How to Pay SSS Contributions Online
Learn how to pay SSS contributions online using My.SSS, the mobile app, e-wallets, or online banking. A simple guide for OFWs and voluntary members.
E-Wallet Apps in the Philippines (2026 Guide)
Popular local e-wallet apps make it easier to spend in person and online, send payments, and earn rewards and lifestyle perks. There are many different provider e-wallets which may suit locals, expats and overseas Filipinos depending on their requirements.
So, what is an e-wallet and how do you use one to make a mobile payment? In this guide we cover different types of e-wallet for varied customer needs, from sending and receiving foreign currency payments to spending in your local 7-Eleven.
We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.
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What is an e-wallet?
E-wallet stands for electronic wallet. An e-wallet is a digital payment platform which usually operates through a phone app.
Different e-wallet apps can work a little differently but generally you can make online and in-person payments using your app, and fund them from a balance you’ve added or with a debit or credit card you’ve linked to your account. Most popular e-wallet apps in the Philippines support online shopping and some in-person spending using QR codes. You may also be able to use your app to send money overseas, receive incoming remittances from loved ones abroad, pay bills or access a broader range of financial services.
E-wallet vs digital wallet vs mobile payment app
The words e-wallet vs digital wallet vs mobile payment app can be used fairly interchangeably. However, while there’s an overlap, they’re normally slightly different in their features and function.
Where all three overlap is in that they all allow digital payments, normally with just your phone. However, an e-wallet will more commonly allow you to store a balance in your account for spending, while a digital wallet may require you to link a card and spend from the balance of your card account instead.
Mobile payment apps may be either stored value accounts or have linked cards, and will operate exclusively through a phone app, while the other account types might have ways to access your account using a laptop instead.
Types of e-wallets available in the Philippines
So, is GCash an e-wallet, and what are the other local e-wallets to know about?
Firstly, popular services in the Philippines like GCash and Maya are both local e-wallets with broad scope and function for everyday Philippine payments. These services are peso-based and have strong domestic acceptance but they may not always be accepted if you want to make a payment overseas.
Aside from this you may also be able to open a bank-linked digital wallet tied to your local bank account in the Philippines. Or you might want an international digital wallet from a provider like Wise for overseas payments and travel.
Wise can offer multi-currency features which are helpful for travel and cross-border payments. This can be especially handy if you’re sending or receiving remittances and prefer to be able to manage your money across different currencies other than PHP, such as USD, GBP or EUR.
Top e-wallet apps in the Philippines: Features, uses and limitations
Let’s dive into a few different e-wallet apps to give you some ideas of which may suit your needs. We’ve included the top 5 e-wallets in the Philippines as well as Wise which is a powerful e-wallet app for international use, offering ways to send and receive PHP and foreign currency payments with low fees and the mid-market rate.
| Provider | Key features | Limitations |
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| Wise | Multi-currency wallet supporting 40+ currencies to hold, receive, send and spend, plus ways to receive 8+ currencies to your Wise account | No branch or physical locations to transact in person |
| GCash¹ | Popular all round financial platform for payments, transfers, loans, investments and other products | Fees can apply based on account use - check all details carefully before signing up |
| Maya² | Full digital bank with financial services including cards, remittances, savings, investments, loans and credit | Limits and feature availability for Basic account holders are low³ - upgrade for more |
| GrabPay⁴ | Ideal for Grab rides, delivery, and payments with partner merchants - cashless payments that earn Grab rewards | Relatively limited range of in-person partner merchants available |
| ShopeePay⁵ | Great for ecommerce shopping and also in-person payments, earning Shopee rewards | No multi-currency feature, funds received from abroad converted to PHP automatically |
| Cliqq⁶ | 7-Eleven’s points earning wallet - win prizes, send points to friends | Only used for merchandise purchases at a 7-Eleven store⁷ |
Wise
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Wise is an international e-wallet designed for managing money across borders. You can send, receive, hold, and convert funds in multiple currencies from a single account, making it useful for freelancers, remote workers, businesses, and anyone receiving or sending international payments.
All services are managed digitally through the app or website. You can convert between currencies using the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent fee shown before you confirm a transaction. The Wise debit card allows you to spend directly from your balances, with automatic currency conversion when needed.
GCash
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GCash is a Philippines-based e-wallet that supports everyday digital payments in PHP. Users can transfer money to other GCash accounts or local banks, scan QR codes for in-store payments, and settle bills directly within the app.
In addition to payments, GCash provides access to financial services such as credit products, investment options, and savings tools. The platform operates fully through its mobile app, allowing users to manage transactions and account features without visiting a branch.
Maya (formerly PayMaya)
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Maya combines a digital wallet with licensed digital banking services. Users can store PHP in their wallet for everyday spending or move funds into savings accounts that offer interest, depending on usage and eligibility.
The app also supports debit card spending, QR payments, and access to loan and credit services. Account limits and available features depend on verification status, and all transactions are managed through the Maya mobile app.
GrabPay
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GrabPay is integrated into the Grab app and can be used for ride bookings, food delivery, and other Grab services. Users can also make payments at participating partner merchants using QR codes.
Funds can be added via linked bank cards or supported payment methods. Rewards earned within the Grab ecosystem may be applied to future transactions, depending on current promotions and usage.
ShopeePay
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ShopeePay is primarily designed for ecommerce transactions within the Shopee platform. Users can pay for online purchases, participate in platform promotions, and use QR payments at selected offline merchants.
The wallet supports PHP balances only. If funds are received from abroad, they are converted into PHP before being credited to the account. All services are accessed through the Shopee app.
Cliqq
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Cliqq is a digital wallet offered by 7-Eleven Philippines for in-store payments. Users can load funds into the app and use it to purchase merchandise at participating 7-Eleven branches.
The platform includes a rewards system, allowing users to earn and redeem points. Transactions are limited to participating stores and are managed through the Cliqq mobile app.
What to consider when choosing an e-wallet
There are plenty of different e-wallets to pick from in the Philippines but each is optimised for different customer needs. That means you’ll have to think about what is important for you when selecting. Here are a few things to consider:
- Does the e-wallet offer all you need for daily usage? For example, PHP transactions like paying bills, topping up mobile load, and paying for local transport
- Can you get rewards as you spend? Some apps like Cliqq and ShopeePay allow you to get points, prizes and other rewards when you use them
- Is the app secure and easy to use? Check out the security features and make sure you like the user interface before you sign up
- Can you use the e-wallet for cross-border payments and transfers? For travel, overseas payments and remittances, fees may apply - check features and costs - and consider options like Wise if international usage is important to you.
Using e-wallet apps for international payments
While many e-wallets popular in the Philippines offer PHP services primarily, some can also be used to spend when you travel, send and receive international payments, or convert currencies.
If you’ll be using your app overseas, make sure you check the exchange rates and fees which apply when paying abroad. Often there will be a cost built into the transaction, either as a percentage applied when you pay, or as a fee added to the exchange rate used to convert your PHP to the required currency. This can push up your overall costs without you realising.
If you’ll need to send, spend or receive foreign currencies, an international digital wallet from a provider like Wise may make more sense than a wallet optimised for peso use. This may be the case if you travel often, if you’re a freelancer getting paid from abroad, or if you’re receiving remittances from a family member who is an OFW for example.
Make international payments easier, cheaper and faster with Wise
If you use local e-wallets for everyday spending in the Philippines but also need to send, receive or manage money across borders, Wise can be a useful companion.
The Wise account is an easy way to hold and exchange 40+ currencies, including PHP, USD, CNY, and more. All you need to do is create a free account to get started.
With Wise, you can exchange currencies at the mid-market rate each time, with low, transparent conversion fees from 0.57% and absolutely no markups. Plus, you can order a Wise card for convenient spending at the same great rate, without any foreign transaction fees. At times you need cash, you can also make up to 2 free ATM withdrawals to the value of 12,000 PHP when you're overseas. You'll even get 8+ local account details to get paid conveniently to your Wise account in PHP and a selection of other major global currencies.
Sending money or making payments abroad? Wise also offers fast, low cost transfers to 140+ countries - you can track your transfer in your account and your recipient will also be notified when a transfer reaches them.
✍️ Sign up for a free account now
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Are e-wallet apps safe to use in the Philippines?
Check the app you select is properly licensed and has a good reputation among customers. Generally, reputable e-wallets in the Philippines are considered safe to use with normal precautions.
Can I use an e-wallet for international transfers?
Some e-wallets allow incoming international remittances, and some also let you send payments overseas. Options vary, and many wallets are designed to hold PHP only, which means incoming payments are converted automatically. If you want a flexible option to send and receive foreign currencies cheaply, check out Wise.
What’s the difference between an e-wallet and a mobile payment app?
An e-wallet usually lets you hold a stored value in an account you can then use to spend in person and online, while a mobile payment app might only let you link a card without holding a balance.
Sources:
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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