Mall giant taps GCash to enable QR payments

CEBU, Philippines — Retail giant SM Supermalls has inked a partnership deal with GCash to enable QR payments across all SM shopping malls across the Philippines, in response to the call of the Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas (BSP) to promote the digitalization of payments for safer and more efficient transactions.

Cashless payments, through GCash QR, will be implemented in all SM supermarkets, food, and retail merchants as well as services such as cinema, and parking, among others.

“Shopping for food and essentials and other items in the new normal has changed for many. More than ever, customers value safety, efficiency, and convenience. This is what GCash aims to provide Filipinos through our valued partnership with SM in line with our vision of financial inclusion for all. We are excited to collaborate with SM to offer a safe shopping experience to millions of Filipinos nationwide,” said Martha Sazon, GCash president and CEO.

Through this partnership, GCash scan-to-pay transactions via fast and efficient QR payment options are now available across SM malls.

Since 2019, GCash has been in partnership with SM to make customers’ shopping experience and transactions safer, faster, and easier with cash-in, cash-out, and scan-to-pay options. They had also previously enabled scan-to-pay options via static QR codes and terminals, which are still available for customers to choose from.

With its partnership with GCash, SM has also proven itself a strong proponent of a more cash-lite society highlighted by the National Strategy on Financial Inclusion of the BSP. 

To date, 8 out of 10 stores in SM Supermalls nationwide are already accepting various forms of cashless payments, including QRPh and contactless cards for in-store and web pay for SM Malls Online with merchants such as food, retail, and supermarkets now accepting digital payments via GCash. Other mall services including parking, ice skating, cinema ticket booths, and other activities can now be paid cashless via GCash.