Visa has expanded digital payment options in the Philippines with the launch of Garmin Pay, enabling eligible Visa debit and credit cardholders to make contactless payments directly from compatible Garmin smartwatches.
The service is now available for Visa cards issued by EastWest Bank and GoTyme Bank, as well as supported foreign-issued Visa cards. Users can make secure tap-to-pay transactions at contactless-enabled terminals nationwide without needing to carry a physical card or mobile phone.
Garmin Pay is powered by Visa’s tokenization technology, which enhances security by replacing sensitive card information with unique digital tokens. This helps reduce fraud risks while ensuring a seamless payment experience for consumers.
The Philippines becomes the fourth market in Southeast Asia to support Garmin Pay, joining Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The launch follows Visa and Google’s introduction of Google Wallet and Google Pay in the Philippines in 2025, further accelerating the country’s shift toward digital and cashless payments.
According to Visa, more than 71% of consumers in the Asia-Pacific region prefer using mobile or smart devices for in-store transactions. The company said Garmin Pay offers Filipinos a faster, more convenient, and secure payment method for everyday purchases, public transportation, and travel-related transactions.
The initiative is also expected to benefit tourism. Visa research shows that 97% of travelers in the region prefer using payment cards while traveling, while only 17% intend to carry foreign currency. In the Philippines, 44% of tourists reported experiencing payment-related challenges, including merchants that do not accept their preferred payment methods.
With wearable payment technology gaining traction globally, Visa’s latest move strengthens the Philippines’ digital payments ecosystem and supports broader efforts to build a cash-lite economy.
