Maya (formerly PayMaya) and GCash are two of the biggest e-wallet apps used in the Philippines. Both support wallet-to-wallet transfers, bill payments, and QR payments—so the better choice usually comes down to acceptance, fees, cards, and how support handles problems when something goes wrong.
Maya vs GCash Comparison
Where GCash tends to win
GCash is widely reported as the most commonly accepted option at local merchants and services, making it convenient for day-to-day use. Maya is often discussed as strong for online payments, especially when you want a card-like checkout experience.
Where Maya tends to win
For foreigners and expats, the practical concerns are verification, limits, cash-in/cash-out options, and how quickly issues can be resolved. Many community discussions emphasize reliability and dispute handling over flashy promos.
Common pain points users mention
Recurring Reddit-style feedback tends to split into two themes: (1) broad acceptance and convenience, and (2) frustration when accounts get flagged, transactions fail, or support is slow. Your risk tolerance and need for a virtual card can make the decision clearer.
Quick Take: What’s the Difference?
If you mainly pay in person and need maximum merchant coverage, prioritize acceptance and local usability. If you frequently shop online or prefer card-based checkout, prioritize card availability and payment compatibility.
This site summarizes the most common comparison points—features, fees, limits, cards, foreigners’ considerations, and user-reported experiences—so you can choose the wallet that fits your use case.
Side-by-side comparison of features, acceptance, payments, and everyday use in the Philippines. We focus on practical scenarios: in-store QR payments, transfers, bill pay, and online checkout.
Note: specific fees, promos, and limits can change over time. Use this guide to understand the typical differences and what to check before you commit.
Feature Comparison: Payments, Transfers, and Acceptance
Cut Off
30%
Cards & Online Purchases
