Visa enables Garmin Pay in Phl

Digital payments giant Visa has announced that eligible Visa debit and credit cardholders in the Philippines can now add their cards to Garmin Pay, allowing contactless payments through compatible Garmin smartwatches.

In a statement last week, Visa said the new feature enables users to make secure and seamless transactions at any contactless-enabled terminal nationwide, expanding the country’s growing digital payments ecosystem.

The system is powered by Visa’s tokenization technology, which replaces actual card details with unique digital tokens to enhance security and reduce fraud risk.

According to Visa, more than 71 percent of consumers in the Asia-Pacific region prefer using mobile or wearable devices for in-store payments, reflecting a shift toward more convenient transaction methods.

Aside from the Philippines, Garmin Pay is also available in Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.

Visa said it expects the rollout to further support the country’s tourism sector, noting that 97 percent of travelers in the region prefer using cards when abroad, while only 17 percent still rely on carrying foreign currency.

However, the company also cited challenges in the local payment landscape, with 44 percent of tourists in the Philippines reportedly experiencing payment issues such as limited merchant acceptance.

Visa Philippines Country Manager Jeffrey Navarro said contactless payment platforms like Garmin Pay enhance speed, convenience, and security for everyday transactions.

“Contactless payment platforms such as Garmin Pay amplify Visa’s benefit to Filipinos, enabling speed, convenience, and security with every contactless transaction,” Navarro said.

He added that the technology supports merchants in adopting digital payments and aligns with the government’s goal of transitioning toward a cash-lite economy, particularly in retail, transport, and tourism sectors.