MANILA – Garmin smartwatch users in the Philippines can now leave their wallets behind more often. Visa has officially enabled Garmin Pay support in the country that enables eligible Visa debit and credit card holders to make contactless payments straight from compatible Garmin watches.
The feature is now available for Visa cards issued by EastWest Bank and GoTyme Bank, along with supported foreign-issued Visa cards. Once a card is added to Garmin Pay, users can tap their smartwatch at contactless payment terminals across stores, restaurants, transport hubs, and other establishments that accept tap-to-pay transactions.
The launch marks another step forward for digital payments in the Philippines. It follows the arrival of Google Wallet and Google Pay in the local market and expands the range of cashless payment options available to consumers.
Garmin Pay relies on Visa tokenization technology, which replaces actual card details with a unique digital token. This adds another layer of protection since merchants never receive or store the user's real card number during a transaction.
For Garmin users, the convenience goes beyond fitness tracking. Whether out for a run, at the gym, or on a quick coffee stop, payments can now be completed with a simple tap of the wrist.
According to Visa, more consumers across Asia Pacific prefer to use smartphones and wearable devices for purchases. The addition of Garmin Pay also supports travelers who prefer card-based payments instead of carrying cash while abroad.
With Garmin Pay now available in the Philippines, compatible Garmin smartwatches become more than fitness companions, they offer users a faster, safer, and more convenient way to make contactless payments.
