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Where to Use Your Mobile Wallet for the Best Value

It’s no secret that Filipinos love bargains and discounts. From 3-day sales in shopping malls to monthly promotions in online marketplaces, Pinoys are always on the hunt for the next promotion that will give them the most bang for their buck.

That’s why it’s no surprise that mobile wallets have enjoyed a steady rise in user base growth and usage frequency over the past few years. Aside from the speed and convenience of every transaction, mobile wallets also have a lot of deals that offer great value. A good example here would be the hundreds of PayMaya partners across the country that let you earn discounts, vouchers, and other rewards simply by using the app as a payment solution.

mobile-wallet
Here are just a few of these establishments so you can maximize your mobile wallet:

Supermarkets

A lot of Pinoys prefer to shop for their home essentials and groceries in a supermarket. Not only is there a wide array of goods for sale, but there are also products that are sometimes found only in these stores. These include quality but affordable store brands and imported items. Of course, supermarkets and grocery stores also conduct regular sales that are certainly appealing to bargain lovers.

With a mobile wallet, however, you don’t have to wait for a sale to enjoy discounts. Just open the app on your phone and use it to pay for your purchases at partner supermarkets. Some stores offer automatic cashback rewards when you use the QR code scanning function, while some require you to input discount codes before confirming the payment. Either way, you’ll get to save money! As a bonus, you don’t have to spend a long time at the cashier because cashless payments are a lot faster.

Department Stores

Department stores are another popular shopping destination for Pinoys, since it’s a one-stop shop for products like clothes, personal care items, homeware, electronics, and toys. Some bigger establishments even have furniture and home appliances for sale. Indeed, the extensive selection of items alone makes for an enjoyable shopping experience.

What’s even better is that with your mobile wallet, the department store shopping experience becomes more enjoyable. In fact, you can even avail of double discounts when you avail mobile wallet promotions during a sale. For example, you can add discounted products to your card and then use your mobile wallet to pay via QR to receive an additional price cut from the total amount. Sulit, right?

Drugstores

Medicines can be quite expensive, especially those that are used for diseases that require specialized care. Meanwhile, there are a lot of medications that are more affordable per piece but the frequency of usage still drives up the overall price. In short, it costs a lot of money to be sick.

Thankfully, there are many drugstores that are partners with mobile wallets so they can offer better service and more discounts. Usually, customers are given discount codes that they can use at any time. There are also certain promos that encourage the use of a certain function (i.e., QR code), rewarding customers with cashback and other discounts.

Utility Billers

Utility bills can be frustrating to pay, especially during the hotter months when you have to shower more often and crank up the air-conditioning. The good thing, at least, is that a lot of utility companies have teamed up with mobile wallets to make bills payment a lot easier and more affordable.

With a mobile wallet, not only do you save time and money because you don’t have to drive or commute to go to the payment center to settle your bills. You also save money quite literally because you get cashback rewards when you use the app to pay! The amount you save is instantly credited back to your mobile wallet account, which you can then use to shop or for your savings. Just remember to pay on time, of course.

Partner Restaurants

If there’s one thing that Pinoys love more than shopping with discounts, it’s eating good food. Whatever the event—birthdays, anniversaries, promotions at work—you can be sure that there’s going to be food involved. That’s why it’s not surprising that restaurants are some of the most popular merchant partners of mobile wallets.

The most common promotions that restaurants offer to mobile wallet users include free value meals and free upgrades on beverages or side dishes. There are also discount codes that can be applied to the final amount. Either way, e-wallets can definitely help you enjoy more delicious meals for less.

Gas Stations

If you drive every day, then you know how expensive a liter of fuel can get. Sometimes, it’s even more economical to just book a ride-hailing service than bring your own car. However, there are also times when driving is the better choice so you really have to deal with the rising prices of fuel. Thankfully, your mobile wallet can help you get discounts. Depending on the merchant partner, you can get straight-up discounts on the price per liter or you can also enjoy a fixed deduction on the final cost.

Other partner merchants from which you can enjoy discounts and other perks include hotels, fashion boutiques, and even streaming services. You can also earn vouchers, gift certificates, and more when you use your mobile wallet to donate to charities and pay your government dues.

In short, if you really want more value for your hard-earned money, it’s a great idea to start using a mobile wallet today!

Guest blog by Aica Tolosa

8 Comments

  • Jowjow Mojos (@FoodFlings.PH)

    You know what, I have been amazed with these technologies while I was in Japan back 2009. How they use their phone to buy everything even on trains. Alas that only after 10 years or so that the Philippines is catching up but it is definitely a great start for all of us Pinoys. 🙂 I hope more and more establishments and Pinoys adapt to this new technology.

  • Danica Marasigan

    Didn’t know that the range of products and services is very extensive when it comes to the usage of mobile wallet. I’ve tried only a few times, when I ran out of cash or don’t want to use my credit cards. It’s good to know that we are slowly utilizing technology these days as a convenient tool for purchasing.

  • Ivan M. Jose

    I love using mobile wallets because of the convenience they bring. Plus, they are great in helping me budget my funds. The discounts and promos are just perks but I’m not complaining.

  • Lalaine

    Here in the US, since the pandemic happened, mobile wallet or any electronic mode of payment became so popular and until now, we are utilizing that kind of payment instead of using cash. It’s really convenient and safer.

  • Janella Herrera

    I never thought of using mobile wallet for gas stations. However, I really find it risky whenever a pay cash. Thanks for the idea, I might start paying cashless anytime soon.

  • WanderWoMom

    yes i dont normally have cash on hand na and im happy using my mobile wallet. i hope more and more will be accustomed to using this, especially mga grab /lalamove driver, lalo na ngayong pandemic when we want less exposure to other people plus how the money is so dirty…

  • Hyejin

    It’s nice to hear that the Philippines is going its way to cashless payments like here in Korea. It’s very convenient actually, especially when you are paying for subway and bus fares no need to take cash on your wallet just tapping and you’re done.

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