It’s no secret that technology has taken over much of our daily lives. And with almost everything going digital, there’s barely any reason to slack off — not even when it comes to our work and financial responsibilities.
Take the ongoing health crisis for example, which has so far left many of us Filipinos in Metro Manila resorting to phones and personal laptops to get through. From ordering food to sending donations, it’s clear that digital banking and wallet apps are among these times’ true unspoken heroes. This said, here are some of the best mobile banking apps Filipinos should have by now.
Also read: Digital Banks in the Philippines That You Can Open Virtually
Best mobile banking apps and e-wallets for Pinoys
Bank apps
1. UnionBank Online
UnionBank is often lauded for its premium technology and hassle-free banking services. The UnionBank Online app is no exception. With this mobile banking app, you can conveniently manage your accounts and your cards, transfer funds to other banks for free, and perform other monetary transactions that you might need.
Recently, it has also enabled account owners to deposit checks, upload InstaPay QR codes, and send money to Pera Hub, Cebuana Lhuillier, and LBC.
Available on Android and iOS.
2. BPI Mobile
Available for both Android and iOS devices, the BPI Mobile app boasts of key features that fit every Filipino’s on-the-go lifestyle. Its newest version lets you view your account details, including your electronic statements.
It also allows you to pay bills to more than 600 merchants, transfer money to both BPI and non-BPI bank accounts, and load to prepaid telco networks, utilities, and even BPI’s e-wallet partners.
Available on Android and iOS.
3. BDO Personal Banking
Another must-have on this list of mobile banking apps is BDO Unibank, Inc. Other than monitoring your BDO deposit accounts, credit card transactions, and loan information, you can also easily pay utility bills using this handy banking service. This includes bills for electricity, water, cable, and postpaid mobile plans.
Most importantly, the app comes with an OTP generator and fingerprint Authentication (for Android) for not only easy, but secure mobile banking activities.
Available on Android and iOS.
Also read: How to Withdraw Money at BDO ATMs in Metro Manila Using Only a QR Code
4. LANDBANK Mobile Banking
Currently among the Philippines’ most trusted commercial financial institutions, LANDBANK has also started to offer its services digitally. To fully use the LANDBANK Mobile Banking app, you’ll first have to enrol in LANDBANK’s iAccess.
Once you have the app, you can view all your relevant balances, transfer money using iAccess, and pay bills to more than 80 merchants. Each of your activities is guaranteed safe thanks to the app’s security features, like sending email and OTP confirmations.
Available on Android and iOS.
5. Metrobank Mobile Banking
The new and improved Metrobank Mobile Banking app gives you instant access to your accounts online anytime and anywhere. It offers everything you need for banking on-the-go like bills payment, funds transfer, sending load, branch locator, and rate checking.
Experience a meaningful banking experience with new in-app features like Time Deposit, Unit Investment Funds Online, Wealth Manager, and Schedule Transactions. On top of these features, the mobile banking app has an easy-to-navigate user interface that is fully customisable according to your personal preferences. Additionally, you can add friends on the app for faster and trouble-free transactions.
Available on Android and iOS.
6. Security Bank Mobile
If functionality and security are factors you look for in mobile banking apps, then you’ll get the most out of Security Bank Mobile! Its user-friendly interface allows for easy and straightforward transactions, making at-home online banking completely hassle-free.
Witness a better banking experience with the Security Bank Mobile app and take advantage of its top in-app features. Their digital products and services range from eGiveCash and eSecureSavings to online bills payment, account management, and more. Additionally, the app comes with a QuickLogin feature via Touch ID and Face ID verification for easier access. No more need for memorising usernames and passwords!
Available on Android and iOS.
Online banks
7. ING
Unlike conventional, more established banks, ING takes pride in a fully digital banking platform. In fact, it’s known to have pioneered branchless banking. No physical form filling, no counter processing fees, and most importantly, no enduring of long bank queues.
With its 24-hour operation, you can perform free transactions with the ING’s agents anytime you want. What’s more, you can use the app to deposit checks and take advantage of ING’s high-interest rates!
Available on Android and iOS.
8. OCTO by CIMB
OCTO is the digital banking platform of CIMB, the ASEAN’s biggest bank group. On top of the usual digital banking services, OCTO by CIMB offers free loan application and management. By using the app, you also get to enjoy a free card issuance, interest rates of up to 4% per annum, as well as zero maintaining balance.
Superior security is likewise offered to users with the app’s fingerprint and face ID requirements when logging in. This makes it one of the best mobile banking apps around!
Available on Android and iOS.
Also read: Mobile Banking Hacks: 6 Ways You Can Avoid Bank Transfer Fees
9. Tonik
Tonik is the first-ever digital-only neobank in the Philippines that was first introduced to the public in 2020. For those wondering, a neobank is a type of bank that operates exclusively online without any physical branches. With this, Tonik’s defining factor as a bank lies in their choice of branding and its uniquely-designed app user interface.
Currently, Tonik offers five products: Tonik Account, Stashes, Time Deposit, Debit Cards, and Loans. Furthermore, Tonik is a regulated bank entity, meaning all deposits are ensured by the Philippine Depisit Insurance Corporation. Start your “neobanking romance” and earn up to 6% interest per annum when you download the app today!
Available on Android and iOS.
Mobile wallets
10. GCash
Sending money couldn’t have been more convenient since Globe rolled out its GCash service. Now an in-demand mobile app as well, this mobile wallet app lets you do a multitude of things from the convenience of your home.
These include sending and receiving money (to or from other banks with no extra fees), paying bills, buying load, investing, shopping, and, to fellow earthlings, saving Philippine forests with the GCash Forest! In addition, the GCash app has a savings account feature known as GSave in partnership with CIMB. Enjoy interest rates as high as 4.1%!
Available on Android and iOS.
11. PayMaya
Powered by PayMaya Philippines Inc., a sought-after digital financial services provider in the country, the PayMaya app works just as efficiently as your wallet. Except, that is, everything you need is kept even more securely in your phone.
Real-time tracking of transactions, sending prepaid load, paying bills, and shopping with a virtual card are just some of the perks of having the app. Topping up won’t be a problem as well, as loading centres are available in most malls and convenience stores!
Available on Android and iOS.
12. GrabPay
GrabPay is an e-wallet for cashless payments and transactions via the Grab mobile app. It offers two mobile wallet types: standard wallet and premium wallet. These include a wide variety of features and perks that users can take advantage of when using the app. Of course, more benefits await you when you upgrade your wallet to premium!
With GrabPay, you can instantly pay for in-app features like Grab rides, GrabFood deliveries, and GrabExpress deliveries. Additionally, it allows for transactions like shop in-store via QR code, online shopping, funds transfer, bills payment, and buying load. The convenience of transferring money is just at the tip of your fingers!
Note: Currently, money transfers from GrabPay free of service charge; you might want to take advantage of this perk, too!
Available on Android and iOS.
13. Coins.ph
No bank account or credit card? No problem! With Coins.ph, sending money, paying bills, buying game credits, and trading digital currencies are just a few taps away. You can effortlessly manage your funds anytime and anywhere.
The best part about Coins.ph? In-app transactions can be rewarding, which allows you to enjoy a variety of perks like loyalty points and shopping vouchers! Like most mobile banking apps and e-wallets, Coins.ph is also committed to help improve the way you manage your finances.
Available on Android and iOS.
Also read: How to Send Money to Palawan Express From Home
When all else fails in your physical banking errands, or if you’re really after convenience, download these mobile banking apps in the Philippines. In this highly digital world, it’s the first step to becoming a more financially responsible Filipino!
