Updated: August 5, 2026
Apple Pay is finally available in the Philippines, but there is one important thing every user needs to understand: not every Philippine-issued debit or credit card can be added to Apple Wallet yet.
Apple officially launched Apple Pay in the country on August 4, 2026. During the initial rollout, customers of four Philippine banks gained access to the service:
- Chinabank
- GoTyme Bank
- Metrobank
- UnionBank
Even within these participating banks, card eligibility depends on the payment network and card type. A bank may support its Visa credit cards but not its Visa debit cards, for example. Some individual card products may also remain ineligible despite belonging to a supported category.
This guide provides the complete list of Apple Pay-supported banks and cards in the Philippines, explains how to check whether your card is eligible, and answers common questions about BDO, BPI, GCash, Maya, virtual cards, supplementary cards, and other Philippine payment products.
Content
Apple Pay Supported Banks in the Philippines at a Glance
According to Apple’s official participating-bank list, these are the Philippine banks and card categories supported as of August 5, 2026:
| Bank | Visa credit | Visa debit | Mastercard credit | Mastercard debit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinabank | Supported | Supported | Supported | Not currently listed |
| GoTyme Bank | Supported | Supported | Not currently listed | Not currently listed |
| Metrobank | Supported | Not currently listed | Supported | Supported |
| UnionBank | Supported | Supported | Supported | Supported |
Apple officially lists the participating issuers under their legal names: China Banking Corporation, GoTyme Bank Corporation, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, and Union Bank of the Philippines. Apple also warns that some cards issued by participating banks may not yet be supported, so the issuing bank still has the final decision regarding an individual card.
Which Philippine Banks Currently Support Apple Pay?
At launch, Apple Pay supports eligible cards from four local banks.
1. Chinabank
Apple Pay supports selected cards issued by China Banking Corporation, commonly known as Chinabank.
The card categories officially listed by Apple are:
- Chinabank Visa credit cards
- Chinabank Visa debit cards
- Chinabank Mastercard credit cards
Chinabank Mastercard debit cards are not included in Apple’s current published list.
This means that a Chinabank customer should check both the type of card and the network logo printed on it.
For example:
- A Chinabank Visa credit card belongs to a supported category.
- A Chinabank Visa debit card belongs to a supported category.
- A Chinabank Mastercard credit card belongs to a supported category.
- A Chinabank Mastercard debit card is not currently listed.
Even when your card appears to belong to one of the supported categories, activation is still subject to Chinabank’s approval and internal eligibility rules.
How to Add a Chinabank Card to Apple Pay
The general process is:
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
- Tap the plus sign or Add Card button.
- Select Debit or Credit Card.
- Scan, tap, or manually enter your card details.
- Accept the applicable terms and conditions.
- Complete the verification requested by Chinabank.
- Wait for confirmation that the card is ready to use.
When card verification fails, customers can contact Chinabank through its official customer-service channels. Chinabank has also published a dedicated Apple Pay page following the Philippine launch.
Will Every Chinabank Credit Card Work?
Apple lists Chinabank Visa and Mastercard credit cards broadly, but this should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every product, supplementary card, corporate card, or special-purpose card is eligible.
Apple clearly states that some cards from participating issuers might not yet work with Apple Pay. The safest approach is to attempt enrollment in Wallet or contact Chinabank to confirm the exact card product.
2. GoTyme Bank
GoTyme Bank is one of Apple Pay’s initial Philippine banking partners.
Apple’s official list identifies the following supported categories:
- GoTyme Visa debit cards
- GoTyme Visa credit cards
GoTyme provides more detailed information on its own Apple Pay page. The bank currently says customers can add the following products to Apple Wallet:
- GoTyme physical debit card
- GoTyme virtual debit card
- MoreTyme virtual card
The card must be active and must not be locked or expired. The customer must also be able to receive any required verification, such as a one-time PIN.
How to Add a GoTyme Card Through the GoTyme App
GoTyme customers can add an eligible card directly through the bank’s application:
- Open the GoTyme Bank app.
- Go to the Cards page.
- Select the card you want to add.
- Tap Add to Apple Wallet.
- Follow the instructions.
- Complete any requested verification.
Customers may also add the card through Apple Wallet by tapping Add Card and following the onscreen instructions.
Does the GoTyme Virtual Debit Card Work with Apple Pay?
Yes. GoTyme officially lists both its physical and virtual debit cards as eligible for Apple Wallet, provided the card and account meet the bank’s requirements.
This is convenient for customers who want to start using Apple Pay without relying only on the physical card.
Does MoreTyme Work with Apple Pay?
GoTyme also lists the MoreTyme virtual card among the cards that can be added to Apple Wallet. Eligibility can still depend on account status and whether the MoreTyme product has been made available to the individual customer.
Do You Still Earn Go Rewards Points?
GoTyme says customers retain the benefits and rewards associated with their card when paying through Apple Pay, including eligible Go Rewards points.
Normal rewards rules still apply. A transaction must meet GoTyme’s requirements for earning points, and cancelled, refunded, cash-like, or otherwise excluded transactions may not qualify.
3. Metrobank
Metrobank is another major Philippine bank included in Apple Pay’s initial rollout.
Apple officially lists these card categories:
- Metrobank Visa credit cards
- Metrobank Mastercard credit cards
- Metrobank Mastercard debit cards
Metrobank Visa debit cards are not currently listed as supported.
This network distinction is particularly important for Metrobank customers.
A Metrobank customer may have a supported credit card but an unsupported debit card, depending on whether the card uses Visa or Mastercard.
Metrobank Apple Pay Eligibility Examples
Based on Apple’s current list:
- Metrobank Visa credit card: supported category
- Metrobank Mastercard credit card: supported category
- Metrobank Mastercard debit card: supported category
- Metrobank Visa debit card: not currently listed
The exact product must still pass Metrobank’s eligibility and verification checks.
How to Add a Metrobank Card to Apple Pay
The standard Wallet process is:
- Open Apple Wallet.
- Tap the plus sign.
- Select Debit or Credit Card.
- Scan or manually enter the card details.
- Review and accept the terms.
- Complete Metrobank’s required verification.
- Wait for the card to become active in Wallet.
Metrobank’s digital-wallet terms explain that enrolling a card creates a secure digital token that replaces the physical card number when processing Wallet transactions. The bank treats tokenized transactions as transactions made using the underlying Metrobank card.
Do Metrobank Card Terms Still Apply?
Yes.
Adding a Metrobank card to Apple Pay does not replace the original card agreement. Credit limits, interest, fees, payment deadlines, rewards rules, fraud controls, and other account terms continue to apply.
Apple Pay is simply an alternative way of presenting the card during a transaction.
What About Metrobank Prepaid Cards?
Metrobank’s general digital-wallet terms mention debit, prepaid, and credit cards. However, Apple’s current Philippine participating-bank list specifically identifies Metrobank Visa credit cards and Mastercard credit and debit cards.
Apple does not currently list Metrobank prepaid cards as an eligible Apple Pay category. Customers should not assume that a prepaid card is supported unless Metrobank confirms it for Apple Pay.
4. UnionBank
UnionBank has the broadest network coverage among the initial participating Philippine banks.
Apple officially lists:
- UnionBank Visa credit cards
- UnionBank Visa debit cards
- UnionBank Mastercard credit cards
- UnionBank Mastercard debit cards
This means both Visa and Mastercard credit and debit card categories are included in Apple’s published list.
However, Apple’s usual warning still applies: some individual cards from a participating issuer may not yet be supported.
How to Add a UnionBank Card to Apple Pay
The general process is:
- Open Apple Wallet.
- Tap the plus sign or Add Card.
- Select Debit or Credit Card.
- Scan or manually enter the UnionBank card.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Complete UnionBank’s verification process.
- Wait for the activation confirmation.
During the Philippine launch, Apple also said customers of selected banks could apply for a virtual card through their bank’s app or website, have it issued instantly, and add it to Apple Pay. Apple’s launch notes identify UnionBank as one of the banks connected to this virtual-card option.
Can a UnionBank Virtual Credit Card Be Added?
Eligible UnionBank virtual cards may be added when they are approved and enabled by the bank.
The presence of Visa or Mastercard branding alone is not enough. The card must be recognized as eligible when you attempt to add it through Wallet or UnionBank’s official channels.
Do Former Citi Cards Issued or Migrated by UnionBank Work?
Customers with cards transferred from Citi to UnionBank should not automatically assume that every migrated product is eligible.
Apple’s list identifies UnionBank Visa and Mastercard credit and debit card categories, but individual eligibility remains subject to UnionBank’s system and card-product rules. The best way to confirm is to attempt adding the card or contact UnionBank.
Why Are Only Four Banks Supported?
Apple Pay requires technical, security, contractual, and network integration among Apple, the issuing bank, and the card network.
A bank must be able to:
- Verify eligible customers
- Convert card details into secure payment tokens
- Approve or reject transactions
- Manage lost devices and suspended digital cards
- Handle refunds and disputes
- Meet Apple Pay and card-network security requirements
- Provide customer support for enrollment and transaction issues
Because of these requirements, Apple Pay normally launches with a limited number of issuers before expanding to additional banks.
Apple said thousands of Philippine merchants would accept Apple Pay at launch, with support from Chinabank, GoTyme Bank, Metrobank, and UnionBank across major debit and credit networks.
Do BDO Cards Work with Apple Pay?
As of August 5, 2026, BDO is not included in Apple’s official list of participating Philippine card issuers.
This means BDO Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, debit, and credit cards should not currently be assumed eligible for Apple Pay in the Philippines.
A BDO card cannot be added simply because it is contactless or uses Visa or Mastercard. BDO must officially enable its cards for Apple Pay.
Customers should wait for a formal announcement from Apple or BDO.
Does BPI Support Apple Pay?
As of August 5, 2026, BPI is not listed as a participating Philippine Apple Pay issuer.
That includes cards issued directly by BPI unless the bank announces support later.
BPI customers may still use their physical contactless cards or other payment methods, but they cannot assume their cards can be stored in Apple Wallet for Apple Pay.
Does RCBC Support Apple Pay?
RCBC does not appear in Apple’s initial Philippine participating-bank list as of August 5, 2026.
This applies even when an RCBC card carries a Visa or Mastercard logo. The issuer itself must support Apple Pay.
Does Security Bank Support Apple Pay?
Security Bank is not included in Apple’s current Philippine list. Its cards should therefore be treated as unsupported unless Apple or Security Bank announces otherwise.
Does EastWest Support Apple Pay?
EastWest is not among the four launch partners listed by Apple. Its credit and debit cards are not currently identified as eligible Philippine Apple Pay cards.
Does PNB Support Apple Pay?
Philippine National Bank is not listed as a participating Apple Pay issuer in the Philippines as of August 5, 2026.
Does LandBank Support Apple Pay?
LandBank is not included in Apple’s initial list of participating Philippine banks. Customers should wait for an official announcement before attempting to rely on a LandBank card through Apple Pay.
Does HSBC Philippines Support Apple Pay?
HSBC Philippines is not included in Apple’s current Philippine issuer list.
HSBC may support Apple Pay in other countries, but eligibility is determined by the country where the card was issued and the specific local issuing entity. An HSBC card issued in another supported market may work, while an HSBC Philippines-issued card may not.
Does American Express Work with Apple Pay in the Philippines?
No Philippine bank-issued American Express cards are currently listed among the initial supported cards.
The first Philippine Apple Pay partners support selected Visa and Mastercard products. American Express is not identified as a launch network in Apple’s Philippine participating-bank list.
This means customers should not assume that an American Express card issued by BDO or another Philippine institution can be added.
A foreign-issued American Express card may work when it comes from a supported issuer in its country of origin.
Can You Add a GCash Card to Apple Pay?
GCash is not listed as a participating Apple Pay issuer in the Philippines as of August 5, 2026.
A GCash Card cannot be assumed eligible simply because it carries Visa branding. Visa provides the payment network, while GCash or its issuing partner must still enable the card for Apple Pay.
Wait for an official GCash announcement before relying on claims that the card can be added.
Can You Add a Maya Card to Apple Pay?
Maya consumer cards are not listed among Apple’s initial supported Philippine cards.
However, Maya has a separate role in the rollout. Apple announced that Maya Business would begin enabling Apple Pay acceptance for more than 5,000 online merchants.
This involves merchant payment processing. It does not mean that a Maya Visa or Mastercard can already be added to Apple Wallet.
These are two different types of participation:
- Issuer participation: Allows a customer’s card to be added to Apple Wallet.
- Merchant participation: Allows a business to accept Apple Pay.
Maya currently participates on the merchant-processing side based on Apple’s launch announcement.
Can You Add a Philippine Prepaid Card?
Only when the prepaid card and issuing institution have specifically enabled it for Apple Pay.
Apple’s initial Philippine issuer list focuses on selected Visa and Mastercard credit and debit products. It does not provide a broad category of supported Philippine prepaid cards.
Do not assume that travel, payroll, gift, reloadable, or prepaid cards will work.
Can You Add a Virtual Card?
Yes, provided that the virtual card is eligible.
Apple announced that selected Philippine bank customers could apply for virtual cards through a banking app or website, receive them instantly, and add them to Apple Pay.
Confirmed examples include eligible GoTyme virtual debit and MoreTyme cards. UnionBank also has eligible virtual-card options, subject to bank approval.
A virtual card does not become eligible just because it has a card number. It still needs to be enabled by the issuer.
Do Supplementary Cards Work with Apple Pay?
A supplementary card may work when:
- The issuing bank supports that card product
- The supplementary card has its own card number
- The supplementary cardholder completes the bank’s verification
- The bank permits supplementary cards in digital wallets
Apple does not publish a separate Philippines-wide rule covering every supplementary card.
Therefore, supplementary cardholders should try adding their own card or contact the issuing bank. They should not add the principal cardholder’s card without permission.
Do Corporate and Business Cards Work?
Some corporate or business cards may be excluded even when the bank and payment network are supported.
Business-card eligibility depends on:
- The issuing bank
- The company’s account arrangement
- The card program
- Administrative restrictions
- The card network
- The bank’s Apple Pay policy
Contact the company’s card administrator or issuing bank before enrolling a corporate card.
Can a Foreign-Issued Card Be Added in the Philippines?
Yes, a foreign-issued card may work while you are in the Philippines when:
- Apple Pay is supported in the card’s issuing country
- The foreign bank participates in Apple Pay
- The exact card product is eligible
- Your Apple device and account meet the requirements
Eligibility usually follows the card issuer and country of issue—not your current physical location.
For example, a card issued by a participating Singaporean, American, Australian, or European bank may continue working through Apple Pay when used at a compatible Philippine terminal.
The foreign bank’s overseas transaction fees and exchange rates may apply.
Can You Add Cards from More Than One Bank?
Yes.
Apple Wallet can hold multiple eligible cards from different banks.
For example, a customer could potentially add:
- A GoTyme debit card
- A Metrobank credit card
- A UnionBank credit card
- A Chinabank credit card
Each card must be added and verified separately.
You can then set one card as the default and choose another card before completing a purchase.
How to Check Whether Your Card Is Supported
Here are the best ways to confirm eligibility.
1. Check Apple’s Official List
Look for your bank, card network, and card type.
Do not stop after seeing the bank’s name. Read the description beside it.
For example, seeing Metrobank on the list does not mean every Metrobank debit card works. The current list specifies Mastercard debit cards, while Metrobank Visa debit cards are not included.
2. Check Your Bank’s Official Website or App
Look for:
- Apple Pay
- Add to Apple Wallet
- Digital wallet
- Card controls
- Supported cards
- Frequently asked questions
GoTyme, for example, provides a dedicated Apple Pay page and an Add to Apple Wallet option in its app for eligible cards.
3. Try Adding the Card
Open Apple Wallet and attempt to add the card.
Possible messages include:
- Card added successfully
- Verification required
- Could not add card
- Invalid card
- Card device limit
- Issuer does not yet offer support
- Contact your card issuer
4. Contact the Issuing Bank
The bank has the final decision regarding card eligibility and activation.
Apple cannot manually approve a card that the issuer has rejected or not enabled.
Why Can’t I Add a Card from a Supported Bank?
There are several possible reasons.
The Exact Card Product Is Unsupported
The bank may support only selected products.
The Network Is Not Included
Your bank may support Mastercard debit but not Visa debit.
The Card Is Locked
Unlock it through the bank’s app before trying again.
The Card Is Inactive or Expired
Activate a new card or replace an expired one.
Your Contact Details Are Outdated
The bank may be unable to send the verification code.
The Account Is Restricted
Past-due, blocked, suspended, under-review, or closed accounts may not qualify.
The Bank Needs Additional Verification
You may need to contact customer service or approve the request through the banking app.
You Reached the Device Limit
Some issuers limit the number of phones, watches, tablets, or computers that can hold a digital version of the card.
There Is a Temporary System Problem
A bank, payment network, Apple service, or internet connection may temporarily be unavailable.
Do Card Benefits Continue When Using Apple Pay?
Apple says customers continue earning the same eligible rewards and receiving the normal benefits provided by their debit or credit cards.
Depending on the card, this could include:
- Reward points
- Airline miles
- Cashback
- Go Rewards points
- Purchase protection
- Travel benefits
- Merchant discounts
- Promotional rebates
However, a particular bank promotion may exclude mobile-wallet or tokenized transactions. Always read the promotion’s official terms.
Does Apple Pay Change Your Card Fees or Credit Limit?
No.
Adding a card to Apple Pay does not change:
- Your credit limit
- Available balance
- Interest rate
- Statement date
- Payment due date
- Annual fee
- Foreign transaction fee
- Rewards program
- Cardholder agreement
Apple Pay is an additional way to use the existing card.
A transaction made through Apple Pay is still processed against the linked card account.
Is It Safe to Add a Bank Card to Apple Pay?
Apple Pay does not store the physical card number directly on your device or Apple’s servers.
Instead, a unique Device Account Number is created, encrypted, and stored in the device’s Secure Element. Apple also says it does not keep credit- or debit-card transaction information that can be tied back to the individual user.
Payments normally require:
- Face ID
- Touch ID
- Device passcode
- Apple Watch authentication
If an iPhone is lost, Find My can be used to locate or lock it and suspend payments from that device.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Philippine banks support Apple Pay?
Four banks were officially supported at launch: Chinabank, GoTyme Bank, Metrobank, and UnionBank.
Which bank has the widest card-network support?
Based on Apple’s published launch list, UnionBank supports both Visa and Mastercard credit and debit card categories. Individual card eligibility still applies.
Is GoTyme supported?
Yes. GoTyme officially supports its physical debit card, virtual debit card, and MoreTyme virtual card for eligible customers.
Is Metrobank supported?
Yes. Apple lists Metrobank Visa credit cards and Mastercard credit and debit cards.
Is Chinabank supported?
Yes. Apple lists Chinabank Visa credit and debit cards and Mastercard credit cards.
Is UnionBank supported?
Yes. Apple lists UnionBank Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards.
Is BDO supported?
No. BDO was not included in Apple’s initial Philippine issuer list as of August 5, 2026.
Is BPI supported?
No. BPI was not included in the initial participating-bank list.
Can I add a GCash Card?
GCash is not currently listed as a participating Apple Pay issuer in the Philippines.
Can I add a Maya Card?
Maya consumer cards are not currently listed. Maya Business is participating by enabling Apple Pay acceptance for online merchants.
Can I add more than one card?
Yes. Multiple eligible cards can be added and verified separately.
Will Apple add more Philippine banks?
Apple’s initial rollout includes four banks, and its launch announcement states that more merchants are expected to come. Apple frequently expands issuer support after launching in a new market, but additional Philippine banks should only be considered confirmed once they appear on Apple’s official list or announce support directly.
Tips Before Adding Your Card
Before opening Apple Wallet, check the following:
- Confirm that your bank appears on Apple’s official list.
- Check whether your card is Visa or Mastercard.
- Confirm whether it is a credit, debit, virtual, or prepaid card.
- Make sure the card is activated.
- Unlock the card if it is temporarily frozen.
- Update your iPhone and banking app.
- Enable Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode.
- Make sure your bank has your current mobile number.
- Use a stable internet connection.
- Never share a one-time PIN with another person.
- Contact the bank if verification fails.
These simple checks can prevent most enrollment problems.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pay’s Philippine launch is an exciting step forward for contactless payments, but access remains limited during the initial rollout.
As of August 5, 2026, the participating banks are:
- Chinabank
- GoTyme Bank
- Metrobank
- UnionBank
UnionBank currently has the broadest card-network coverage, with Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards listed. Chinabank supports Visa credit and debit cards and Mastercard credit cards. Metrobank supports Visa credit cards and Mastercard credit and debit cards. GoTyme supports eligible Visa debit and credit products, with the bank specifically confirming its physical debit, virtual debit, and MoreTyme virtual cards.
Customers of BDO, BPI, RCBC, Security Bank, EastWest, PNB, LandBank, and other banks will need to wait for their issuers to officially join.
Keep in mind that seeing your bank on the list is only the first step. The exact card product, payment network, account status, and bank verification requirements all determine whether it can be added.
The easiest way to find out is to open Apple Wallet, tap Add Card, and try enrolling it. When it works, you can begin using your card through an iPhone or Apple Watch without constantly taking the physical card out of your wallet.
