Apple Pay Now Available for Visa Cardholders in the Philippines

Global payments company Visa on Tuesday announced that its eligible debit and credit cardholders in the Philippines can now add their cards to Apple Pay on iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. To set up Apple Pay, Visa said iPhone users simply need to open the Wallet app, tap the "+" button, and follow the prompts to add an eligible Visa card. "Once a customer adds a card to iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac, they can start using Apple Pay on that device right away," Visa said. The company added that customers will continue to receive all the rewards and benefits offered by their Visa cards. Visa said the launch of Apple Pay is expected to accelerate the digitalization of payments while expanding payment options for Filipinos traveling abroad and foreign visitors in the Philippines. According to Visa, 97% of travelers across the Asia-Pacific region said they plan to bring credit, debit, or prepaid cards on their trips, while only 17% intend to carry foreign currency. Among travelers, 38% prefer using cards because of their security and fraud protection features, while 20% cited their wide acceptance. For in-store purchases, Visa said customers can double-click the side button on their iPhone or Apple Watch, authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode, and hold the device near a contactless payment terminal. The company said every Apple Pay transaction is authenticated using Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode, along with a one-time dynamic security code. Apple Pay can be used at grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, retail outlets, and other merchants that accept contactless payments. "Apple Pay represents the next evolution of payments in the Philippines, combining ease of use, simplicity, and security in every transaction while enhancing the payment experience for Visa cardholders," said Jeffrey Navarro, country manager for Visa Philippines. "With Apple Pay, Filipinos and tourists alike now have seamless and secure ways to pay across shops, restaurants, travel destinations, and public transport, supporting the nation's vision of becoming a cash-lite economy," he added. Visa also emphasized that security and privacy are central to Apple Pay. "When customers use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device or on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard certified chip designed to safely store payment information on the device," the company said. — MCG, GMA News