Google has rolled out Google Wallet in the Philippines, allowing Android and Wear OS users to store payment cards, boarding passes, event tickets, and other digital items in a single app.
Starting Nov. 18, cardholders from participating banks can add their Visa or Mastercard cards to Google Wallet and use their phones or smartwatches to tap and pay at any contactless terminal.
The service also works for online and in-app payments where the Google Pay button is supported, including on platforms such as Shopee.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said technology service providers like Google are not classified as operators of payment systems, but banks and e-money issuers using their services remain responsible for managing risks.
Google Wallet functions as a credential container on Android devices, while Google Pay enables the actual transaction using tokenized card details.
Users must verify their cards with their issuing bank before they can be used for payments. Lost or stolen devices can be locked or wiped using Google’s Find My Device tool.
Beyond payments, travelers can store boarding passes from Philippine Airlines and other carriers, with notifications for schedule and gate changes.
Event tickets, transit tickets, loyalty cards, digital vouchers, and supported digital car keys can also be added.
Initial issuing partners include China Bank, EastWest, RCBC, GoTyme, Maya, UnionBank, GCash, and Zed.
Merchants and payment service providers such as PesoPay and Payermax support checkout via Google Pay, with additional partners expected to follow.
Transit payments through Google Wallet are currently accepted at MRT-3 in Metro Manila, on modern jeepneys in Cebu and Mandaue City, and on buses that accept Visa or Mastercard tap-to-pay. Beep card integration is listed as “coming soon.”
Google Wallet is available for download on the Google Play Store.
