UnionBank & Google Pay: Go Cardless! How to Tap-to-Pay Securely with Your Visa Card (And Unlock Rewards)
📱 UnionBank Cards and Google Pay: The End of the Physical Wallet
The era of effortless, tap-to-pay convenience has officially arrived for UnionBank cardholders. UnionBank of the Philippines has become one of the pioneering banks in the country to enable Google Pay for its Visa cardholders, streamlining how millions of Filipinos make secure, everyday transactions.
This integration transforms any compatible Android smartphone into a digital wallet, allowing users to make contactless payments in stores, securely check out online, and pay within apps without ever needing to pull out a physical card.
Key Features and Availability
UnionBank has launched this service in a phased approach, prioritizing its credit card clientele for the initial rollout.
1. Beta Availability
Currently Available For: All active UnionBank Visa Credit Cardholders.
Coming Soon For: UnionBank Visa Debit Cardholders.
This phased launch ensures a stable, secure experience as the bank integrates the new technology into its broader card portfolio.
2. The Power of Tokenization
The core feature that makes Google Pay secure is Tokenization. When you add your UnionBank card to the Google Wallet app, Google Pay does not store your actual 16-digit card number. Instead, it creates a unique, encrypted digital number—a Token—used specifically for that transaction.
Security: Your actual card details are never shared with the merchant, offering an industry-leading layer of protection against fraud.
Contactless Payment: For in-store purchases, simply unlock your NFC-enabled Android phone and hold the back of the device near any contactless payment terminal.
3. Seamless Integration with Existing Benefits
Using Google Pay does not mean sacrificing your card's rewards. Any purchase made through Google Pay with your UnionBank Visa Credit Card remains eligible for your existing card benefits, including:
Rewards Points: Continue to earn points (e.g., Miles+ Platinum).
Cashback: Earn your standard cashback percentages.
Rebates: Applicable rebates still apply.
How to Get Started with Google Pay
Getting your UnionBank Visa Credit Card set up for Google Pay is fast and straightforward:
Download Google Wallet: Ensure you have the latest version of the Google Wallet app from the Google Play Store on your NFC-enabled Android device.
Add Your Card: Open the Google Wallet app and tap the “Add Card” button.
Input Details: Enter your UnionBank Visa Credit Card details manually or use your device's camera to scan the card.
Verification: Follow the on-screen prompts and verify your card through a One-Time Password (OTP) sent via SMS by UnionBank.
Tap and Go: Once verified, the card is ready for use!
💸 Current UnionBank Credit Card Promotions
While the bank may run specific promotions for using Google Pay in the future, UnionBank constantly offers lucrative acquisition and usage promotions for its Visa Credit Cards, which now seamlessly integrate with Google Pay.
Welcome Gift Promos: UnionBank is well-known for offering significant welcome incentives to new-to-bank principal card applicants. These often include:
High Rebates/Cashback: Cardholders who meet a specified retail spend (e.g., ₱20,000 to ₱40,000) within a qualification period may be entitled to welcome rebates (often up to ₱5,000) or high-value points/credits.
Partner Vouchers: Promotions have included free vouchers from partners like food and shopping delivery services.
Continuous Rewards Program:
UnionBank's rewards cards (like the Go Rewards, Cash Back, or Miles+ Platinum Visa) allow you to continue earning points or miles on every single transaction, whether you swipe the physical card or use the digital token via Google Pay.
Note on Promotions: Eligibility and mechanics are typically limited to new-to-bank principal cardholders and require activation and meeting a minimum retail spend within a specific period. Always check the official UnionBank website for the latest terms and conditions, as promotional periods change frequently.
Apply for a UnionBank Credit Card Today
If you’re looking for a credit card backed by modern technology, strong security, fast processing, and long-term value, UnionBank is one of the best choices in the Philippines.
UnionBank Rewards Platinum Visa
UnionBank Cash Back Visa Platinum
UnionBank Miles+ Visa Signature
UnionBank Go Rewards Gold Visa Credit Card