Bank cards, e-wallet now accepted at MRT-3

Metro Manila commuters can now pay for their MRT-3 fares, effective July 25, using their Mastercard credit, debit or prepaid cards by using designated turnstiles.

Mastercard said the new capability is also available to cardholders using compatible e-wallets on NFC-enabled Android smartphones.

According to Mastercard, this signifies a growing momentum for open-loop payment systems across Southeast Asia, a collaborative effort involving government agencies, transit operators, financial institutions, and payment technology partners.

Open-loop systems allow commuters to directly use their existing bank cards or mobile wallets for fare payments, eliminating the need for proprietary transit cards or cash.

This reduction in friction at fare gates aims to streamline the commuting experience for Metro Manila’s over 13.4 million residents who rely heavily on public transport.

Commuters using Mastercard will benefit from advanced safety and security features embedded in their cards, providing protection against skimming and payment fraud.

Mastercard previously implemented similar open-loop transit systems in London, Sydney and Singapore, leveraging its global expertise to improve commuter experiences and modernize public transport infrastructure.

In 2024, Mastercard became the first international payment network to introduce “Tap & Go” for public transport in Metro Manila, laying the groundwork for this latest expansion.

Introducing contactless payments on MRT-3 supports the government’s broader objective of fostering smarter, more efficient urban mobility and encouraging the widespread adoption of digital payments in everyday life.