Digital payments in the Philippines have taken a leap forward with the introduction of Tap to Pay, a next-generation contactless payment system designed to offer customer convenience through effortless, quick, and secure transactions.
Developed through a collaboration between Singapore-based fintech firm Open Fabric and the country’s leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem, GCash, the initiative aims to modernize the way Filipinos pay.The collaboration paved the way for a faster and more seamless integration with Mastercard. This technological platform allows GCash users to send payments to merchants that accept Mastercard across the Philippines in a secure and more convenient way.
The system leverages Open Fabric’s encrypted tokenization transaction technology, ensuring that payments remain secure and operational even in areas with limited connectivity—a key consideration especially in the Philippines, where digital infrastructure remains uneven.
Tap to Pay enables GCash users to complete transactions simply by tapping their NFC-enabled Android phone on any compatible point-of-sale (POS) terminal that accepts card payments. This greatly enhances the use of the GCash app as users can now pay using GCash to merchants that accept Mastercard across the Philippines.
"At GCash, we continuously push the boundaries of digital payments to deliver a faster, more secure, and more inclusive cashless experience for Filipinos," said GCash vice president and head of product innovation Ferdie Perez. "We believe that ensuring tech leadership is critical, and with the Open Fabric platform helping enable Tap to Pay, the next stage of digital transactions is achieved— and one that aligns with the pace of the country’s fast-evolving digital economy."
“GCash’s Tap to Pay solution is a game-changer, demonstrating how account tokenization and contactless technology can bridge gaps in financial access. We’re honoured to collaborate with GCash on this milestone. We look forward to scaling its impact– empowering more Filipinos with inclusive and next-generation payment experiences," said Soma Ramasamy, founder and CEO of Open Fabric.
The move reflects a broader global trend towards tap and go payments, already well established in countries like Singapore, Japan, and the United States. With Open Fabric’s infrastructure, the collaboration ensures that Filipinos gain access to the same level of efficiency and security that has become standard in more advanced digital economies.
A financially inclusive payments landscape
The expansion of GCash into NFC technology signals a shift in the local fintech landscape, where QR codes have long dominated digital transactions. While the Philippines’ reliance on cash remains high, the increasing adoption of contactless payments—fueled by growing smartphone penetration and consumer preference for frictionless transactions—suggests a transition towards a more digital-first economy.
For GCash, the move is as much about financial inclusion as it is about innovation. The company has positioned itself as a digital enabler, offering services that range from payments and savings to credit and investments. Tap to Pay is the latest addition to its expanding ecosystem, designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday commerce.
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