The “Don’t Pay Cash, PayMaya” campaign accelerates Filipinos’ adoption of digital payments
If paying via QR code, tapping, or swiping a card is as easy and secure as ever, why even bring cash around for payments?
That is the reason why PayMaya has been accelerating the number of ways that a PayMaya user can make digital payments instead of paying in cash.
Recently, PayMaya launched its “Don’t Pay Cash, PayMaya” campaign to the tune of “Ligaya”, a song popularized by the iconic OPM band Eraserheads. More features, more merchant partner promos, cashback promos and discounts are part of this campaign. Add all these up and seriously, I cannot imagine even wanting to continue paying in cash.
While cash is still king to majority of the Filipinos, especially those below the poverty line, a growing number of smartphone users are finding that paying in many places using their smartphone and PayMaya account are so much more convenient. Our experience at Eatogether Hall in Capitol Commons proved just how easy it was to use PayMaya.
Eatogether Hall is your e-commerce type of fastfood court. The concept brought together several food establishments, much like you would see in many food areas, with one difference. Each one had a PayMaya scanning device as well as an LED board. The LED board showcased the menu of the establishment and you paid by scanning the establishment’s QR code, inserting your PayMaya card into a payment device, or tapping the card against an RFID reader.
PayMaya is trying to digitize as many types of payment modes as possible. It also updated the mobile app to make it easier and safer to use.
Some of the more popular payment services being availed of by PayMaya users are 1) sending money, 2) buying load, or 3) sharing treats. In my case, I find it convenient to send money to my family members. My son uses PayMaya for all his Grab rides. It is a much safer payment method compared to always having a lot of cash on hand.
One more important feature that is missing when you pay via cash or credit card is CASHBACKS! Cashbacks are essentially rebates. When a cashback promo is running, PayMaya users who send money, pay bills, purchase items, or top up their telco load may randomly win back at least 1%, 10% or 100% of the amount. Just imagine that – what if you were lucky enough to win back 100% of what you spent! You don’t get this with any other payment mode.
On the way to the campaign launch, I realized I had to load up on my prepaid mobile phone. I decided I would try PayMaya since I had some load in my account. I chose the promo option for a PhP 100 load which the PayMaya app said would only cost me PhP 95. However, when the transaction finally went through, my PayMaya account was only charged PhP 90 (there was a PayMaya promo that month for further discounts). That wasn’t all. Hours later, I got a text from PayMaya telling me I had a 10% cashback or PhP 10. Niiiice! My PhP 100 load only cost me PhP 80! You don’t get that with a load card or top-up using your bank account!
Of course, most important with digital payments is the security of one’s money. All users are encouraged to upgrade their accounts. The upgrade gives higher transaction limits; it also helps secure transactions further. A simpler and faster Upgrade process features a selfie photo as well as AI technology. PayMaya also recently released a sexy black version of the card where all sensitive information are found at the back, instead of the front, of the card.
In the coming months, PayMaya promises to roll out even more features and services. The goal? PayMaya’s Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Paolo Azzola, says “…to make the payments experience of every Filipino hassle-free and more secure.”
As smartphone and data plan prices drop in the coming years, I believe we will continue to see an uptick in digital payments. PayMaya has clearly positioned itself up there as a one of the pioneers in the use of its platform for digital payments instead of cash.
Are you using any form of digital payment? Would love to hear from you.
