Fintech News

GCash, BPC Partner to Roll Out PocketPay for Card-Present Transactions via Smartphones

• ByStartupStory     |    November 18, 2025

GCash, the leading mobile wallet and payments platform in the Philippines, in partnership with National Payments Corporation of the Philippines (BPC), has launched PocketPay, a new solution enabling micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to accept credit and debit card payments directly through NFC-enabled smartphones without the need for dedicated point-of-sale (POS) machines.

The PocketPay feature allows a merchant’s smartphone to instantly transform into a payment terminal, thereby lowering barriers to card acceptance, especially for small businesses that lack the resources or space for bulky POS hardware. Business owners simply download the PocketPay app and can start accepting tap-to-pay card transactions seamlessly.

This innovative approach addresses common challenges faced by MSMEs, such as high upfront costs, complex setup procedures, and delayed settlement times. PocketPay ensures payments are processed in real-time and funds are settled quickly, improving cash flow management for entrepreneurs. The app also features transaction tracking and reporting capabilities directly on the phone.

Jong Layug, General Manager of B2B at Mynt (GCash’s parent company), remarked, “Digital tools should adapt to how MSMEs actually operate — on tight budgets and quick turnarounds. PocketPay is flexible, reliable, and incredibly simple, helping business owners do more with less.”

Early adopters from varied sectors, including cafes, small retail shops, and delivery services, have praised PocketPay for enhancing customer experience by offering an additional payment option alongside cash and e-wallets, and for simplifying financial reconciliation.

To further support adoption, GCash is offering zero transaction fees for PocketPay users until December 3, 2025, incentivizing MSMEs to transition to a cashless payment ecosystem. The initiative is part of a broader digital inclusion strategy aimed at empowering small businesses with affordable, accessible financial technology.

GCash also offers complementary solutions like SoundPay, a compact device supporting QR payments with instant voice confirmation, catering to high-traffic and mobile point-of-sale environments.

Businesses can register for PocketPay and manage their transactions through the GCash for Business Portal, which provides a unified dashboard for ordering devices, viewing payments, and accessing customer support.

By democratizing card acceptance through smartphone technology, GCash and BPC’s PocketPay solution is reshaping digital payments infrastructure in the Philippines, supporting financial inclusion, and driving the country’s transition toward a cashless economy.

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