QR payments via GCash accepted in Philippine convenience stores 
Payments using QR codes will soon be accepted in one of the largest retail chains in the Philippines. Ministop, which runs 24-hour convenience stores across the country, is partnering with payment system GCash to deliver the service. Customers will be able to use the GCash app on their iPhone or Android smartphone after loading it with funds at one of 12,000 outlets. Payments can then be made using the phone's camera to scan QR codes on items for purchase. GCash, which is operated by Mynt, is seeking to expand its coverage in the Philippines with similar deals.

MANILLA, Philippines – The Manilla Bulletin reports that GCash, an electronic payments firm that utlizes QR codes, has partnered with Ministop, one of the largest 24-hour convenience store chains in the Philippines, to promote the benefits of cashless payments in the country.

“We are excited over this partnership since Ministop is the first convenience store in the country to embrace e-payment via QR code. This will be good for the larger population because of the ease, convenience, and security that e-payments provide both to the consumers and merchants,” said Anthony Thomas, president and CEO of Mynt, which operates GCash.

Ministop has developed products and services that cater to the consumption profile of the Filipino market with its wide assortment of merchandise and an extensive selection of ready-to-eat products, which are mostly frequented by employees and students, notes the news source.

“Providing 24/7 convenience to our customers has always been our thrust,” said Thelma Roxas-Jacob Ministop’s general manager. “And we find that Globe GCash’s e-payment via QR code program will redefine convenience to our customers by providing them an easier way to shop for their favorite treats and meals with just few clicks on their mobile phones.”

To use the scan to pay feature of the GCash App, customers need to download or update the GCash App in their iPhone or Android smartphone, register for an account and load their GCash wallet in any of the 12,000 GCash partner outlets nationwide, including Robinsons Business Centers, Globe Stores, SM Business Centers, Puregold branches, 7-Eleven Cliqq kiosks and TouchPay kiosks, among others. To make a purchase, users tap or point the phone’s camera at the QR code, and input the amount to be paid.

Thomas told the news source that Filipinos will see GCash becoming more ubiquitous in the next couple of years as it acquires more partner merchants including micro entrepreneurs. “We are not reserving e-payment for organized trade, but also for your cigarette vendor, balut vendor and the sari-sari store, among others. Eventually, you can pay with your smartphone anywhere you go. No need to bring cash,” he said.