Mastercard has announced its participation in the launch of Google Pay in the Philippines, extending the payments solution to Mastercard cardholders in the country.
Google Pay provides a quick and easy way to make purchases, whether transacting online, in apps, or in stores with an eligible Android device. The solution offers a seamless, contactless way to make payments, eliminating the need to present a card, press physical buttons, or use cash. It is designed with security and privacy at every level to keep users’ information safe.
This milestone strengthens Mastercard’s commitment to advancing the digital economy through innovative technology. The launch also supports Mastercard’s global goal to achieve 100 percent tokenization and 100 percent authentication, ensuring every digital transaction is protected by the highest standards of security.
Google Pay uses Mastercard’s tokenization technology, which replaces sensitive card details with a unique “token” or stand-in number stored on the user’s device and bound within a cryptogram. This means that a cardholder’s actual account information is never shared when tapping their phone in-store or making payments in-app or online. This ensures that the cardholders’ data remains protected during every transaction, all while offering the convenience of contactless payments—just tap and pay with a mobile device, without needing to pull out a physical card.
“We’re proud to work with Mastercard to bring faster, convenient and more secure payments to the Philippines. This launch underscores our enduring commitment to accelerating financial inclusion and fueling the next chapter of the Philippines’ dynamic digital economy,” said Prep Palacios, Country Manager, Google Philippines.
“The highly anticipated arrival of Google Pay marks a pivotal moment for the Philippines’ financial ecosystem,” said Jason Crasto, Country Manager, Philippines, Mastercard. “This innovation not only simplifies everyday payments but also accelerates the country’s journey toward a digitally inclusive economy, where secure, tokenized transactions become the norm for all. Mastercard is thrilled to help empower more Filipinos to tap into the benefits of digital payments with confidence.”
Mastercard cardholders from select issuers can now start paying in stores using their Android mobile phones equipped with near-field communication (NFC) technology, and online and in-app through Google Pay. The solution will be initially made available for Chinabank Mastercard Credit Card, EastWest Bank Mastercard Credit Card, GCash (via Tap to Pay feature), RCBC Mastercard Credit Card, and Zed Mastercard Credit Card cardholders. More partner banks are on track to enable Google Pay soon, allowing even more consumers to benefit from seamless and secure digital transactions.
To set up Google Pay, Mastercard cardholders can download the Google Wallet app from the Play Store and follow the instructions. Once their eligible Mastercard card is added, they can simply choose Google Pay at online checkout, confirm their purchase, and pay. For in-store transactions, cardholders can tap their Android devices at contactless payment terminals.
The introduction of Google Pay aligns with Mastercard’s ongoing efforts to promote contactless payments adoption in the Philippines, where tap-and-go transactions continue to rise in both frequency and consumer preference.
