By THEPHILBIZNEWS STAFF
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) continue to serve as the backbone of the Philippine economy, accounting for over 99.5% of all registered businesses, providing around 63% of total employment, and contributing significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Yet, despite their importance, many MSMEs remain hindered by high costs, limited access to financial tools, and the complexities of adopting digital payment systems.
Cognizant of these challenges, GCash for Business has launched PocketPay, a game-changing solution that helps small business owners accept card payments easily and affordably, and directly from their smartphones. With this innovation, even small-scale entrepreneurs can expand their reach and operate more efficiently in an increasingly digital marketplace.
PocketPay empowers entrepreneurs to use their phones as secure, fully functional card terminals using near-field communication (NFC) technology. This innovation eliminates the need for expensive hardware, manual verification, or cumbersome setup processes—enabling more MSMEs to participate fully in the nation’s growing digital economy.
“Digital tools have to work with how MSMEs live and operate, often on lean budgets and fast turnarounds,” said Jong Layug, General Manager for B2B at Mynt. “PocketPay was designed to meet them where they are—with solutions that are flexible, reliable, and easy to use. Our goal is to help Filipino entrepreneurs do more with less and thrive in a rapidly evolving business environment.”
By simplifying cashless transactions, PocketPay helps MSMEs reach more customers who prefer card-based or contactless payments. The system also streamlines operations by providing instant confirmations and real-time transaction tracking—saving time and reducing errors.
For café and restaurant owner Miguel Escueta of Frank & Dean, the launch has made a tangible impact on daily operations.
“It has made doing business more convenient, especially at our corporate office branches,” Escueta shared. “Having a third payment option beyond cash and e-wallets is a big help since many customers prefer credit cards. PocketPay makes that process seamless, faster, and more secure.”
He added that digital adoption is not just about convenience—it’s about safety and scalability. “It’s easier to track sales, safer than handling cash, and helps us save time from bank runs,” he said.
Beyond PocketPay, GCash for Business also offers SoundPay, a portable payment solution that accepts QR payments and provides instant voice confirmation with every transaction—ideal for MSMEs looking to expand their cashless capabilities with minimal cost and disruption.
Both PocketPay and SoundPay can be accessed through the GCash for Business Portal, where entrepreneurs can register, order devices, and manage their transactions seamlessly. Merchants who download GCash PocketPay by GCash for Business via Google Play can also enjoy zero transaction fees until November 29, 2025.
As the Philippines continues to accelerate its transition toward a digital-first economy, innovations like PocketPay are vital in ensuring that MSMEs—the lifeblood of the nation’s business landscape to remain competitive, resilient, and empowered to contribute to inclusive and sustainable growth.