APPLE Pay has officially launched in the Philippines, allowing local cardholders to make secure, contactless payments using their Apple devices across retail stores, mobile applications, and e-commerce platforms.
The service rolls out with major launch partners, including China Banking Corp. (Chinabank), GoTyme Bank Corp. (GoTyme), Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank), and Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank).
Customers using eligible credit or debit cards issued by these institutions can now link their cards directly to the Apple Wallet app built into iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac models—eliminating the need to download third-party software.
Payment processing giant Maya Business is supporting the launch by enabling Apple Pay for more than 5,000 online merchants, while global card networks Visa and Mastercard have both confirmed full network compatibility for Philippine cardholders.
Executives across the financial and tech sectors highlighted the shift toward digital transactions.
Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, noted that the Philippines’ “digital-first generation is rapidly embracing a vision for a cashless future.”
Bank leaders echoed this trajectory.
Jose Julian E. Baduria Jr., Chinabank’s Payment Solutions Head, emphasized that the integration delivers “best-in-class payment experiences” while preserving card rewards.
UnionBank President and CEO Ana Aboitiz Delgado added that the move supports their focus on making everyday banking “simpler, safer, and more intuitive.”
GoTyme Bank CEO Nathaniel D. Clarke and payment leaders from Visa and Mastercard also welcomed the integration, pointing to enhanced security and convenience for both local residents and international tourists.
To use the service in physical stores, cardholders authenticate transactions using Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode before holding their device near a contactless terminal.
Apple emphasized that user privacy remains central to the platform: actual card numbers are neither stored on Apple servers nor shared with merchants.
Instead, transactions are completed using an encrypted Device Account Number stored securely on the device’s certified chip, paired with a dynamic security code for each payment.
