If there's one thing that most people have in common, it's a dislike for bills-specifically, paying them. It doesn't help when you add the hassle of dealing with traffic, long lines, heat, and-often-inconvenient banking hours. But it's all part of being a functioning human in this modern world, and there is one thing that can make it better: You can do almost everything on your mobile phone nowadays.
Check out these apps that let you pay your bills online:
Meralco
Meralco's mobile app is so user-friendly, even boomers can get the hang of it. You just have to create an account using your Service ID Number. The main dashboard shows you the amount you need to pay and due date, and right below is a "Pay Now" button. You have the option to pay through a credit card, debit card, GCash, Smart Money, or PayMaya. You can also opt to go paperless and just receive your monthly bill through e-mail. Pro tip: Even if the contract is not under your name, you can still link the existing account to yours as long as you have the Service ID number. That's a big relief if you're just renting your place.
GCash
GCash lets you turn your mobile phone into a virtual wallet, and you don't even have to be a Globe subscriber to be able to use it. You can cash in using your online banks, selected remittance partners, or over-the-counter stations at supermarkets, department stores, payment facilities, and convenience stores. Paying bills is also made easier since you can browse by category, ranging from utilities like Meralco to Internet providers like Converge, and save the ones you regularly transact with. You can also use GCash for cashless transactions, as long as the store has a QR code that you can scan with your app.
GlobeOne
Much like Meralco, GlobeOne's interface shows your monthly dues, due date, and an easy-to-see button that lets you pay in an instant. Payment methods include GCash (it is Globe, after all), credit cards (MasterCard and Visa), and debit cards (Banco de Oro, Metrobank, RCBC, Security Bank, and UnionBank.) You can also log in with your face or fingerprint-no need to memorize passwords and usernames!
PayMaya
PayMaya is another virtual wallet that you can load up through your bank account, debit, or credit card. You have the option to cash in through their partners, which range from supermarkets to pawn shops. The dashboard for paying bills is organized in alphabetical order (and not by category). You can also use PayMaya for cashless transactions in various stores-you just need to scan a QR code to process payment.
PayPal
While PayPal's app doesn't have plenty of features, they offer a secure way of sending and receiving your money. You can link this online payment system to your credit or debit card and/or bank account and transfer money to your family or friends. You can also use PayPal to pay for your monthly subscriptions to Netflix and Spotify, as well as online purchases.
Robinsons Bank
There may not be a lot of Robinsons Bank branches in the Metro, but their app does the job. Billers are listed alphabetically; insurance companies like AXA Philippines and Fortune Life Insurance are included, as well as telecom companies like Globe and PLDT, and utility providers like Maynilad, Manila Water, and Meralco. It also features Direct2Bank InstaPay, which lets you to instantly transfer funds to any bank-this comes in handy if you need to pay rent to your landlord ASAP.
Banco de Oro
Banco de Oro (BDO) clients have the option to set up an automated bills payment through their BDO credit card. But if you'd rather do things manually, there's the ever-dependable charge-on-demand for your account. Like most online banking services, it also has an OTP generator for a more secure transaction.
Bank of the Philippine Islands
You don't have to worry about banking hours with the availability of mobile apps like BPI's. It lets clients pay bills to more than 600 merchants-from credit card and insurance companies, utilities, schools, and more. You just have to enroll your biller via the BPI website first. The app also lets you send money even to non-BPI accounts. Just a heads up though: It charges P50 for every interbank transfer.
UnionBank
UnionBank's mobile banking has plenty of features for a finance company's app. It lets you set aside some money for your next goal, whether for payment of your loan or for travel funds. It also lets you save billers you frequently pay, deposit a check by just taking a photo, and send money to other banks instantly.
Coins.ph
While Coins.ph is primarily a cryptocurrency platform, you can also use it to settle your bill payments for electricity, water, loan payment, telecom transactions, and more. You can top up using your bank accounts and other virtual wallets like GCash and PayMaya. Coins.ph can also be used to buy credits for entertainment platforms like HOOQ and Viu and gaming accounts like Steam Wallet, Garena Shells, and Level Up!
