Mobile wallets are becoming a staple in our lives. They have made life more convenient, from buying groceries online to settling bills with just a few taps. With a few notable mobile wallet options available, you want to ensure you’re in the know with the latest ones.
Notably, GrabPay Philippines offers beyond just a convenient payment option for your Grab rides. Did you know you could conveniently transfer money to your loved ones or even pay at your favorite stores? Learn more about GrabPay in this review and how to use it in your daily transactions.
What is GrabPay Philippines?
GrabPay Philippines is a digital wallet that lets you conveniently make cashless transactions, whether on the road or online shopping. You can even use it to pay your bills.
You may top up your GrabPay wallet with cash via credit card, debit card, and in-store at 7Eleven or SM business centers across the Philippines. This digital wallet is licensed by the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
How do you sign up for GrabPay?
Signing up on GrabPay is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do.
- Download the Grab app on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and tap the Sign Up button at the bottom of the screen.
- Enter your mobile phone number to receive an OTP to open an account.
- Ensure you have your valid identification card (ID) to verify your Basic GrabPay account to access its features. You’ll also need to take a selfie that matches your ID to upgrade to a Premium account. The live verification is only available from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Valid IDs are:
- Passport
- TIN
- SSS ID
- UMID
- NBI Clearance
- Postal ID
- Driver’s License
After the verification process, you’re all set. You can top up your wallet.
Grab requires all users to verify their account information by submitting a valid ID and other documentation.
So, what’s the difference between the Standard and Premium wallet? In general, the cash limit in the former is lower than the Premium wallet. For context, here’s a table from the Grab Help Center for reference.
Image source: Grab Help Center
How do you withdraw cash from GrabPay?
Technically, you can’t withdraw cash via ATM. But there are ways where you can withdraw cash by transferring funds from your GrabPay balance to other accounts:
- From your GrabPay wallet to another GrabPay wallet (no fee)
- From GrabPay wallet to bank account (₱15.00 fee)
- From GrabPay wallet to an e-wallet (₱15.00 fee)
Remember that you need to be a Premium account holder to use this feature. If you have a standard account, the live verification process will be shown on your screen, allowing you to take a selfie.
What are the features of GrabPay?
- Seamless payment on Grab transactions — pay all transactions, whether shopping online, booking a ride, or sending a parcel — everything else is done within the app.
- Convenient settlement of bills and payments to merchants — never miss your due dates, as you can simply settle accounts with your wallet. Plus, you can scan the merchant’s QR code and pay for items whenever you shop.
- Quick transfer funds to other accounts — send funds anytime to your friends and loved ones’ e-wallets and local banks. This feature is available only to Premium users.
- Easy top-up — Use your credit or debit card and online banking account to add funds to your GrabPay wallet. Simply link your card or online bank to recharge your balance.
- Great deals and discounts — whenever you use GrabPay, you’re also entitled to discounts and cashback when you pay merchants on GrabMart and GrabFood.
What are the pros and cons of using GrabPay?
Every mobile wallet has its own pros and cons. Depending on its usefulness, you may use it regularly or delete it on your device.
Pros
- Convenience – GrabPay provides an effortless way to pay for your purchases, whether it’s online or in-store. You don’t have to bring cash and change anymore. Just open the app, scan the QR code, and voila! Payment made!
- Rewards – Who doesn’t love freebies? GrabPay offers various rewards for its users. You can earn points by using the app for your transactions and redeem them for discounts and vouchers.
- Accessibility – You can easily link your debit or credit cards to your GrabPay account. Therefore, you can tup up anytime.
- Integration – GrabPay is not only limited to transportation services anymore. You can use it to pay for food deliveries, online shopping, bills, and more.
Cons
- Limited acceptance – Although GrabPay is gaining popularity, not all merchants accept it. Some places, especially smaller establishments, still only accept cash or traditional card payments.
- Connectivity issues – If you have a poor internet connection, you may encounter problems using GrabPay. It could cause delays or even failed transactions.
- Fees – There may be additional fees when you use GrabPay, especially when you withdraw cash or transfer funds to another wallet. These fees may vary depending on your location and the amount you’re transacting.
Final thoughts
GrabPay appears to be poised as a strong alternative to traditional payment methods. It is easy to use, and its features are convenient for individuals on the go. Its integration with other services like food delivery and ridesharing, make it a worthy choice for your next online payment.
Now that we’ve covered the ins and outs of what GrabPay Philippines can do for you, it’s time for you to decide if this e-wallet is right for you or not. Have you used GrabPay? Let us know what you think of this e-wallet in the comments below.