GCash has launched a new Security Center that lets users manage key protections in one place, including Lock My Account, Money Lock, and Subscription Center.
The tools allow users to freeze accounts during suspected scams, ring-fence selected GSave funds, and unlink connected merchants or apps, while existing security settings and device management are also consolidated in the hub.
LOOK: ₱700 cashback from PalawanPay credited in less than 24 hours after linking its virtual card to Google Pay and enrolling in the Visa promo.
Eligible Visa cards from select banks can get the cashback by making at least 3 tap-to-pay transactions worth a minimum of ₱1,000 each. Perfect if may purchases ka this month, just make sure to use Google Pay when you pay.
Maya Black and Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card will start charging a 1% cross-border fee on transactions processed by foreign merchants or payment processors, even when the transaction is billed in Philippine peso, according to an advisory sent by Maya today.
Currently, these cards do not charge a cross-border fee on such transactions. This can include payments to foreign merchants such as Airbnb and Agoda, Google Play or App Store purchases, and online subscriptions like Spotify, YouTube Premium, and HBO Max. The new 1% fee is set to take effect on November 17, 2026.
Asian College of Technology (ACT) in Cebu has partnered with GCash to let students and parents pay tuition, books, school supplies, and other fees through GCash Bills Pay, while Scan to Pay enables cashless payments on campus.
The partnership also gives students access to Study Now, Pay Later through Fuse Financing, offering an alternative way to manage tuition costs while reducing the need for campus visits and long payment queues.
Metrobank has introduced four new security features in its mobile app to help protect users from scams and unauthorized transactions, including a 24-hour Cooling-Off Period, Money Lock, Geolocation checks, and Payee Verification.
The enhancements give customers more control by temporarily blocking transactions after critical account changes, securing selected funds, flagging unusual activity based on device location, and confirming a recipient’s account name before transfers.
RCBC and Novus Transact Philippines are exploring a link to TBCASoft’s HIVEX network that could allow international QR wallet users to pay at Philippine merchants and RCBC wallet users to pay abroad. Markets being explored include Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, and other Southeast Asian countries, with the partnership still reviewing requirements for possible rollout.
CONFIRMED: We tried making a transaction with an international online merchant using the GCash Visa Card, and yes, the FX fee is now back to 0%!
The 0% FX fee also applies to ATM withdrawals and physical store purchases abroad.
JUST IN: GCash Visa Card FX Fee Is Back to 0%!
Enjoy 0% foreign currency transaction fee for transactions made through ATM withdrawals, physical stores, and online purchases.
This means you can use your GCash Visa Card for international transactions without the additional FX fee.
A welcome update, especially for those who frequently use their card abroad or for international online purchases.
BPI President and CEO Jose Teodoro “TG” Limcaoco was named Best Bank CEO in the Philippines, while BPI received the Best Managed Bank in the Philippines award at The Asian Banker Philippines Awards 2026, recognizing the bank’s transformation under his leadership.
BPI’s achievements included the integration of Robinsons Bank, expanding its reach, strengthening digital banking, and growing its lending, SME, microfinance, and wealth businesses.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas could raise its policy rate to 5.25% by year-end, even as the Philippine economy faces a weaker growth outlook. Analysts cited the country’s exposure to inflation risks as a key reason the central bank may continue tightening monetary policy.
For Filipinos, higher rates generally mean borrowing through loans and credit cards can become more costly, while banks may also offer higher rates on some savings products, making the rate outlook something worth watching whether you are borrowing, saving, or both.
RCBC and PDAX have signed an MOU to explore allowing RCBC customers to access PDAX’s regulated digital-asset platform through RCBC’s digital channels, starting with tokenized gold.
The collaboration aims to expand access to digital investment products, with future offerings, customer availability, launch timelines, and services subject to further development, agreement, and regulatory requirements.
Metrobank’s Online Time Deposit currently offers rates of up to 5% p.a., depending on the placement term.
For those starting with ₱10,000, the 1-month term offers 4.25% p.a., while longer terms can go as high as 5% p.a.
If you’re considering a time deposit, the main difference to look at is the interest rate versus how long your funds will be locked in.
GCash has launched Digital Tax Refund, allowing Filipino travelers to receive overseas tax refunds instantly in Philippine pesos through their GCash wallets.
Powered by Alipay+ and Global Blue, the service is initially available in 16 countries and eliminates the need to wait weeks for refunds or deal with leftover foreign currency and exchange-rate changes.
Participating countries: Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Argentina, Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Latvia, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland, with more countries to be added soon.
Visa and UMSI have launched U Accept, a solution that lets Filipino MSMEs accept contactless card payments using a smartphone via the uGrow app, no POS terminal needed.
It also supports pay-by-link, digital receipts, transaction tracking, and near-real-time settlement, helping reduce costs and simplify onboarding for MSMEs, which make up over 99% of businesses in the Philippines.
QRPh vs. InstaPay QR: What’s the difference? 🤔
With the recent ONE announcement from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and PPMI, you might be wondering: Ano na ba ang difference ng QRPh and InstaPay QR?
Here’s the simple version:
🔆 QRPh = Pay a merchant
Use it when paying restaurants, stores, groceries, and other businesses.
👉🏻 Think: “Scan to Pay”
⭕️ InstaPay QR = Send money
Use it when transferring money to another person or account through a bank or e-wallet.
👉🏻 Think: “Send Money”
Easy way to remember:
QRPh = Pay a Business
InstaPay QR = Send money
Both are part of the Philippines’ interoperable digital payment system, but the QR you see helps indicate what type of transaction you’re making.
And for fees, QRPh merchant payments have ₱0 sender charge, while InstaPay transfer fees depend on the provider. Almost all banks now offer ₱0 InstaPay transfers, while e-wallet fees may still vary.
So kahit parehong QR code, always check the logo and know what type of transaction you’re making. Mas simple kapag alam natin kung saan ginagamit ang bawat isa.
Netbank has been charging ₱5 for outgoing InstaPay transfers since August 1, 2026, but what caught our attention is that the ₱5 fee also applies when sending from Netbank to another Netbank account if the transfer is made through InstaPay.
This is not something we commonly see with same-bank transfers, which are usually free. It’s a good reminder that the transfer rail being used matters, even when both accounts are with the same bank.
For context, BSP does not mandate banks to charge a specific amount for fund transfers. Banks may set their own fees, subject to applicable rules and proper disclosure of the charges.
SSS members now have another option for short-term loans..
Social Security System (SSS) and RCBC have launched SSS Loan Lite, a microloan program that eligible SSS members can apply for through the RCBC DiskarTech app.
Here’s what we know:
• Loan amount: ₱1,000 to ₱20,000
• Repayment terms: 15, 30, 60, or 90 days
• Requires at least 12 months of SSS contributions
• No employer approval needed
• Real-time eligibility validation and immediate loan decision
• Instant disbursement once approved
• You may still qualify even if you have an existing SSS loan
The interest rate is 8% per year, or around 0.67% per month, based on the details shared by SSS.
Also worth noting: RCBC DiskarTech offers the MySSS Card, which can help members access SSS-related services and receive SSS loan disbursements more easily.
As always, check the full terms, fees, and eligibility requirements before taking out a loan.
Starting August 1, Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card and Loyalty Card Plus holders can enjoy exclusive benefits at participating Landers Superstore branches by simply presenting their cards.
Sulitin ang iyong Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card with these offers, valid until October 31, 2026:
• FREE Landers Shopping Pass
• FREE Landers Premium Membership with a minimum single-receipt purchase of ₱3,000
• Upgrade to Landers Executive Membership for only ₱300
📌 Good to know: You can visit Landers multiple times during the promo period, but the ₱3,000 minimum purchase must be in a single receipt to qualify for the FREE Premium Membership.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reports foreign direct investment inflows to the Philippines fell to $210 million in May, the lowest monthly level in more than 11 years. The decline came as global and domestic uncertainties weighed on investor activity, highlighting continued challenges in attracting foreign capital into the country.
Maya is considering an initial public offering as early as 2027 as the company continues to expand its digital banking and e-wallet businesses.The potential listing would mark a major step for Maya as it grows its financial services business in the Philippines.