Visa and GCash will soon launch a link-and-pay feature that allows consumers to use eligible Visa cards as a funding source for QR transactions within the GCash app.
The capability is designed to reduce the need to cash in or transfer funds from a bank account before making a purchase. Once a Visa card is linked, users will be able to select it as the funding method for QR payments anywhere GCash is accepted.
More payment options within GCash
At present, users without enough wallet balance generally need to top up through a linked deposit account or transfer funds from another bank. The upcoming feature will let them complete a QR payment at checkout using their linked Visa card instead.
This gives users another funding option for purchases at restaurants, weekend markets, retail outlets, and other GCash-accepting merchants. The payment experience remains within the GCash app, allowing consumers to choose between their available wallet balance and an eligible linked Visa card.
Biometric protection through Visa Payment Passkey
Transactions funded by a Visa card will be protected by Visa Payment Passkey, a biometric authentication method that allows users to verify purchases through their device’s fingerprint scanner, facial recognition system, or PIN.
The technology replaces passwords and SMS-based one-time passcodes for supported transactions. Built on Fast Identity Online standards, Visa Payment Passkey is intended to simplify authentication while strengthening protection against phishing and other forms of online fraud. Visa said biometric authentication can reduce fraud rates by up to 50% compared with authentication through SMS-based one-time passcodes.
“Consumers increasingly expect flexibility in how they pay, and are looking for payment experiences that are simple, secure, and seamless,” said Jeffrey Navarro, country manager for Visa Philippines.
“This collaboration expands that flexibility for consumers, allowing them to use their Visa credentials across everyday digital payment journeys, including QR payments. This takes us forward in making digital payments more accessible and convenient for everyone,” he added.
Supporting digital payments and financial inclusion
Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of G-Xchange Inc., the mobile wallet operator of GCash, said the new feature will give users more freedom in how they pay and manage their funds.
“This new feature further enhances the GCash experience for millions of Filipinos, giving them greater freedom in how they pay and manage their funds while maintaining the experience they’ve come to expect from GCash,” Reyes said. “This partnership also reinforces our shared trust with Visa to expand financial inclusion and bring more Filipinos into the digital economy,” he added.
According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, digital transactions account for 57.4% of total monthly retail payment volume in the country. Visa and GCash said enabling card-funded QR payments could support the continued growth of digital commerce by connecting cards, mobile wallets, and QR-based payments within one transaction flow.
In Summary
Visa and GCash will allow eligible Visa cards to fund QR payments directly through the GCash app. The feature is intended to reduce the need for wallet top-ups and will use Visa Payment Passkey for biometric authentication through a fingerprint, facial recognition, or device PIN.