UnionBank expands digital payments with Apple Pay

MANILA — Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) said on Tuesday it has launched Apple Pay for its cardholders in the Philippines, allowing customers to make contactless, in-app and online payments using compatible Apple devices.

The rollout enables eligible UnionBank credit and debit cardholders to use Apple Pay on iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac, the bank said in a statement.

Apple Pay allows users to make contactless payments by authenticating transactions through Face ID, Touch ID or a device passcode.

The service is accepted at merchants that support contactless payments, including grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops and retail outlets, according to the bank.

UnionBank President and Chief Executive Officer Ana Aboitiz Delgado said the introduction of Apple Pay is part of the bank’s efforts to simplify digital payments while strengthening security for customers.

“As we continue building a next-generation bank, we’re focused on making everyday banking and payments simpler, safer, and more intuitive,” Delgado said in the statement.

She added that the service provides customers with a faster and more secure way to pay in stores, online and within mobile applications using Apple devices.

UnionBank said Apple Pay does not store a customer’s actual card number on the device or on Apple servers. Instead, a unique device account number is assigned, encrypted and stored in the Secure Element, a dedicated chip designed to securely hold payment credentials.

Customers can add eligible UnionBank cards through the Wallet app on iPhone and then use Apple Pay across supported Apple devices, the bank said.

Cardholders will continue to receive the rewards and benefits associated with their UnionBank cards when using the payment service, it added.