash Tap to Pay recently introduced for commuters on Metro Manila’s MRT-3 line.
GCash, now valued at $5 billion, continues to rise as one of the Philippines’ most influential fintech firms. Its parent company, Globe Telecom, has previously expressed interest in pursuing an initial public offering for the mobile wallet, depending on market conditions.
