While they might seem like new innovations, e-wallets actually began in the Philippines in the early 2000s. Back then, the transactions were purely SMS-based. Still, there were some similarities to modern e-wallets (e.g., you had to visit authorized partners like remittance centers, pawnshops, and banks to cash-in or cash-out).
Thanks to the lightning-fast pace of technological developments, these SMS-based e-wallets evolved into easy-to-use apps. Instead of a SIM toolkit or menu and typing keywords, users can now interact with a visual interface to complete their transactions.
Nowadays, one of the most common ways that Filipinos use their e-wallets is to send money to loved ones through e-wallet-to-e-wallet or e-wallet-to bank transactions. This is definitely a huge comfort, knowing that friends and family who need the money for their expenses will have quick access to the funds.
Aside from sending money, e-wallets also have other useful features that make things even more convenient for their users. Here are just a few vital e-wallet services that you can use day-to-day:
Paying Bills
Aside from sending money, paying bills is perhaps the most commonly used feature of e-wallets. It’s not difficult to see why. Compared to the “old school” way of paying, which involves going out of the house to visit a payment center, paying bills using an e-wallet is so much simpler. All you have to do is open the app, choose the biller from the list, and input the correct details.
This simple method is not only faster, but also much safer since you’re not exposed to pollutants and disease-causing germs (like the COVID-19 virus). It’s also more secure since you’re not handling physical money, reducing the risk of theft. There are also several measures like one-time passwords that further ensure the security and integrity of every transaction.
Paying Government Dues
There are some people who have trouble paying their government dues properly because of their busy schedules. Sometimes, they’re also discouraged by the long lines even if they visit early in the morning. As a result, they end up paying penalties or are unable to pay their dues at all.
Luckily, e-wallets have signed partnerships with different government agencies to facilitate faster payments. Now, you can pay your taxes, loan amortizations, and other fees using your e-wallet. Just make sure that you have the corresponding reference numbers so that the transaction will proceed smoothly.
Loading Your RFID
During the last months of 2020, major tollways in Metro Manila and nearby provinces transitioned to cashless payments using RFID stickers. This move, according to authorities, was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and also a step towards improving services. It took both the toll operators and the motorists a bit of time to get used to the new system, but it proved to be fairly successful after several months of implementation.
The good thing about these RFIDs is that you can top up their balance digitally. You can either use your credit card to do so, or you can also use your e-wallet account. This is perfectly in line with the objective of having a cashless set-up that facilitates the faster flow of traffic.
Purchasing Mobile Data and Load
Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to always have a way to stay informed and stay in touch. One way to ensure this is to always have enough mobile data and prepaid load, which you can purchase through your e-wallet app. What’s even better is that not only can you make a purchase anytime, anywhere, you also get an automatic discount!
In addition, e-wallets have different mobile data and load bundles available across all networks. Depending on your needs, you can combine these bundles to ensure that you get the services you need.
Shopping Online
It’s no secret that Pinoys love online shopping. Every month, the biggest online marketplaces conduct sales that offer big discounts for a wide range of products. There are also plenty of independent sellers online who have started their small enterprises through social media. Aside from the wide variety of high-quality and affordable products, Pinoys appreciate the comfort and convenience of online shopping. This was further highlighted when the pandemic struck, when people had to stay at home to prevent widespread infection.
Thankfully, e-wallets have made the process of online shopping so much easier. Users can pay for their purchases directly using their accounts, or they can use a physical card linked to their account like a credit card. There are also e-wallets with a built-in shopping component within the app, with growing lists of partners that include supermarkets, drugstores, and lifestyle shops. This makes the shopping experience more seamless.
As technology continues to evolve, there will surely be more services that e-wallets will be able to provide. In the meantime, we can all enjoy these current features that have completely transformed the way we conduct our daily transactions.
