East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) has introduced Garmin Pay support for eligible Visa and Mastercard cardholders in the Philippines, expanding its digital payments ecosystem into wearable technology. The move allows customers to make contactless payments directly from compatible Garmin smartwatches without needing a physical card or mobile phone.
The rollout reflects the continued growth of wearable payments and the broader shift toward frictionless, device-based financial transactions in everyday life.
EastWest expands digital payments into wearable devices
With Garmin Pay integration, EastWest cardholders can now link eligible Visa debit and credit cards, as well as Mastercard credit cards, to compatible Garmin devices.
Once enrolled, users can tap their smartwatch at contactless payment terminals to complete transactions in seconds. The feature works across participating merchants locally and internationally, depending on terminal availability.
Customers can also store multiple EastWest cards in Garmin Pay and switch between them, offering flexibility for different spending needs.
Wearable payments push beyond mobile wallets
EastWest Bank’s Garmin Pay rollout adds another layer to its digital payments ecosystem, which already includes EastWest Pay (the bank’s mobile payment app), Google Pay for mobile contactless transactions, and card-based contactless payment options.
The addition of wearable payments highlights how banks are expanding beyond smartphones as the primary payment device, tapping into fitness-focused and always-on wearables. Garmin smartwatches, widely used for fitness tracking and outdoor activity, are increasingly being positioned as lifestyle payment tools in addition to health and navigation devices.
This shift reflects a broader trend in digital banking, where institutions like EastWest Bank are extending financial services across multiple device ecosystems to support more seamless, on-the-go transactions.
Contactless payments continue to gain traction in PH
The introduction of Garmin Pay aligns with the broader adoption of contactless payments in the Philippines, where digital wallets and tap-to-pay systems continue to grow across retail, transport, and service sectors.
Banks and fintech players are increasingly competing on convenience, speed, and device compatibility as consumers shift toward cashless transactions.
EastWest Bank’s move positions it alongside other financial institutions expanding support for mobile wallets, QR-based payments, contactless card transactions, and wearable payment systems.
By integrating Garmin Pay into its ecosystem, EastWest Bank is extending its digital payments strategy beyond smartphones and cards, reflecting a broader industry shift toward multi-device financial access that prioritizes speed, flexibility, and everyday usability.
Security and convenience at the core of Garmin Pay
According to EastWest, Garmin Pay transactions are secured through tokenization, ensuring that actual card details are not directly shared during payments.
The system allows users to leave wallets and smartphones behind during activities such as running, biking, or quick errands, while still maintaining access to payment functions through their smartwatch.
The bank said the goal is to reduce friction in everyday transactions while maintaining security standards across its digital channels.
Building a broader digital banking ecosystem
EastWest’s integration of Garmin Pay forms part of its ongoing push to modernize digital banking services and expand payment options for customers with different lifestyles.
By supporting both Visa and Mastercard networks across multiple platforms, the bank aims to provide more flexible payment experiences across devices, including smartphones and wearables.
As wearable adoption continues to rise, wearable payments are expected to become a more visible part of the Philippines’ evolving digital finance landscape.
