Google Pay reportedly set for PH launch later in the year. Here's what to know about the mobile payment app
Filipinos are about to get another cashless payment option as Google Pay will launch in the Philippines soon.
Google Pay is a mobile payment service developed by Google that allows users to make seamless, secure payments in-store, online, and within apps using their mobile devices.
It differs from traditional e-wallets in that, rather than holding money, it securely stores your credit or debit card details instead. Through this, you'll be able to essentially make payments using a virtual version of your card instead of the physical one.
To keep your card details safe, Google sends a virtual account number to the merchant instead of your actual details.
Another notable feature of Google Pay is that it uses near-field communication to work. This technology uses radio waves to engage the payee account with the merchant account.
Users can set up a screen lock to add an extra layer of security. This way, you'll need to enter a personal PIN, pattern, or fingerprint before you can tap to pay.
Setting up an account
To set up an account, Android users must download the Google Wallet app, where they will then be asked to add a card or pass the first time they open the app.
Users can simply open their camera to scan a debit or credit card, or a photo of a pass. They can also enter details manually.
Make sure that your phone meets software standards, has the NFC turned on, and Google Pay is set as the default payment app.
To make contactless payments, you can simply hold your device near the card reader in stores and wait for the checkmark. If you don't have your phone with you, the app is also available on tablets and even smart watches.
Where you can use the app
In eligible countries, you can use Google Pay to pay in stores where you see the Google Pay symbol, the contactless symbol (four curved lines), or the "Buy with Google Pay" button.
As of 2025, the app is available to use in 85 countries. The Philippines remains the only country in Southeast Asia that has yet to fully adopt this method.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas previously confirmed that Google Pay, along with Apple Pay, no longer needs to register as Operators of Payment Systems to launch locally, as these services facilitate transactions and do not hold actual funds like e-wallets.