What is GCash?
GCash is known as a Philippine digital wallet that can be used in online payments and online banking. It was introduced in the year 2004 and is owned by Globe Fintech Innovations – now Mynt. The latter is a joint venture of Ant Group which is an affiliate company of Alibaba – the operator of the world’s leading open digital lifestyle platform; Alipay. As well as Ayala group of companies, also known as the Philippines’ largest business multinationals, and Globe Telecom, one of the country's largest telecommunication companies.
As of November 2021, GCash has 3.9 million users which makes the digital wallet recognized as the largest digital ecosystem in the Philippines.
What bank is it from?
The partnership between Globe Telecom, Ayala Corporation, and Ant Financial makes this digital wallet innovative and a first-in-world fintech solution to a lot of people. Moreover, GCash is a branchless banking service but it has partner banks for its products like GSave and credit. CIMB Bank Philippines is known to be GCash’s partner bank.
GCash card, how does it work?
The GCash MasterCard is a reloadable prepaid card that can be used for online, in-store purchases or ATMs. It is used together with the GCash app so the users of it will enjoy the benefits of having a debit and credit card in one.
GCash cards are available in any Globe Stores or its other over-the-counter outlets. You can also buy it off the shelf at the partner establishments of Globe like Robinsons business centers and selected branches of Ministop.
You can also get it through the GCash app. Just tap the “Show More” on your dashboard, and press “Cash Out” under the Fund Management. After that, select deliver and fill out the order form. Once you submitted your details, make sure that you have enough money in your wallet to shoulder the price of the card. If you’re done, confirm it on the payment page. Wait for your card to arrive at the address you gave.
The price of the GCash card is only PHP 150 but it’s only available to fully verified GCash users.
How to apply for the GCash Card?
You can get GCash MasterCard from any of the two choices above. If you wish to apply one through GCash MasterCard off-the-shelf, aside from ministop and Robinsons, you can get it in Lawson, All Day, and 7-Eleven convenience stores.
The only requirement you need to be able to use the GCash card is you should be a verified user of the digital wallet.
How to activate the GCash card?
To activate your card, follow the succeeding steps:
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Dial *143# on your phone.
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Select “GCash” > “GCash Card” > “Activate Card.”
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Enter your GCash MPIN.
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Type your 16-digit GCash Mastercard number. (You can find this number on the front of your GCash card).
How long does it take to arrive?
GCash card is usually delivered after 10 working days after you paid the necessary fees for it. However, if the courier happens to experience mishaps, it may take longer than 10 days.
How to transfer money to the GCash Card?
- Go to the GCash app. On your dashboard, click 'Transfer'.
- Select 'GCash' then put your 11-Digit GCash account number, account name, address, and e-mail address (the email address you will enter is where you’re going to receive the digital receipt, so make sure it’s accurate).
- Select the bank Account to get the funds from.
- Enter Amount then click 'Next'.
- Always review the transaction summary then click 'Submit' to confirm.
The minimum amount of withdrawal in the GCash Card is PHP 500. While the maximum daily amount you can withdraw is PHP 50,000. And keep in mind that before you can withdraw your money, you first have to nominate your 6-digit PIN. The latter is different from your 4-digit M-PIN.
The withdrawal fee of using GCash MasterCard is PHP 20 per transaction.
But if you are not using GCash Card, the withdrawal fee on any GCash partnered outlets is PHP 20 per PHP 1,000. Meaning, if you want to withdraw PHP 50,000, your fee is PHP 1,000.
How to renew the GCash Card?
The validity of your GCash Card is up to 5 years. And 3 months prior to its expiration, an SMS will be sent to your mobile number linked to GCash. If you wish to renew your card, you can order a new GCash Card with a new card number. The same activation process for your new card applies.
GCash card benefits
- With a GCash card, you can withdraw your GCash balance more efficiently and inexpensively. This card can be a lifesaver especially if you need cash immediately. Just go to any affiliated ATM nationwide.
- You can use it to pay for online purchases. A lot of online stores and sellers today accept GCash as a means of payment.
- GCash cards can be used for in-store purchases. With your card, you can pay at any physical establishments like retail shops, restaurants, hotels, or tech stores.
GCash Customer Service
If you wish to call the customer service of GCash due to unauthorized transactions, card loss, or damages, you can call their customer care hotline (2882). You can also submit a ticket through their GCash Help Center that can be found on their app.
Gcash Card Complaints
The most common complaint of GCash cards is unauthorized transactions. This is maybe because the system is broken the moment the user utilized it or there are misconfigured authentication mechanisms that GCash doesn’t solve yet.
Other complaints are disputes, cash-in errors, failed transactions, withdrawal problems, and slow customer service.
GCash Card reviews
Even if there are some complaints, the app got 3.9 ratings on Google Play Store. Some users also say that you can avoid unauthorized transactions by protecting every transaction with two-factor authentication. The convenience of a GCash card for payments is also loved by many. In addition, many say that the app is fast and intuitive compared to other local digital wallets.