Apple Pay Launches in Philippines with GoTyme, Metrobank, UnionBank, China Bank
Apple launched Apple Pay in the Philippines on Aug 04, 2026, bringing tokenized contactless payments to the market. Four banks support the service at launch: Chinabank, GoTyme Bank, Metrobank, and UnionBank. Cardholders can use Apple Pay for in-store, in-app, and online purchases across iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac.
Thousands of merchants accept Apple Pay from day one, including Jollibee, Ayala Malls, Globe, Foot Locker, and Abenson. Apple Pay assigns a unique Device Account Number stored in the device's Secure Element rather than retaining actual card numbers. Customers of select banks can apply for a virtual card through their bank's app or website and add it to Apple Pay immediately.
Users continue to earn the same rewards and benefits offered by their existing debit and credit cards.
- Apple Pay's Philippines launch expands tokenized card payment infrastructure in a high-growth APAC market with significant digital payment potential
- Challenger banks like GoTyme gaining day-one Apple Pay access demonstrates how embedded payments partnerships can level the playing field with incumbents