Visa, Metrobank, and fintech firm DealMe have launched a pilot program for the Visa Installment Service (VIS), introducing a cross-border Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solution that allows eligible Filipino cardholders to split overseas purchases into installment payments.
The pilot program is currently live in South Korea, enabling eligible Metrobank Visa cardholders to convert purchases into interest-free installment payments at participating merchants.
A New Payment Option for Filipino Travelers
The Visa Installment Service allows cardholders to split purchases into installment payments instantly at the point of sale. The service works in both physical retail stores and e-commerce platforms, providing added flexibility for travelers using their existing Visa cards.
Under the pilot program, Metrobank Visa cardholders can access interest-free installment options at select beauty and wellness merchants in South Korea, including clinics such as Laprin Clinic, Hershe Plastic Surgery, Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic, Lienjang Dental Clinic, and Le Dental Clinic, among others.
The initiative allows travelers to manage their spending more predictably while abroad without the need to apply for separate BNPL accounts or financing services.
Growing Demand for Korean Travel Experiences
The pilot program also reflects the growing popularity of South Korea among Filipino travelers. According to cultural consumption data from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Foundation for International and Cultural Exchange, Filipinos consume an average of 24 hours of Korean cultural content each month—the highest among 28 countries surveyed.
Alongside Japan and Hong Kong, South Korea remains one of the top overseas destinations for Filipinos, fueled by interest in Korean entertainment, culture, and lifestyle experiences.
Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines, said the new installment option gives Filipino travelers a more flexible way to manage expenses abroad while using a payment method they already trust.
Metrobank also highlighted the initiative as part of its effort to improve banking services for customers who travel frequently.
Expanding Merchant Access
Through its partnership with Visa and Metrobank, DealMe aims to expand the network of merchants accessible to Filipino travelers in South Korea. The company noted that the program connects cardholders to a broader range of lifestyle and medical service providers while simplifying the payment experience.
Cross-border payment flexibility is becoming increasingly important as international travel rebounds and digital payment adoption continues to rise across Asia. Installment-based payment solutions allow consumers to manage larger travel-related expenses without relying on separate credit facilities or loans.
By enabling installment payments directly through existing credit cards, the Visa Installment Service pilot could help reshape how Filipino travelers pay for services overseas—while giving merchants new ways to attract international customers.
