GCash is gearing up to launch its Tap-to-Pay feature in overseas markets, aiming to provide seamless transactions for Filipino travellers. This expansion, leveraging near-field communication (NFC) technology, is slated for rollout by the middle of the year, according to Oscar Reyes Jr., President and CEO of G-Xchange, the operator of GCash.

The Tap-to-Pay service, which allows users to make payments by simply tapping their Android mobile phones on payment terminals, will initially be available for Android users.

Reyes emphasised the focus on Android due to its prevalence among Filipinos. However, the company is actively seeking collaboration with Apple to extend the feature to iOS users in the future.

“But we do want to offer it to Apple users as well. So (this is) something that hopefully we’ll be able to engage Apple to enable for us,” he said.

Domestically, GCash has been actively expanding the availability of Tap-to-Pay, with pilot tests conducted in Metro Manila retail stores and restaurants late last year.

The company envisions further integration of this technology into public transportation, aiming to eliminate the need for physical tickets on trains and buses, aligning with the push for automated fare collection systems.

The global expansion of Tap-to-Pay is part of GCash’s broader strategy to enhance digital payment options for Filipinos abroad.

In January, GCash, through its partnership with Alipay+, expanded its reach in Japan by collaborating with PayPay, enabling users to make payments at a wider range of merchants, including smaller businesses in rural areas.

Furthermore, GCash’s partnership with Visa grants its users access to over 100 million merchants across 200 countries and territories.

These strategic alliances underscore GCash’s commitment to providing convenient and accessible digital payment solutions for its users, both locally and internationally.

Featured image credit: Edited from Freepik