From humble beginnings as an SMS-based money transfer service, GCash has transformed into a financial super app that millions of Filipinos rely on every day. Marking its 20th anniversary in 2024, GCash has rolled out an impressive range of features, each designed to make managing finances easier, faster, and more accessible for everyone.
Since its inception, GCash has revolutionized how people send money, pay bills, shop, invest, and even insure themselves—all from the convenience of a smartphone. Here’s a look at the 20 features that have made GCash a game-changer in the world of personal finance.
1. SMS Money Transfer (2004)
In 2004, GCash changed the game by introducing money transfers via SMS. Suddenly, sending cash became as easy as sending a text message, opening up financial services to millions of Filipinos.
2. Buy Load (2012)
With the launch of smartphones, GCash made reloading prepaid credits seamless, allowing users to buy mobile load, data packages, and other prepaid services directly from their phones.
3. Pay Bills (2012)
Gone are the days of queuing at payment centers. GCash’s Pay Bills feature enabled users to settle utility bills, tuition, and more with just a few taps, offering access to over 1,900 billers nationwide.
4. Scan-to-Pay QR (2017)
In 2017, GCash introduced cashless payments through QR codes, making it easier for users to pay for goods and services without the hassle of handling cash.
5. eKYC (2018)
With the eKYC feature, GCash streamlined the Know-Your-Customer process, allowing users to verify their identities digitally through the app.
6. GCredit (2018)
GCredit, in partnership with CIMB, enabled instant credit access for emergencies or bills, bypassing traditional bank loans and offering convenience to users in need of quick cash.
7. GScore (2018)
GCash introduced GScore to reward users for responsible financial behavior, providing access to higher credit limits and more lending products based on their score.
8. GSave (2018)
GSave democratized banking by allowing users to open savings accounts without paperwork, offering an easy way to grow their savings and earn interest.
9. GForest (2019)
GCash took sustainability to heart with GForest, allowing users to earn points for transactions that could be used to plant real trees, combining financial activity with environmental conservation.
10. GInsure (2020)
GCash launched GInsure to provide affordable health, life, and accident insurance, making protection accessible for everyone with premiums starting as low as PHP 10 per month.
11. GLife (2020)
GLife evolved into a one-stop lifestyle hub, offering everything from shopping and food delivery to travel bookings and essential services, all within the GCash app.
12. GGives & GLoan (2021)
GCash enhanced borrowing options with GGives and GLoan, allowing users to pay for goods in installments or access loans up to PHP 125,000 with just a few taps.
13. GInvest Funds (2021)
With GInvest, users can start investing in local and global companies for as little as PHP 50, bringing the world of investments to everyday Filipinos.
14. GJobs (2021)
GJobs provided a platform for users to find employment opportunities directly within the GCash app, supporting job seekers and the growing gig economy.
15. Global Pay (2022)
GCash expanded its reach globally with Global Pay, enabling cross-border payments and making it easy to use GCash for transactions abroad.
16. Send Money Protect (2023)
GCash partnered with Chubb to offer scam insurance, protecting users from online fraud when sending money through the app.
17. GStocksPH (2023)
GCash brought the stock market to the masses with GStocksPH, allowing users to invest in Philippine stocks directly through their smartphones.
18. GCrypto (2023)
GCash ventured into cryptocurrency with GCrypto, enabling users to buy, sell, and trade digital currencies as easily as managing their e-wallets.
19. GCash Visa Card (2023)
The GCash Visa Card offered users a way to access their GCash funds globally, accepted anywhere Visa is honored, with no hidden fees and competitive exchange rates.
20. GCash Overseas (2023)
GCash Overseas empowered Filipinos abroad to manage their finances back home, allowing them to send money, pay bills, and more, even with a non-Philippine SIM card.
Over the past two decades, GCash has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation, making financial services accessible to millions. As GCash celebrates 20 years, it continues to shape the future of digital finance in the Philippines and beyond, showing no signs of slowing down.
