Apple Pay is now live in the Philippines, giving iPhone and Apple Watch users another way to tap and pay in stores, apps and websites.
Apple announced on 4 August 2026, and was confirmed by Visa and Mastercard later that same day, that users in the Philippines can now make purchases with Apple Pay using iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac.
The rollout comes after months of waiting in which BSP had earlier classified Apple Pay as a technology service provider rather than an Operator of Payment System, clearing one regulatory question around its entry into the country.
The remaining piece was bank and issuer readiness, especially because cards need to be tokenised before they can work inside mobile wallets.
So, how do you use Apple Pay in the Philippines, which cards work, and where can you tap your iPhone or Apple Watch?
Last Updated: 04 August 2026
Can You Use Apple Pay in the Philippines Right Now?
Yes. Apple Pay is now available in the Philippines, but only with supported banks and eligible cards.
At launch, Apple Pay works with eligible Mastercard and Visa debit, credit or debit cards from Chinabank, GoTyme Bank, Metrobank and UnionBank.
If your bank or card is not supported yet, you may still see an error when trying to add it to Apple Wallet.
How to Set Up Apple Pay on iPhone
The first thing to check is whether your card is from a participating issuer.
Setting it up on your iPhone should be quite straightforward, as long as your card is eligible and issued by a participating bank.
Apple lists Chinabank, GoTyme Bank, Metrobank and UnionBank among the first early adopters, with eligible Mastercard and Visa cards supported.
Some banks may let you add a card through their own app by tapping Add to Apple Wallet or Add to Apple Pay.
You can also add a card directly through the Wallet app.
To do that, follow these steps:
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
- Tap the Add Card button.
- Select Debit or Credit Card.
- Tap Continue.
- Hold your iPhone near the chip on your card.
- If your card does not have a chip, tap Enter Card Details Manually. Apple also allows users to enter the card number manually or scan the card with the camera.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to verify your information with your bank or card issuer.
- Complete the required verification. Depending on the bank, this may involve a text message, security questions or confirmation through the bank’s app.
Once the card is approved, it should appear in Apple Wallet and become ready for Apple Pay.
How to Set Up Apple Pay on Apple Watch
Want to pay with your Apple Watch instead? You can also add Apple Pay to your watch and tap at contactless terminals without pulling out your iPhone. Or even bring one.
The easiest way to set it up is through the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap My Watch.
- Tap Wallet & Apple Pay.
- Tap Add Card if you want to add a new or previous card.
- Follow the onscreen instructions.
- If the card is already stored on your iPhone, tap Add next to that card.
- Complete any verification required by your bank or card issuer.
Once the card is approved, it should be ready to use on your Apple Watch.
Apple also lets you add a card directly from the watch. Open the Wallet app on Apple Watch, tap the More Options button, tap Add Card, then choose the type of card and follow the onscreen instructions.
What If Your Bank Does Not Support Apple Pay Yet?
Apple Pay is live, but not every Philippine bank or card is supported from day one.
If your card cannot be added, check whether your issuer is part of the launch list and whether your specific card type is eligible.
Some banks may support credit cards before debit cards, or selected card networks before others.
While waiting, users can still pay through physical cards, QR Ph, GCash, Maya, bank apps or Google Wallet on supported Android devices.
Where You Can Use Apple Pay in the Philippines
Apple says thousands of in-store and online merchants in the Philippines will accept Apple Pay.
It names Abenson, Anko, Ayala Malls Cinemas, Ayala Malls, Beyond the Box, Coach, Digimap, Foot Locker, Globe, HOKA, Hollister, Jollibee, Lush, Power Mac Center, Rustan’s, SaladStop!, Shake Shack, Smart, The Loop, The Matcha Tokyo, The Movie Snackbar, The Underbelly and WalterMart Supermarket.
Apps and websites include foodpanda, Jollibee, Rustan’s and Shopee. Maya Business will also enable Apple Pay for more than 5,000 online merchants.
How to Pay With Apple Pay in Stores
Paying with Apple Pay in stores is easy once your card has been added.
Think of it as tapping your contactless card, except you are using your iPhone or Apple Watch instead.
Look for the contactless payment symbol on the payment terminal before you pay.
On an iPhone with Face ID, double-click the side button. When your default card appears, authenticate with Face ID or your passcode, then hold the top of your iPhone near the card reader until you see Done or a checkmark.
On an iPhone with Touch ID, double-click the Home button, rest your finger on Touch ID, then hold the top of your iPhone near the reader until the payment is confirmed.
From your Apple Watch, double-click the side button, choose a card if needed, then hold the watch a few centimetres from the contactless reader with the display facing the reader.
A gentle tap and beep will confirm that the payment information has been sent.
FAQs About Apple Pay in the Philippines
1. Is Apple Pay available in the Philippines?
Yes. Apple Pay launched in the Philippines on 4 August 2026.
2. Which banks support Apple Pay in the Philippines?
At launch, Apple lists Chinabank, GoTyme Bank, Metrobank and UnionBank.
3. Which cards work with Apple Pay in the Philippines?
Eligible debit, credit and prepaid Mastercard or Visa cards from participating banks can work with Apple Pay.
4. Why can’t I add my card to Apple Pay?
Your bank may not support Apple Pay yet, or your specific card type may not be eligible.
5. Can I use Apple Pay with GoTyme?
Yes, Apple says eligible GoTyme Bank cards are supported at launch, and GoTyme debit cards can be issued through the GoTyme Bank app and added to Apple Pay.
6. Can I use Apple Pay with UnionBank?
Yes, Apple lists UnionBank among the launch banks, and says UnionBank credit cards from the UnionBank website can be issued instantly and added to Apple Pay.
7. Where can I use Apple Pay in the Philippines?
Apple Pay can be used at participating stores, apps and websites that accept it.
8. Can I use Apple Pay in Shopee, Jollibee or foodpanda?
Apple names Shopee, Jollibee and foodpanda among apps and websites offering Apple Pay at launch.
9. Can I use Apple Pay on Apple Watch?
Yes. Apple Pay works with Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 9 or later, paired with iPhone 8 or later.
10. Is Apple Pay safe?
Apple Pay uses a Device Account Number instead of the actual card number, and payments require authentication through Face ID, Touch ID, passcode or Apple Watch controls.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Philippines based on an image by ziaaurrehmanmalik via Magnific.
