GCash to launch QR code feature

MANILA, Philippines -  Mobile money service provider GCash is set to launch a new feature to allow customers to make payments by simply scanning QR (Quick Response) codes. 

Globe Telecom Inc. said the new feature called GoPay would enable customers to use their GCash account for paying for goods and services by scanning the QR codes provided by merchants and establishments on their smartphones. 

GoPay will be rolled out within the next few weeks at select partner stores.

The new feature is expected to provide convenience to GCash customers as they would no longer have to bring money or wait for change.

Merchants also benefit from the new feature as they no longer have to invest in expensive machines to process mobile money transactions but just need to use QRs with a unique code that is linked to their GCash wallet.

The QR codes, which would be made available to anyone including vendors and sari-sari store owners, is expected to promote faster, more convenient, and secure transactions.

„Our goal has always been to make finance more inclusive by building a cashless ecosystem. GoPay QR payments solution will close the loop and drive merchants accepting GCash payments. We plan to extend this service from all types of retailers nationwide down to our favorite fishball vendor,” Mynt president and CEO John Rubio said. 

Mynt which operates GCash, is a subsidiary of Globe. 

Mynt merchant acquiring head JM Aujero said the GoPay QR “is the best option for people who do not want to use credit cards but are either wary of having cash with them due to safety reasons or just want the convenience that mobile money offers.” 

To use GoPay, customers would need to download or update to the latest version of the GCash app, register for an account, and fund the GCash wallet at any GCash Partner Outlets nationwide. 

To make a purchase, the individual would have to scan the store’s QR code and enter the amount to be paid using the GCash app.

The launch of GoPay is in line with the thrust of Ant Financial, a strategic partner of Mynt, to promote greater access to financial services, as well as upgrade payment services in the country.