Who remembers the days when we’d say, “Can you split my ₱500 bucks for some hundreds and twenties?” and get the “wala po, ma’am” stare? Let’s be real: physical cash is going the way of dial-up Internet: still around, but who actually uses it?
In 2025, the Philippines is also adapting to all-in on cashless payments and digital wallet life. Whether you’re paying for tonkatsu via QR code payments at your favorite ramen spot (yummy!), or buying that viral TikTok product with your mobile wallet app, cashless is the new norm.
Let’s find out more about these e-wallets and why you should be using them today.
Why Filipinos swear by cashless payment methods
Think it’s just hype? Ask any Gen Z who can’t recall the last time they carried physical money. These days, even your neighborhood sari-sari store may flash a QR sticker, including our favorite manong who sells fishballs in the side street.
Cashless payment systems mean everything runs faster—no more holding up the line fishing out coins or remembering if that crisp ₱1,000 bill is real or monopoly money.
There’s speed, convenience, and, let’s not forget, mad cashback and discounts on digital transactions.
Your 2025 e-wallet lineup – more than just GCash & Maya
1. GCash – Your always dependable bestie and everyone’s e-wallet
GCash is the OG digital wallet app every Filipino seems to have on their mobile phone; think of it as your money HQ. You can use it for bills, transfers, online shopping, even investing or saving—plus yes, paying for taho at the park (if your manong is hi-tech).
Widely accepted; even barangay stalls and tricycle drivers have hopped on. It’s got solid bank transfer options, recurring payments, and you can link your bank account easily. Security? Top notch with two-factor authentication.
If you want a universal wallet that’s everywhere, start here. Download, verify your account, cash in at 7-Eleven, and you’re golden. Don’t be shy to try out GSave or GInvest—you don’t need to start big!
2. Maya – Your banking, wallet, crypto, more
Formerly PayMaya, Maya is now both a wallet and a legit digital bank. Besides the usual pay bills and send money options, you can earn high interest on your savings, get a virtual debit card, explore crypto, and pay everywhere that matters.
Maya has small business love: the QR for MSMEs, payment links for freelancers, and budgeting tools if you’re tracking your “budol” expenses. Plus, multi factor authentication makes logins safe.
Want more than a wallet? Think savings, credit, and rewards? Make Maya your super app. Try it for online shopping, regular phone load top-ups, or even exploring crypto if you’re curious!
3. GrabPay – Pay rides, food bills for all Grab orders
GrabPay is the e-wallet inside your everyday Grab app. You can pay for rides, food, groceries, hotel bookings, and even bills within a few taps.
If you’re a Grab user, this keeps everything faster; less cash, more perks, and a rewards program tied into your daily spending. Personally I use Grab app, so here are some of my savings
Top up with bank or cash-in partners, and use GrabPay to save on Grab services with promos. If you eat, ride, and shop with Grab, this wallet is a life-hack.
4. Coins.ph – Crypto, cash, and fast payments on bills
Coins.ph mixes digital wallet basics with crypto flair, letting you hold pesos or dabble in Bitcoin, Ethereum and more. You can send/receive, pay bills, cash in/out, and even reload your Beep card.
Popular among freelancers, OFWs, and the crypto-curious, it offers a smooth way to manage digital coins, do quick remittance, and access services beyond traditional banks.
Curious about crypto? Start small by swapping pesos for crypto, but even if you ignore the coins, Coins.ph still makes payments and bills super simple—no bank account needed.
5. ShopeePay – Shop, save, and pay your budol finds, then repeat
ShopeePay powers seamless, fast checkouts on Shopee, and now works for bills, offline QR, and mobile load, too.
Mad discounts, free shipping, extra vouchers, especially during mega-sales. It makes you check out faster than a one-day sale at Divisoria.
If you’re a Shopee fan, activate ShopeePay, cash in via e-wallet or banks, and always pick it at checkout for extra perks. As a Platinum member myself, I have saved a lot from all the budol finds and sale items during payday.
6. Lazada Wallet – Get the deals, cashback, and enjoy quick checkout
Lazada Wallet is Lazada’s answer to cashless shopping ease; store funds, use for deals, and grab exclusive sales.
Faster refunds, promo access, and no fumbling with cash. Buy, pay, and get cashback, all within the app.
Top up ahead of big Lazada sales. Watch for wallet-exclusive discounts!
7. DragonPay – Bridging offline to online transactions
DragonPay is a payment gateway, letting you shop, buy travel tickets, or pay bills online—even if you don’t have a credit card or bank account.
Bridges traditional payments (bank deposit, remittance, over-the-counter) into the digital age; huge in bridging the unbanked and those without cards.
Choose DragonPay when checking out at your fave online stores, and follow the instructions for paying at convenience stores or banks.
8. BanKo – A digital bank with e-wallet features for the unbanked
BanKo is BPI’s branchless digital bank service, offering money transfer, bill pay, and more through a super simple app.
It targets rural and unbanked users; it’s great if you want safe, digital storage for your cash without the usual banking hassle.
Download BanKo, register, and start using handy features like instant money reception (great for small business owners and sari-sari stores).
9. 7-Eleven CliQQ Wallet – 7-Eleven wallet power for online transactions
CliQQ Wallet turns your 7-Eleven into your banking buddy. Top up at the store or use for retail purchases, bills, and prepaid load.
Accessible (there’s always a branch nearby!) and easy—especially for cash-based Filipinos making the jump to digital.
Set up CliQQ, cash in at the counter, and enjoy paying at 7-Eleven or online.
10. PayPal – Freelancer’s global wallet
PayPal’s an international digital wallet with strong Philippine freelancer adoption. Use it for international payments, remittances, and online shopping.
Crucial for cross-border gigs, super secure, but some fees apply for money withdrawal.
Freelancer or receive international funds? Link PayPal to your local bank for smooth withdrawals. I personally linked my GCash e-wallet for my PayPal cash-ins from overseas clients, and I should it’s a breeze to use. I have the money in just a few seconds.
Final thoughts
Choosing your cashless payment system isn’t just about ditching physical cash; it’s about safer, faster digital transactions, better payment options, and more ways to secure customer satisfaction.
Explore mobile wallet apps, QR code payments, and contactless card payments. Use multi factor authentication and always review your transaction history on your mobile device.
With the right mix of digital wallets, banking services, and periodic promos, you’ll manage your finances, transfer funds, and pay bills efficiently—anytime, anywhere.
The cashless economy is here, bringing security, convenience, and new perks right to your fingertips. Tap, scan, save, repeat!