Skip to main content

GCash Turns 20: 20 Features in 20 Years

From Bills to Budget Goals: Top 20 GCash Features that Make Finances a Breeze

GCash Turns 20: 20 Features in 20 Years


What started as a simple SMS money transfer has exploded into the financial super app that Filipinos can’t live without! For 20 years, GCash has been rolling out feature after feature, making life easier, faster, and more inclusive for everyone.

From sending money in seconds to paying bills, shopping, and even investing, GCash has completely transformed how we handle money. And guess what? These 20 game-changing features are just a taste of what GCash has to offer! There’s a whole world of services in the app waiting to be explored. Ready to dive into some of the crowd favorites? Let’s begin!




1. SMS Money Transfer
This is where it all began! Picture this: it’s 2004, flip phones are the hottest gadgets, and texting is the way to stay connected. Then GCash swoops in and changes the game, letting people send and receive money with a simple SMS/text! GCash made moving money as easy as texting a friend, opening the door to financial freedom for millions. Who knew sending cash could be as easy as sending “LOL”?

2. Buy Load
By 2012, smartphones were everywhere, and GCash was right there, keeping up with the times. Enter Buy Load. Now you can reload your prepaid credits anytime, anywhere, straight from your phone! No more rushing to the sari-sari store for load. Today, more than prepaid load, you can also top up mobile data, promos, and other prepaid services like Cignal TV, Konsulta MD, and more. Life just got a whole lot more convenient!




3. Pay Bills
Long lines at payment centers? Not here! In 2012, GCash’s Pay Bills feature turned your phone into a personal cashier, letting you pay for everything from electric bills to tuition without leaving home. Missed deadlines? Never again! Just a few taps, and you’re all set. With over 1,900+ billers all in the app to date, how is that for leveling up your money game?

4. Scan-to-Pay QR
Remember when cashless payments felt like something out of the future? GCash brought it to life in 2017 with Scan-to-Pay QR, the first of its kind in the Philippines. It made its debut when Globe Telecom’s President and CEO, Ernest Cu, used it for the first-ever payment at Mini Stop (now Uncle John’s). No more scrambling for change, just scan, pay, and go. GCash was at the forefront of the cashless revolution, making shopping faster, easier, and way more fun.




5. eKYC (Electronic Know-Your-Customer)

Remember when verifying your identity (KYC) meant standing in line at a store? Well, not anymore! Launched in 2018, GCash’s eKYC feature made getting verified quick, safe, and fully digital. What once required a face-to-face meeting with your ID is now as easy as opening the GCash app, scanning your ID, snapping a selfie, and hitting submit. GCash handles the rest, and boom! You’re verified in no time!

6. GCredit
By 2018, GCash wasn’t just about sending money anymore, it was about borrowing it, too! With GCredit, in partnership with CIMB, you could get instant cash when you needed it, with no bank hoops to jump through. Whether it was for an emergency or to pay bills, GCredit had your back!




7. GScore
Also, in 2018, GCash launched GScore, and suddenly, your financial world was all about leveling up! The higher your GScore, the more perks you could unlock in your GCash app, like access to more lending products. It’s like your personal power up in the GCash universe, opening doors for more financial freedom! Today, there are 5.4 million unique borrowers, with 1 in 3 borrowers being small business owners and 2 in 3 borrowers being women.

8. GSave

In 2018, GSave made saving money a breeze. No paperwork, no bank lines, and with just a few taps, you were saving like a pro. Finally, everyday Filipinos had easy access to banking and financial security at their fingertips. Today, GSave has evolved into a savings marketplace where you can open accounts with BPI, Unobank, CIMB, and Maybank, all within the app. Oh, and did we mention? There are now 10.9 million registered GSave users earning up to 15% interest on savings!

9. GForest
What if you could help save the planet while using GCash? In 2019, GForest made that possible! Every transaction earned you points to plant virtual trees that were later turned into real ones. So far, GCash, through its credible local and international partners, has planted 2.8 million trees, covering an area twice the size of Quezon City! With 17 million Green Heroes and 138,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide reduced, GCash is helping the planet while helping you manage your money.

10. GInsure
When the world turned upside down in 2020, GInsure was born to give users access to affordable health and life insurance. With just a few taps, getting insured wasn’t intimidating anymore. It was quick, easy, and right in your pocket. Today, GInsure is your one-stop shop for all insurance needs. From life and health to cars, travel, accidents, and even pets—yes, really, among others! And with premiums starting at just PHP 10 a month, it’s one of the most affordable options out there.   With over 28.3 million GInsure policies sold and 7.8 million registered users, GCash is making protection accessible for all.

11. GLife

Since its launch in 2020, GLife has grown into more than a lifestyle mini-program, it is now a full-blown super app within GCash! What started with shopping and food delivery has expanded into a one-stop shop for everything from travel bookings and entertainment to essential services like bill payment, health, and even insurance. With GLife, you can access a world of services without leaving the GCash app. It’s bigger, better, and more convenient than ever!

12. GGives & GLoan
In 2021, GCash took borrowing to the next level with GGives and GLoan. Need that new gadget but don’t want to pay for it all at once? GGives lets you split your payments into easy installments, with select merchants even offering 0% interest! And if you need quick cash, GLoan has you covered with loans up to PHP 125,000. Just a few taps, and boom! Borrowing made simple, straight to your GCash ewallet!

13. GInvest Funds

Ever wanted to invest in the world’s biggest companies but thought it was out of your reach? Not with GInvest! Launched in 2021, GInvest, now called GFunds, allows you to participate in the growth of both local and global companies for as low as PHP 50. Whether you’re eyeing top local corporations or global giants, GInvest makes it easy to start investing with just a few taps. Now anyone can build their investment portfolio without leaving the GCash app!

14. GJobs

What started as a simple job search feature in 2021 has evolved into a comprehensive platform connecting users with employment opportunities. Now, GJobs, powered by PasaJob, helps job seekers by searching for jobs within the GCash app, offering tailored job listings and resources that streamline the hiring process. Now you can even refer friends and family to jobs and earn a referral fee once successfully placed. This feature facilitates employment and supports the growing gig economy, helping Filipinos find work that fits their skills and lifestyle.

15. Global Pay
GCash did not stop at local payments. In 2022, Global Pay took things international! With GCash and Alipay+, cross-border payments became a breeze. Whether you’re shopping online or traveling abroad, GCash turned your phone into a global wallet, accepted worldwide! Keeping things easy no matter where you are.

16. Send Money Protect (Scam Insurance)
With digital threats on the rise, GCash teamed up with Chubb to launch Send Money Protect in 2023. This cyber insurance adds an extra layer of security to every GCash Express Send transfer of up to PHP 15,000 for 30 days, shielding you from scams like social engineering, account takeovers, or online shopping fraud. Now, you can send money with total peace of mind!

17. GStocks PH
Ever thought investing was too complicated? Not with GStocks PH, it isn’t! Launched in 2023 in partnership with AB Capital, GCash brought the stock market to your smartphone. Now, anyone can invest in Philippine stocks straight from the app, no brokers required.. With 692,000 users and a minimum investment as low as PHP 1,000, it’s investing, simplified, and accessible to all.

18. GCrypto
Also, in 2023, GCash dove into the world of cryptocurrency. Buying, selling, and trading crypto became as easy as managing your e-wallet with GCrypto, in partnership with PDAX (Philippine Digital Asset Exchange). The world of digital currencies was now open to everyone, and GCash made it happen, all from your phone.

19. GCash Visa Card
GCash didn’t just stop at e-wallets. In 2023, the GCash Visa Card bridged the gap between digital payments and the real world. Whether shopping online or in physical stores, you can tap into your GCash balance wherever Visa is accepted. No hidden charges, the best forex rates, and accepted in over 200 countries and territories, this card has you covered wherever you go!

20. GCash Overseas
For Filipinos abroad, GCash Overseas was a total game-changer in 2023. Now, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and migrants can use GCash even with a non-Philippine SIM. From sending money to paying bills in real-time, GCash keeps you connected to your financial responsibilities back home. Want more control over your money? You can send funds to your family instantly, without service fees, or pay for bills in the Philippines, all from wherever you are in the world.

GCash Turns 20: 20 Features in 20 Years

GCash Turns 20: 20 Features in 20 Years


For 20 years, GCash has been pushing boundaries, but one thing has stayed the same: its mission is to make financial services accessible to every Filipino. From a humble SMS transfer service? to a super app that revolutionized money management, GCash has transformed the way we handle finances—and it’s only the beginning.

These 20 features are just the tip of the iceberg. GCash has even more to offer, with tons of tools and services making life easier every day. As we celebrate two decades with GCash, we can’t wait to see how it will continue shaping the future of finance for the next 20 years and beyond!


ANY THOUGHTS?
Share your ideas by commenting.


Comments

Popular Posts

What to do when you get a HIT on your NBI clearance

A "Hit" on your NBI clearance after your long queue at the NBI satellite office. UPDATED January 2020 Department of Justice (DOJ) Circular 017, or the multi-purpose clearance does  away with the usual separate applications for domestic employment, travel abroad, gun licensing and many others, thereby making it easier for people to obtain and use an NBI clearance. Are you applying for your NBI clearance? The National Bureau of Investigation office has stopped entertaining walk-ins after the implementation of the fully online application process for NBI clearance. The registration and appointment system for the NBI clearance are done online nationwide. Applicants may accomplish the application form at www.doj.gov.ph/nbi , www.nbi.gov.ph , and clearance.nbi.gov.ph . READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse After registering online, applicants may proceed to any of the NBI sites nationwide for the payment and biom

How much is the penalty for 5 years late registration of motorcycles?

UPDATED December, 2020 Got late in your motorcycle registration renewal? Driving an unregistered motor vehicle carries with it a fine of P3,000 if apprehended by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officers and P10,000 if by LTO traffic personnel. Worse, if the non-registration exceeded one month, the vehicle will be impounded and released only once the vehicle has been registered and the corresponding fines and penalties have been paid. To help you prepare for your visit at the LTO, here's a brief guide on how much money you're going to spend on your motorcycle registration renewal. READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse What's covered in this guide? 1. LTO penalty formula by weeks 2. Sample computation (if 5 years late) 3. How to renew your motorcycle registration  - Requirements  - 5 step guide YOU MAY WANT TO WATCH:  Motorcycle Transfer of Ownership and Renewal of Registration

Taste the festivities at these new restaurants in Megaworld Lifestyle Malls

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls curated a list of the latest dining destinations ready to host your holiday celebrations. Book your spot and savor the season in style! The holidays at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls just got even more exciting with new restaurant openings—perfectly timed for your festive get-togethers with family, friends, and loved ones! Whether you're planning a gathering in Eastwood City (Quezon City), Paseo Center (Makati City), Uptown Bonifacio (Taguig City), or Newport City (Pasay), we’ve curated a list of the latest dining destinations ready to host your holiday celebrations. Book your spot and savor the season in style! Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill, Newport City A remarkable addition to Newport City's dining scene, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill is a must-visit destination this holiday season for steak enthusiasts. The menu celebrates the finest cuts of beef, with the Ribeye and Fillet Steak as standout selections.

Your complete guide to NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX exits, gas/food stops

UPDATED January, 2020 Are you from Metro Manila and considering a holiday getaway to the north? After a rough week at work, there's nothing like packing your bags, channeling your inner adventurista, and heading to Subic, Baguio or Vigan for glitz and good times! If you're considering making the drive, here is a complete guide to the NLEX, SCTEX and TPLEX exits, interchanges, gas stations and food stops. What's covered in this guide? 1. NLEX Northbound Stopovers 2. NLEX Southbound Stopovers 3. SCTEX Stopovers  - Subic bound  - SCTEX bound  - Tarlac bound  - NLEX bound 4. TPLEX Stopovers Northbound and Southbound 5. Smoking Areas 6. Quick Notes  - TPLEX Petron Km 134  - Auto Sweep RFID NLEX North Luzon Expressway - 84 kilometers Northbound Stop-overs Balintawak Toll Plaza Mindanao Toll Plaza (Smart Connect Interchange) Valenzuela Exit Meycauayan Exit Petron Stopover (Gas/Food/Toilets) Km 23 Jollibee, Kenny Rogers, Starbucks, Army Navy

Masarap pumili sa Jollibee Mix Match Combos dahil ang options ay sulit sarap!

While customers often seek for things that offer the best value for their money, they sometimes feel that they need to settle for less. No compromise is needed with Jollibee’s Mix Match Combos, kasi ang saya pumili! Here, each option combines value and deliciousness, making it truly sulit sarap! These combos offer a variety of Jollibee’s best-tasting products, promising customers an enjoyable, filling, and wallet-friendly meal. For only P75, they can select a main and a side enjoying savings of up to P45! “Jollibee’s Mix Match Combos empower customers to craft their own sulit-sarap experience. This offering stands out for its superior blend of value, taste, substantial portions, convenience, affordability, and variety,” said Mari Aldecoa, Assistant Vice President for Jollibee Masterbrand. The experience comes in two simple steps: Step 1: Choose 1 main – Yumburger, Jolly Spaghetti, 1 pc. Burger Steak, Tuna Pie Step 2:

Your Complete Commuters' Guide to UV Express/FX Terminals in Metro Manila

UPDATED January, 2020 Metro Manila’s hordes of workers pour in by UV Express. Times are a-changing. With the increasing temperature in the metropolis coupled by its worsening traffic condition , a newer, more convenient alternative of transporting people had risen above all else. They're called the commuter vans, or what are now popularly known as the Utility Vehicle (UV) Express and FX vans. READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse UV Express vans are all air conditioned, seat an average of 14 passengers and charge relatively cheap compared to the usual metered taxicabs. Their fares range from as low as P20 to as high as P50 per passenger. With the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) serving as regulator of the UV Express franchise, the commuter vans has increased its service routes exponentially all around the country, including Metro Manila. READ: My Epically Awesome Traffic Jam Day In

Stay court ready as PUMA takes over with new PUMA All Pro Nitro colorway

PUMA is set to dominate the basketball court with the release of a stunning new colorway of the PUMA All Pro Nitro. Designed to turn heads and to elevate players’ game, the PUMA All Pro Nitro in the vibrant “Team Violet” colorway drops this October. Fierce Performance in a Fresh Colorway PUMA never cuts corners when it comes to performance, and the PUMA All Pro Nitro is no exception. The shoe is built to keep players comfortable on their feet, whether they are driving to hoop or locking down on defense. The internal TPU heel counter on the PUMA All Pro Nitro gives players impeccable lateral stability, ensuring every cut and pivot feels secure. Coupled with a TPU Shank, it provides the torsional rigidity needed for dynamic movement, so players’ feet stay supported when they are making game-changing crossovers. On the court, grip and traction are crucial. That’s why the PUMA All Pro Nitro features anti-slip rubber with a high abrasion outs

10 Big Reasons To Buy A Small Car (What Are The 5 Best Compact Cars)

It used to be the bigger the better in Metro Manila, but nowadays fuel economy, easy parking and the ability to glide through the Edsa traffic are key features to look for. With rising gasoline prices and the current traffic gridlocks in the city, many car drivers are considering changing at least one of their vehicles to something smaller that will provide better gas mileage and road maneuverability. This is especially true if the driver has a long commute to work. Smaller cars, often referred to as subcompact cars, now gets you on the high ground. Here are 10 big reasons to buy a small car, so you can make an informed decision on the advantages of owning one. 1. Parking - The struggle is real. How many times have you find it hard to fit into a tiny parking space? In Metro Manila, the first and most obvious problem is parking space, may it be at home, at the mall or on the streets. With a small car, you will be able to fit it anywhere; without breaking a sweat. And ta

HUAWEI WATCH D2: Health Monitoring Made Better with Philippines’ First Smartwatch with 24-hour ABPM

HUAWEI continues to push “health forward” as it unveils the HUAWEI WATCH D2, the latest edition of the HUAWEI WATCH D Series. This groundbreaking innovation is HUAWEI’s first smartwatch offering with Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM), providing users with faster and more accurate results than ever before. Easy Blood Pressure Monitoring Wherever, Whenever, However Hypertension is one of the most chronic diseases worldwide. The World Health Organization has claimed an estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30 to 79 years old have hypertension . In the Philippines, recent studies have found a hypertension prevalence of 37% in Filipinos , with over half of hypertensive Filipinos unaware of their condition and only 27% having their condition under control . HUAWEI seeks to help users to manage their daily health as it unveils the HUAWEI WATCH D2 which now comes with an ABPM functionality, giving users a 24-hour assessment of their blood p

Pancake House Opens at SM Southmall: Serving Comfort and Nostalgia in a New Spot

Pancake House, a beloved dining staple known for its homey feel and mouthwatering comfort food, is proud to announce the opening of its latest branch at SM Southmall. Officially opened on September 20, 2024, the store is ready to welcome guests to its new location on the Upper Ground Level of one of the busiest malls in the city, bringing its signature warmth, nostalgia, and delicious meals to a new set of customers. The grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by key members of the Max’s Group, Inc. family. Present at the event were Erlinda T. Fuentebella, along with Sharon T. Fuentebella, Chairperson of Max’s Group, Inc.; Jim T. Fuentebella, Director and Chief Marketing Officer of Max’s Group, Inc.; Dave T. Fuentebella, Director of Max’s Group, Inc.; Calyn T. Salud, Chairperson and Chief Operating Officer of Max’s Restaurant; and Christopher Rey Tiong, Chief Operating Officer of Pancake House. Guests at the grand opening