MANILA, Philippines – GCash, the mobile money service of Globe Telecom, is now accepted for online movie ticket purchase at all SM Cinemas nationwide via the GMovies app, giving Globe and TM customers who do not own credit cards an alternative way to reserve and pay for cinema seats without having to fall in line.
The partnership makes GCash the first mobile money operator to be accepted by SM Cinemas through GMovies in tandem with ePLUS, SM’s integrated e-wallet and loyalty system. At present, SM Cinema operates over 300 2D and 3D screens, 8 IMAX Theaters and 13 Director’s Club Cinemas for a total market share of over 50 percent.
“This development is a big boost to GCash given that the country is now shifting to a digital lifestyle. We want GCash to remain relevant to our customers, thus, we continue to look for ways to make their lives easier — from paying for goods and services, transferring money, sending remittances, making donations, among other things,” said Albert Tinio, GCash President.
To use the service, Globe and TM customers only need to download the GMovies app on their Android or iOS device for free and book a movie schedule. A GCash prompt on the payment options will appear. Just click on GCash and enter the four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete the transaction.
There are currently an estimated 95% of Filipinos who do not have credit cards while 75% do not have bank accounts, making online purchases limited to a limited number of people.
Through GCash, ordinary consumers, even those unbanked and underserved, can easily pay their bills, buy prepaid load, as well as send and receive money for a fraction of the cost charged by traditional remittance centers, anytime and anywhere. They can also apply for a debit beep Mastercard which can be used to shop and dine in almost 33 million establishments worldwide, shop online, and pay for MRT/LRT ride.