GCash launches PocketPay to boost contactless card payments
GCash has launched its new GCash PocketPay service, developed in partnership with BPC, to enable contactless card payment acceptance across millions of businesses in the Philippines. The rollout brings card-present and contactless digital payments to merchants through BPC's SmartVista platform, further accelerating the country's shift towards a digital economy.
Smartphone payments
The service allows any compatible Android device with near-field communication (NFC) capability to accept card payments. This removes the need for separate card readers or specialised hardware, addressing key challenges faced by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting digital payments. Over 6 million businesses using the GCash ecosystem can now offer customers a broader set of payment choices, including Visa and Mastercard contactless payments, without incurring upfront hardware costs.
Market access
Reducing restrictions around payment acceptance is expected to support greater inclusion for social sellers and street-level merchants, who typically face higher barriers to entering digital commerce. This is particularly relevant in the Philippines, where a large proportion of commercial activity comes from informal and small-scale sellers.
GCash for Business, the business-facing arm of the payment app, supports users in managing their transactions through its portal. The system features a payment tracker and management function, imposes no wallet limits on receiving digital payments, and does not charge transaction fees on supplier payments. This aims to lower the financial and administrative burden for businesses moving to digital services.
Technology integration
The SmartVista platform delivered by BPC provides a modular technology architecture that integrates with international payment schemes and offers flexibility for adding functionalities. The system also provides a unified operational interface for all payment channels and types, helping businesses track and manage their payment activities more efficiently.
GCash says the new partnership with BPC was chosen for its ability to meet rollout timelines and support phased expansions that align with company strategy. Both parties emphasised the collaborative process that enabled rapid deployment of the new service, which is set to expand further through integration with closed-loop QR codes and national QRPH standards.
Digital adoption
Digital and cashless payments have risen sharply in the Philippines in recent years. Growing internet penetration and smartphone adoption, especially via super-apps, has driven MSME participation in digital payments. By integrating both card and QR code payment options within a single platform, GCash aims to position itself at the centre of this transition.
GCash offers onboarding for business owners looking to adopt GCash PocketPay via its business portal, requiring only a verified account for access to essential features. This approach seeks to streamline the path for sellers to join the digital economy.
"We always work to provide meaningful digital finance solutions that empower people, organizations, and the nation. With BPC's SmartVista acquiring platform, we can stand up to our promise and provide modern payment acceptance. This product democratizes access to digital payment portals, which can often be intimidating for MSMEs," said Jong Layug, General Manager, GCash for Business, G-Xchange, Inc.
"Thanks to the partnership, GCash for Business now supports contactless Visa and Mastercard acceptance via GCash PocketPay on Android devices. SmartVista acquiring platform also set to support GCash closed-loop QR and QRPH, unifying card and QR payments across channels," said Layug.
"We're proud to power GCash for Business acquiring journey and to help in driving digitalisation through Filipino communities," said Pallav Malik, Account Manager for GCash, BPC. "I would like to commend collaboration between BPC and GCash that allowed this project to go live in record short time. Thanks to SmartVista's modular cloud-ready design and open APIs that give super-apps like GCash the speed to launch new services, the flexibility to innovate, and the resilience to scale acquisition across all its merchant network," said Malik.
