Union Bank of the Philippines has introduced Apple Pay for its cardholders, giving customers another way to make contactless, in-app, and online payments. Supported UnionBank cards can be added to Apple Wallet on an iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac and used wherever Apple Pay is accepted.
The service allows users to complete transactions without repeatedly presenting a physical card or entering their card, contact, shipping, and billing information. Customers will continue to receive the rewards and benefits attached to their eligible UnionBank cards.
Paying in stores with an iPhone or Apple Watch
For in-store transactions, customers can double-click the side button on their iPhone or Apple Watch, authenticate the payment, and hold the device near a compatible contactless terminal. Each purchase is verified through Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode, together with a one-time unique dynamic security code.
Apple Pay can be used at grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, retail outlets, and other establishments that accept contactless payments. Actual availability depends on whether the UnionBank card is eligible and whether the merchant has a compatible payment terminal.
“As we continue building a next-generation bank, we’re focused on making everyday banking and payments simpler, safer, and more intuitive,” said Ana Aboitiz Delgado, president and CEO of UnionBank.
“Bringing Apple Pay to UnionBank cardholders enhances the payment experience by allowing customers to pay quickly and securely with the devices they use every day. Whether they’re shopping in-store, online, or in-app, customers can enjoy a more seamless way to pay, with the security and convenience they expect from UnionBank,” she added.
In-app and online purchases
Customers can also use Apple Pay on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to make purchases through supported apps and websites. This reduces the need to create separate accounts or repeatedly enter contact information, card details, and shipping and billing information during checkout.
The payment method is designed to work across a range of compatible Apple devices, allowing customers to use the device most appropriate for the transaction. A card must first be added to each device before it can be used through Apple Pay.
Protecting card information
Apple Pay does not store a customer’s actual credit or debit card number on the device or on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and stored in the Secure Element, a certified chip designed to protect payment information on the device.
This system combines tokenized card information with biometric or passcode authentication and a dynamic security code for each purchase. The customer’s original card number is therefore not shared during the transaction.
Adding a UnionBank card to Apple Wallet
To set up Apple Pay, customers can open the Wallet app on an iPhone, tap the plus symbol, and follow the on-screen instructions to add an eligible UnionBank card. Once the card has been added, it can be used on that device where Apple Pay is supported.
Eligible cards can also be added to an Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac. The source does not identify which UnionBank credit and debit cards are supported, so customers should confirm eligibility through UnionBank.
In Summary
UnionBank cardholders in the Philippines can now use Apple Pay for contactless, in-app, and online purchases. The service works across compatible Apple devices and protects transactions through device authentication, dynamic security codes, and tokenized card information.