TARLAKENYO (August 31, 2025) — The long wait is finally over for Android users in the Philippines as Google Pay is officially coming to the country.
The Google service will have a phased rollout led by Mastercard beginning in November 2025. Other reports indicate that the official launch will take place on November 18.
This strategic move, announced in partnership with major financial institutions, will integrate the Philippines into the global digital payments ecosystem, allowing users to make secure contactless payments both domestically and internationally. The Philippines is the last Southeast Asian country without Google Pay.
Google Pay’s initial rollout will focus first on enabling Mastercard credit and debit cardholders from partner banks to add their cards to Google Pay.
The service will not be available to everyone immediately. The launch will happen in phases throughout November, starting with Mastercard cardholders. Support for other networks like Visa is expected to follow.
While the full list of supported banks will be confirmed closer to the launch, initial reports suggest major players are on board. Filipinos can expect support from institutions such as BDO Unibank, BPI, Security Bank, and RCBC, among others.
The arrival of Google Pay introduces a new dynamic to the country’s digital payment landscape, which is currently dominated by QR-code-based apps like GCash and Maya. Google Pay’s key differentiator is its NFC-based “tap-to-pay” functionality and its global acceptance, positioning it as a premium tool for in-store and international transactions rather than a direct replacement for the all-in-one ecosystems of local e-wallets.
