Using GCash, Maya, and Other Cashless Apps in the Philippines

Your Guide to Navigating the Country’s Digital Payment Landscape

In recent years, the Philippines has rapidly embraced digital finance, with mobile wallets and cashless apps becoming essential tools for everyday transactions. Whether you’re paying bills, shopping online, sending money, or splitting a restaurant tab, cashless apps like GCash, Maya, GrabPay, and ShopeePay have revolutionized how Filipinos — and expats — manage their money.

For foreigners living, working, or staying long-term in the Philippines, understanding and using these apps can make life far more convenient. In this guide, we’ll explore the top cashless apps in the country, how to set them up, what features they offer, and practical tips to make the most of your digital wallet experience.

Why Go Cashless in the Philippines?

While cash remains a common mode of payment in many rural areas, urban centers like Manila, Cebu, and Davao are rapidly moving toward a digital-first payment ecosystem. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, and now even small vendors and street food stalls often accept GCash or Maya.

Benefits of going cashless:

• Convenience: Pay bills, send money, and shop without leaving your house.

• Speed: Skip lines at banks and payment centers.

• Security: Reduce the risk of carrying physical cash.

• Promos and Cashback: Apps often offer discounts, points, or rewards.

• QR Code Payments: Widely accepted in malls, cafes, taxis, and pharmacies.

1. GCash: The Market Leader

GCash is the most widely used mobile wallet in the Philippines, with over 90 million registered users as of 2025. Operated by Mynt (a partnership between Globe Telecom, Ayala Corp, and Ant Group), GCash offers an extensive range of services beyond just mobile payments.

Key Features:

• Send Money to other GCash users or bank accounts

• Pay Bills for utilities, internet, government, and more

• Buy Load for prepaid SIMs

• GSave: Digital savings account with CIMB Bank

• GInvest: Invest in mutual funds and UITFs

• GLife: Shop and book services directly inside the app

• GCredit: A credit line based on your usage score

• Scan to Pay via QR at 1 million+ locations

How to Register:

• Download the app (available on Android/iOS)

• Register with a Philippine mobile number

• Upload a valid ID (e.g., passport, ACR I-Card, or driver’s license)

• Complete facial recognition for verification

For Foreigners:

You’ll need a local SIM card and a valid ID accepted by GCash. An Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card) is often required. Without it, your account may be limited in functionality.

2. Maya: GCash’s Leading Competitor

Formerly known as PayMaya, Maya has rebranded into a full-fledged digital bank and wallet. Backed by Voyager Innovations and the PLDT Group, Maya combines banking and payments into one sleek platform.

Key Features:

• Digital Savings Account with up to 10% interest p.a. (promo-based)

• Instant Debit Card (virtual and physical)

• Crypto Trading: Buy/sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more

• Maya Credit: Access up to PHP 15,000 as a credit line

• Pay Bills, Send Money, and QR Payments

• Personalized Usernames for transfers (e.g., @john.doe)

Registration Steps:

• Download the Maya app

• Register with a mobile number

• Upload ID and complete eKYC

• Link to a bank or cash-in through kiosks

For Expats:

Maya also requires a valid government-issued ID. If you don’t have a Filipino ID, accepted documents may include passports and ACR I-Cards. Maya is often more flexible than GCash with ID verification, but it’s still recommended to complete the full verification to unlock features like crypto, interest earnings, and higher transfer limits.

3. GrabPay

Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing and delivery app, also offers GrabPay, a digital wallet embedded into the Grab ecosystem.

What You Can Do:

• Pay for Grab rides, GrabFood, GrabMart, and other services

• Use GrabPay in partner restaurants and stores

• Earn and redeem GrabRewards points

• Link with GCash or Maya for top-ups

While GrabPay is not as versatile as GCash or Maya in terms of bill payments or investment tools, it’s incredibly convenient for daily transportation and food delivery.

4. ShopeePay and LazPayLater

If you frequently shop online, you’ve likely used ShopeePay (Shopee’s digital wallet) or LazPayLater (from Lazada). These apps allow you to:

• Load your wallet for seamless checkout

• Access free shipping vouchers and cashback promos

• Use “Buy Now, Pay Later” for eligible purchases

• Pay via QR in participating offline partner stores

ShopeePay is ideal for promo hunters and shoppers, but it lacks broader financial tools like savings or transfers.

5. Other Niche Cashless Platforms

In addition to the big players, several smaller apps are gaining ground:

• Coins.ph – A digital wallet + crypto exchange + remittance tool, with easy mobile load and bill payment features. It’s especially popular with freelancers and overseas workers.

• JuanCash – Focused on financial literacy and micro-loans.

• PalawanPay – Operated by Palawan Pawnshop; widely used in rural areas for cash pickups, remittance, and bills payment.

How to Cash In and Cash Out

Cash In Methods:

• Over-the-counter (7-Eleven, Palawan Pawnshop, SM, Cebuana Lhuillier)

• Online bank transfer via Instapay or PESONet

• Credit or debit card (with fees)

• PayPal (in some wallets like GCash or Payoneer to Maya)

Cash Out Options:

• ATM withdrawal via linked debit card (GCash/Maya)

• Over-the-counter outlets

• Bank transfers

• Delivery via remittance partners (e.g., GCash to Palawan, Maya to Cebuana)

Accepted IDs for Verification (for Foreigners)

Always check the latest list on the app’s official site or support page, as ID policies can change.

Tips for Using Cashless Apps Safely

• Use strong passwords and enable biometrics

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions

• Activate transaction alerts via SMS or push notification

• Double-check recipient details before sending money

• Don’t share OTPs or PINs with anyone — even if they claim to be support staff

Everyday Scenarios Where Cashless Apps Are Useful

Grocery Shopping

Scan-to-pay is available at major supermarkets like SM, Robinsons, and even local wet markets that accept QR codes.

Bills Payment

No more lining up at payment centers — use GCash or Maya to pay for electricity, water, and internet with a few taps.

Food Delivery

Order via GrabFood or Foodpanda and pay directly through GrabPay or Maya for instant checkout and promo deals.

Transportation

Use GrabPay for rides around Cebu or Metro Manila, or scan QR codes in partner taxis and jeepneys (in pilot areas).

Sending Allowance

Easily send funds to helpers, tutors, or family members. You can even set up recurring transfers.

Can Foreigners Open Bank-Linked Wallets?

Yes — if you have a valid ACR I-Card and Philippine mobile number, you can link your GCash or Maya account to select local banks like BPI, UnionBank, and CIMB. This enables seamless transfers, cash-ins, and automated savings.

However, opening a bank account as a foreigner may require:

• ACR I-Card

• Proof of billing

• Employment contract or school certificate

• Minimum deposit

GCash’s GSave and Maya’s savings feature offer a digital-first alternative with higher interest rates and fewer requirements.

What Happens If You Lose Your Phone?

If your phone is stolen or lost:

1. Immediately report to your wallet provider via their hotline or email.

2. Lock your SIM card with your mobile carrier.

3. Request device unlinking and reset from the app’s web portal or customer support.

4. Reinstall the app on a new device once your number is reactivated.

Apps like GCash and Maya allow recovery using your registered mobile number, PIN, and security questions.

Promos and Rewards

Most apps offer aggressive promotions for new users:

• Free ₱50 or ₱100 credits upon signing up

• Cashback for bill payments

• Points systems (e.g., GrabRewards, Shopee Coins)

• Referral bonuses for inviting friends

Check the “Promos” section within the app for updated deals, especially during holidays and shopping festivals.

The Future of Cashless in the Philippines

With the BSP’s (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) goal to make 70% of transactions digital by 2026, cashless adoption will only grow. Unified QR codes (QRPh), digital banking licenses, and fintech innovation are making payments faster, safer, and more inclusive.

Expect to see:

• Wider offline merchant acceptance

• Interoperability between wallets

• AI-driven finance tools

• Digital credit scoring for unbanked users

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a Filipino or a foreigner residing in the Philippines, using cashless apps like GCash, Maya, and GrabPay can greatly enhance your convenience and safety. From grocery runs to crypto investing, these tools are reshaping how money moves in the archipelago.

Choose the right app based on your lifestyle — GCash for everyday payments, Maya for digital banking and crypto, GrabPay for rides and food, and ShopeePay for online deals. And remember: your mobile wallet is only as secure as your habits. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy going cashless in the Philippines.