GCash and Filipino Community Celebrate Independence Day in New York
GCash, the leading financial app in the Philippines and the largest cashless ecosystem, recently participated in the Independence Day celebrations in New York City.
The event was organized by the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI), a non-profit organization representing Filipino-American associations along the East Coast. The PIDCI’s Independence Day Parade, now in its 34th year, is the largest Independence Day Parade outside of the Philippines. It serves as a platform to celebrate Filipino culture, strengthen familial and community bonds, and showcase Filipino pride.
During the event, Paul Albano, the General Manager of GCash International, unveiled exciting new features that enhance digital financial services for Filipinos residing outside of the Philippines. GCash has made significant progress in its international expansion, allowing users to download the app in the US using a US mobile phone number. Additionally, it is now easier for individuals to transfer money from over 12,000 US banks to their GCash accounts.
GCash continues to revolutionize the way Filipinos manage their finances, even when they are away from their home country. With its user-friendly interface and convenient features, GCash empowers Filipinos abroad to stay connected and make secure financial transactions with ease.
“At GCash, when we say that ‘Finance for All’ is our vision, it means we are driven to go beyond the Philippines and reach as many Filipinos as we can around the globe,” said Albano. “We are honored to join our community in this distinctly Filipino celebration, and we’re eager to share all the ways GCash has been continuously innovating and enhancing our services to meet the needs of our kababayan overseas.”
The cultural festival on June 2, 2024, brought together generations to celebrate heritage and community. GCash made a grand entrance at the Independence Day Parade on Madison Avenue, showcasing its key features that connect Filipinos worldwide, including those missing their loved ones back home.
At the street fair between Madison and Park Avenues, GCash booths were bustling with trade and travel merchants. Showcasing its role as a seamless fintech solution for Filipinos abroad, the booths highlighted partnerships with financial institutions like Meridian, bridging US-based fintech services with the popular mobile wallet used for financial transactions across the Philippines.
GCash and Meridian enable transfers from US banks to GCash peso accounts
GCash has partnered with Meridian, a leading instant payments technology company based in New York City. This collaboration has made it possible for users in the US to transfer funds directly from their GCash app to their GCash accounts, using a wide range of 12,000 US banks. The best part is that upon transfer, the service automatically converts the dollar amounts into Philippine pesos, offering competitive foreign exchange rates. And guess what? The transaction fee is just a nominal $1.
According to Albano, a representative from GCash, their main goal is to assist Filipinos living abroad in taking care of their families and staying connected with their loved ones, despite the distance. With GCash’s international expansion, they are making this vision a reality. They are empowering Filipinos overseas to have better control over their finances, and making the process of sending money to the Philippines more convenient with their competitive rates.
GCash International expansion to reach millions of overseas Filipinos
GCash made an exciting announcement in March, revealing its plans to expand its services internationally. Thanks to the approval from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, GCash can now fully launch its global push. This means that Filipinos living in 14 different territories, including the US, Canada, Italy, and the UK, can now sign up and use the GCash app using their international mobile numbers.
This expansion is a game-changer for GCash, as it allows them to serve and empower more Filipinos, no matter where they are in the world. GCash users abroad can now enjoy free real-time money transfers among GCash wallets, making it easier for them to access their funds. They can also use the app to buy load for their loved ones back home. But that’s not all – GCash users can now directly pay their bills, whether it’s utilities, tuition fees, or even government payables like taxes and contributions. With over 1,900 Philippine billers available, it’s never been more convenient to manage your finances from abroad.
To access GCash outside the Philippines, all you need to do is download the GCash app from Google Play, App Store, or Huawei AppGallery. Make sure you have an active international SIM card, as you’ll need it to register. Simply select your country, enter your mobile number, and provide the necessary personal information. Keep in mind that there may be residency requirements to fulfill. Once you’ve completed these steps, set your MPIN and log in. You’ll also need a valid ID, such as your Philippine passport, for scanning to verify your account. After that, complete the facial verification process by taking a selfie and providing any additional information required. Finally, wait for the SMS confirmation, and once you receive it, you’re all set to use the app by entering your MPIN.
Excitingly, GCash is planning to meet with Filipino communities in Carson City, California, and Dubai, UAE in the upcoming weeks. They want to share their GCash Overseas innovations and ensure that more Filipinos are aware of the fantastic services they offer.
GCash’s international expansion is a significant step forward, allowing them to connect with Filipinos worldwide and provide them with the financial tools they need. Whether it’s sending money, paying bills, or managing finances, GCash is here to make life easier for Filipinos, no matter where they are.
