As digital payments continue to evolve in the Philippines, East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) is expanding its contactless payment ecosystem with the launch of Garmin Pay, allowing eligible cardholders to make purchases directly from their compatible Garmin smartwatches.
The move reflects the growing demand for payment solutions that integrate seamlessly into consumers’ increasingly mobile and connected lifestyles. With Garmin Pay, EastWest customers can leave behind their wallets, cards, and even smartphones, using their smartwatch to complete transactions at contactless-enabled payment terminals.
The service is now available for eligible EastWest Visa debit and credit cards, as well as Mastercard credit cards. Customers can enroll multiple cards into Garmin Pay and select their preferred payment method directly from their wearable device.
The launch adds another payment channel to EastWest’s broader digital banking strategy, which has increasingly focused on providing customers with flexible and convenient payment options. It complements the bank’s existing digital payment offerings, including EastWest Pay and Google Pay, further strengthening its presence in the growing cashless payments landscape.
“At EastWest, we are focused on making everyday moments simpler and more seamless for our customers,” said Norman Martin C. Reyes, EastWest Senior Vice President and Head of Bank Marketing and Cash Management.
“Whether you’re biking, running, grabbing a quick coffee, or heading out for an errand, you can leave your wallet and phone behind — just tap your watch and you’re done. It’s one less thing to carry, and one less thing to worry about,” Reyes added.
The introduction of wearable payments comes as consumers increasingly seek frictionless payment experiences that fit naturally into their daily routines. Smartwatches, once primarily associated with fitness tracking and health monitoring, are increasingly becoming multifunctional devices that support communication, navigation, and financial transactions.
Wearable payments boost seamless banking convenience
Garmin, known for its GPS-enabled smartwatches and fitness-focused wearables, has built a strong following among active and health-conscious consumers. By enabling Garmin Pay, EastWest is tapping into a segment of customers who value convenience, mobility, and technology-driven experiences.
Security remains a key component of the offering. According to EastWest, card information is protected while transactions are processed through secure contactless payment technology. Customers can use Garmin Pay anywhere contactless payments are accepted, both in the Philippines and abroad.
EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo said the launch aligns with changing consumer expectations around payments and digital banking.
“How Filipinos pay continues to evolve, with customers expecting solutions that are fast, flexible, and easy,” Ngo said. “By enabling both Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards on our digital payment solutions, we are giving our customers greater control and convenience while continuing to make banking easier and more relevant to their everyday lives.”
As wearable technology gains traction globally, EastWest’s adoption of Garmin Pay underscores how banks are increasingly embedding financial services into everyday devices. The trend reflects a broader shift toward invisible and embedded payments, where transactions become a seamless part of consumers’ daily activities rather than a separate step in the purchasing journey.
