GCash and Mastercard are expanding digital payment access in the Philippines through a new collaboration that will allow eligible international visitors to pay local merchants using their existing Mastercard credit and debit cards linked to the GCash app.
Expected to launch in Q3 2026, Mastercard Pay Local will enable foreign travelers to make mobile payments without the need to cash in or load their GCash wallets. The service aims to provide a more convenient way for tourists to pay for everyday expenses, including dining, shopping, attractions, and transportation, while using payment methods they already trust.
Through the partnership, international visitors can connect their eligible Mastercard cards to the GCash app and use their mobile phones for local transactions. Philippine merchants can accept these payments through their existing QR payment setup, allowing businesses to serve more international customers without additional infrastructure upgrades.
“Travelers increasingly expect the convenience and confidence of their everyday payment experiences to travel with them,” said Jason Crasto, Country Manager, Philippines, Mastercard. “Mastercard’s global network coupled with GCash’s everyday acceptance means visitors can spend less time thinking about how to pay and more time enjoying everything the Philippines has to offer, while helping local businesses benefit from growing tourism.”
Ren-ren Reyes, President and CEO of G-Xchange Inc., the operator of GCash, said the initiative aims to make travel in the Philippines more seamless while creating additional opportunities for local businesses.
The move comes as international tourism continues to grow, increasing demand for accessible and secure digital payment solutions. The Philippines recorded 2.96 million foreign visitors between January and mid-June 2026, representing a 6.16% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
The Mastercard Pay Local service builds on the companies’ existing collaboration in card issuance, merchant acceptance, and QR payment enablement. GCash and Mastercard said further details on eligible cards and customer registration will be announced closer to the service’s availability.
The partnership highlights the expanding role of fintech and mobile payment technologies in supporting tourism, financial inclusion, and a more connected digital economy in the Philippines.
