Manila: Eligible Visa and Mastercard cardholders in the Philippines can now use Apple Pay to make secure, contactless payments across Apple devices, both companies announced Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Visa and Mastercard confirmed the launch of Apple Pay in the Philippines through separate statements. Eligible cardholders can seamlessly add their cards to Apple Pay, enabling secure and private payments in-store, in-app, and online across their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac.

To pay in-store, customers just need to double-click the side button, authenticate, and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment. Every Apple Pay purchase is secure as it is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, along with a one-time unique dynamic security code.

Apple Pay is accepted in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, and many more places that accept contactless payments. 'Apple Pay represents the next evolution of payments in the Philippines, combining ease of use, simplicity, and security in every transaction, helping amplify the payment experience for Visa cardholders in the Philippines,' said Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines. He added that with Apple Pay, Filipinos and tourists alike now have seamless and secure ways to pay across shops, restaurants, travel destinations, and public transport, supporting the nation's vision to become a cash-lite economy.

Mastercard Philippines Country Manager Jason Crasto also commented on the launch, stating that Apple Pay enables secure, seamless, and convenient payment experiences for consumers in the Philippines. 'As digital adoption continues to accelerate in this region, we're excited to continue connecting people to the payment choices they want and the peace of mind they need every time they pay,' he said.