Admit it, debit cards and credit cards are more convenient than cash. But what if you don’t have a debit card that you can use for cashless transactions and online payments? There’s no need to visit the bank because you can apply for the GCash Visa debit card and have it delivered straight to your doorsteps!
If you didn’t know already, GCash has been issuing prepaid debit cards since 2017. In fact, I have a GCash MasterCard that is set to expire in 2024 (these cards have a five-year validity). I’ve been using the GCash MasterCard to pay for online purchases such as my Netflix subscription as well as to withdraw money at ATMs.
GCash also offers the American Express Virtual Pay Card, which is a prepaid virtual card that lets you shop and pay online. The difference between the GCash Amex card and the GCash MasterCard is that the former can only be used online (since it’s a “virtual” card) while the latter can be used for both online and in-store transactions (as well as ATM withdrawals).
The new GCash Visa card was recently launched in October 2023. From now on, GCash users will only be able to order Visa debit cards instead of the old MasterCard. However, GCash MasterCard debit cards are still valid and can be used until their eventual expiration.
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Why Do You Need the GCash Visa Card?
With all the debit cards and prepaid cards out there, why do you still need the GCash Visa card?
First of all, the new GCash Visa card offers an easy and convenient way to pay for both online and in-store purchases. Just enter your card details or swipe it with a card reader. It’s a Visa debit card so it will be honored by all merchants and stores that accept Visa.
Secondly, the GCash Visa card can be used to withdraw money at ATMs anywhere in the world. As long as the ATM has a BancNet and/or Visa logo, you can use your card to withdraw money. The amount you can withdraw is only limited by GCash transaction limits as well as your e-wallet balance.
Finally, the GCash Visa card is available to all verified GCash users. You don’t need to submit paperwork because GCash already has your personal details and has verified your identity. Just order the card, pay for it with your e-wallet funds, and wait for it to be delivered. Easy peasy!
In a nutshell, these are the features of the new GCash Visa card:
- Shop or pay online – anywhere Visa is accepted,
- Pay for in-store purchases at more than 100 million merchants worldwide,
- Conveniently withdraw money from any BancNet and Visa ATM,
- Enjoy free insurance of up to ₱20,000 to protect against unauthorized transactions,
- Use the virtual account number instead of the actual card number,
- Reset the card PIN quickly on the GCash app, and
- Temporarily lock your card in case of loss or theft.
Convinced yet? Continue reading to learn how to order your GCash card and activate it on the GCash mobile app.
How to Order the New GCash Visa Debit Card
As mentioned, you don’t have to submit any documents to apply for the new GCash Visa debit card. All you need to do is to fill out a short online form and pay a small fee.
Follow these steps to order the new GCash Visa card:
Step 1: Open your GCash app and login using your MPIN or biometrics. Once logged in, tap the “View All” icon as shown on the screenshot image below.
Scroll down and under the “Manage” section, select “Cards.”
Step 2: You’re now in the “GCash Card” screen where all your linked GCash prepaid cards are listed.
Tap the “Order a GCash Card” button at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Select “Order a Card” and then tap “Send me a card.”
Step 4: Review your card information. If your name is too long like mine, you’ll have to select a first name from the listed options. Press “Next” to proceed.
Press “Confirm” to confirm your selection.
Step 5: Fill out the GCash card order form with the following information:
- Recipient’s Name – Enter your name or the name of the person who will receive the card.
- Mobile Number – Provide your mobile number which will be contacted during delivery (can be different from your registered GCash number).
- Delivery Address
- Province – Choose or type your province from the dropdown box.
- City/Municipality – Select or type your city or municipality based on your chosen province.
- Barangay – Select or type your barangay based on your city/municipality.
- ZIP Code – Enter your four-digit postal code or ZIP code.
- House No. and Street Address
- Landmark (optional) – Indicate a landmark (a place or building that is easily recognizable) near your address.
When you’re done filling out the form, press “Next.”
Step 6: Review your provided information including the delivery address, making sure that they are correct and accurate.
Take note of the card fee which is ₱185 for the card as well as the delivery fee. Make sure that you have sufficient GCash balance to pay for the card.
Check the box stating that you agree to the terms and conditions, and then press “Confirm.”
Step 7: Pay for your GCash Visa card using your available balance. Press the “Pay” button to confirm your payment.
After successful payment, take note of the date of payment and reference number. You can take a screenshot of the transaction details for future reference or in case you have to contact GCash support for assistance.
Press “Proceed” or wait for 10 seconds to be redirected back to GCash.
Your GCash Visa card will be delivered within 4-6 business days for Metro Manila or NCR, 6-8 business days for Luzon, and 8-10 business days for Visayas and Mindanao.
You will receive a text message confirming your GCash Visa card order along with the reference number. Present your valid government-issued ID and the reference number upon delivery of the card. If the card will be claimed by a representative, make sure to present an authorization letter along with a government ID and reference number.
How to Link Your GCash Visa Card
Upon receiving your GCash card, activate it by linking it to your GCash account. Follow these steps to link and activate your card:
- Open the GCash app and login to your account.
- On the home screen, tap “View All.”
- Scroll down and under the “Manage” section, tap “Cards.”
- Press the “Link my card” button.
- Enter the authentication code that was sent to your registered mobile number and press “Submit.”
- Enter your card information including the last four (4) digits of your card and the virtual account number (the 12-digit code at the back of your card). Press “Next.”
- Nominate your 6-digit card PIN and press “Next.”
- Your card is successfully linked to your GCash account.
How to Manage Your Card on the GCash App
After you have linked and activated your GCash card, you can manage it through the mobile app. The following card management features are available on the app:
- Check your card details
- View and copy your virtual account number
- Lock your card temporarily
- Permanently deactivate your card
- Reset your 6-digit card PIN
You can access the card management features on the GCash app by tapping View All > Cards. Alternatively, you can navigate to Profile > My Linked Accounts > GCash Card.
How to Lock Your Card
If your GCash card was lost or misplaced, you can lock it temporarily for your protection. Just follow these steps to temporarily lock your card (you can unlock it when you’ve recovered your card):
- Open the GCash app and login to your account.
- Tap “View All” on the home screen.
- Scroll down and select “Cards” under the “Manage” section.
- Select your GCash card from the list.
- Select “Lock Card.”
- Confirm by pressing the “Lock Card” button.
- You card has been temporarily locked.
How to Deactivate Your Card
If your GCash card is lost or stolen and you can no longer recover it, follow these steps to permanently deactivate your card:
- Open the GCash app and login to your account.
- On the home screen, select “View All.”
- Scroll down and select “Cards” under the “Manage” section.
- Choose your GCash card from the list.
- Tap the “Deactivate” link on the upper-right portion.
- Confirm permanent deactivation of your card by pressing “Yes, Deactivate It.”
- Your card has now been permanently deactivated. You will no longer be able to use it.
What You Can Do With Your GCash Card
You’ll be amazed by how useful the GCash Visa card is, especially when it comes to online transactions and purchases. I’ll give you a rundown of the things that you can do with your new GCash Visa card, so that you can take full advantage of its features and capabilities.
Go Shopping Online
Why waste your time and money wiring funds to a store based in the United States (for example), when you can use your GCash Visa debit card?
We’re in the digital age where credit and debit cards are as good as cash, so use your GCash card to pay for all your online purchases and subscriptions. All you need to do is to enter your GCash card number, expiration date, and its security code (located at the back of the card). As long as the website or shop accepts Visa, your card will be accepted as payment.
One of the most powerful features of the GCash Visa card is the “virtual account number.” Instead of typing your actual card number on a website, you can enter its virtual account number instead. It’s safer and more secure that way because you’re not exposing your card’s real number on the Internet (which reduces your risks of falling victim to data leaks and identity theft).
Pay For In-Store Purchases
Though cash is still king in many parts of the world, nothing beats the ease and convenience of debit/credit cards. When shopping for groceries or dining at a restaurant, simply pay with your GCash Visa card by swiping it at a card reader or POS terminal. Visa is accepted at more than 100 million merchants and 200+ countries worldwide.
Make sure that you have sufficient funds in your GCash wallet to pay for your purchase. It’s a prepaid debit card which means that your payment will be debited from your GCash account (as opposed to a credit card which allows you to pay on credit).
Withdraw Cash at ATMs Worldwide
Do you want to withdraw your GCash wallet funds? Then use your GCash Visa card to withdraw your money at any BancNet and Visa ATM nationwide. For withdrawals abroad, make sure that the ATM accepts Visa cards (check for the Visa logo first) before inserting your card.
The minimum amount that you can withdraw is ₱500 per transaction while the maximum withdrawal amount is ₱20,000 per transaction and ₱40,000 per day. Take note that there is a ₱10 to ₱18 fee per ATM withdrawal transaction in the Philippines and ₱150 per withdrawal outside the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the old GCash MasterCard and the new GCash Visa card?
The old (and soon to be phased out) GCash card is powered by MasterCard, while the new card is powered by Visa. Their features are more or less the same, however.
Can I still use my old GCash MasterCard even when I already have the new Visa card?
Your old GCash MasterCard will remain valid and useable until the date of its expiration. After that, you may apply for the new GCash Visa card.
How much does the GCash Visa card cost?
The GCash Visa card costs ₱185. The additional delivery fee depends on the address of the recipient.
Does the GCash card have a minimum maintaining balance?
No, the GCash prepaid card doesn’t have a minimum balance requirement to maintain. Even if your GCash balance remains zero for a long time, you will not be charged any fees.
Are there any dormancy fees and other fees?
The GCash card doesn’t incur any dormancy fees, maintenance fees, and other incidental charges.
How much money can I withdraw using my GCash Visa card?
For ATM withdrawals, you can withdraw up to ₱20,000 per transaction and ₱40,000 per day. For withdrawals at partner outlets, you can withdraw up to ₱100,000 per transaction and ₱500,000 per month.
When will my GCash card expire?
GCash cards have a validity period of five (5) years from the date of issuance. For example, if your card was ordered and issued on November 2023, then it will expire five years later on November 2028. You can see the expiry date at the back of the card.
What is my GCash card PIN?
Your GCash card PIN is the 6-digit numeric code that you set when you linked and activated your card. The card PIN is different from your GCash MPIN which is four (4) digits long. If you forgot your PIN, you can reset it on the GCash app by going to Profile > My Linked Accounts > GCash Card.
What should I do if I lost my GCash card?
If your card was lost, misplaced or stolen, lock it immediately through the GCash app to prevent unauthorized transactions. After locking the card, report the lost or stolen card by submitting a support ticket.
Does my GCash Visa card include free insurance?
Yes, the new Visa card includes free GInsure insurance wherein cardholders are protected from unauthorized transactions for the first 30 days post-activation (up to ₱20,000 coverage). The insurance coverage includes the ₱185 card replacement fee and up to ₱225 delivery fee in case of accidental loss and damage.
Final Thoughts
GCash has really made life easier for ordinary Filipinos with its wide array of financial products including the new GCash Visa card. If you don’t have a debit card yet, now is a good time to avail of this exciting offer from GCash. Supercharge your GCash wallet by ordering the new Visa debit card today!
If you have any questions and concerns, don’t hesitate to contact support by calling 2882 or (02) 782-2882, or by emailing [email protected].
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