Just like how the world has shifted into a more digital landscape, Filipinos have swiftly adapted to online transactions and cashless payments. Though it’s unfortunate that the pandemic served as a catalyst, it provided the right opportunity for most of us to take advantage of the convenience of e-wallets, such as no more pila (long lines), and being granted insta-access to bank accounts and due date-beating bills payment services, among other things.

To be fair, all market players deliver on their promise; each one has its strengths depending on your needs. Consumers are now provided with a one-stop shop for their transactions, and seem to have an endless stream of deals. Banks are also stepping up their game, with their apps carrying e-wallet-like capabilities. (READ: Cashless payments 101: Starting out with a digital wallet)

As with all bright and shiny things, everything isn’t spotless. With the increasing dependence on e-wallets and online banking comes a glaring compromise that we can’t escape from – those inconvenient “convenience fees.” Towards the latter part of 2020, we all watched in horror as PESONet and InstaPay slowly engulfed big names, leaving only a handful without fees. If you’re using one of the “affected” services, there seems to be no choice, and it’s hard to give up on their benefits. Or so we thought.

That no lugi feeling

How about considering GrabPay, the Grab app’s native e-wallet? Most of us are familiar with it as Grab’s preferred mode of payment on rides – a significant attempt to lessen physical contact between driver and passenger – but it’s so much more than that. Once you’re aware of its perks and advantages, you can harness it to become one of your most valuable digital wallet accounts.

For starters, and perhaps its best feature, GrabPay has no convenience fee when you transfer to other banks and e-wallets, which saves you at least P15 per transaction. Likewise, you can spend less on those extra fees when you cash in from one of its partner institutions – BPI, BDO, and Unionbank – by simply linking your online banking account. 

Pro-tip: You can turn your GrabPay wallet into a “halfway point” between accounts to avoid those insidious fees. If you have a BPI account, for example, cash in your intended amount to GrabPay, then transfer it to another bank. That way, you’ll regain that no lugi (loss) feeling that you once enjoyed.

Earn and save while spending

Is that possible? You best believe it. With each in-app or outside transaction that makes use of GrabPay as a mode of payment, you earn GrabRewards points! When accumulated, these can be used to save on future GrabCar rides, GrabFood orders, GrabMart groceries, and GrabExpress deliveries.

There are even more perks awaiting as you progress the GrabRewards tiers – from “Member” all the way up to “Platinum.” You’ll gradually unlock and redeem more offers and prizes, such as free coupons, food items via GrabFood, and a premium Spotify subscription. If we’ve piqued your curiosity, know more about the hows of earning points, the tiering system, and the range of benefits by visiting the GrabRewards site.

Most of all, by simply using GrabPay on purchases from its partner brands, including adidas, ShopSM, and Zalora, you’ll be able to shave off prices through loads of exclusive discounts. And lest we forget, your next Lazada or Shopee check-out sprees have been taken into consideration, making you eligible for up to P500 off in savings too. Just how sulit (worth it) can GrabPay be?

We can’t thank e-wallets and online banking enough for making our transactions easier and faster at such an inconvenient time. But as you use one (or some), continue pushing your luck by going for a service that’s flexible, yields more value for your money, and leaves you without a lugi feeling. And GrabPay is the key. – Rappler.com