Did you know that a significant portion of adults in the Philippines is unbanked? According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) 2021 Financial Inclusion Survey (FIS), 34.3 million people, or 44% of the adults in the country, do not own any type of formal account. Unbanked individuals have no access to formal financial institutions at all, while the underbanked may have an account but still rely on informal or alternative services for their financial needs. Both groups often face barriers to fully participating in the financial system, causing them to miss out on opportunities, services, and assistance typically delivered through banking channels.
Maya aims to make financial services more accessible to everyone. Over the years, the #1 digital bank in the Philippines has launched projects, products, and services that directly support the everyday needs of unbanked and underbanked Filipinos. Maya’s recently launched Paleng-Kita program, for instance, helps market vendors and tricycle drivers access credit without the need for collateral. Such a financial product used to be inaccessible to many of the program’s participants.
But Maya’s impact doesn’t stop with special programs. The financial tools that Maya offers—like fund transfer, bills payment, mobile load, and other e-wallet features—aren’t just for the tech-savvy or the already banked. They’re especially useful if you’ve never had a bank account, been denied a loan, or just want to build a better relationship with your money. Here’s how Maya is helping people like you turn small steps into big changes.
Make Payments Straight from Your Phone
Paying bills used to mean lining up at payment centers. If you live in a remote area, you might need to travel long distances so you can settle your dues before the centers close for the day. Some people even find themselves skipping work just so they can pay their electricity, water, internet, or government bills. When you have no other option but to make cash payments, fulfilling your financial responsibilities can be a resource-intensive task.
Maya Wallet makes bills payment faster and easier by allowing you to participate in cashless transactions using your phone. In particular, you can use the funds in your Maya Wallet to instantly pay billers on the Maya app. You don’t have to worry about making it before cut-off time or setting aside a full day just for errands. The best and most accessible digital e-wallet in the Philippines is available 24/7, so you can pay bills at your convenience, even late at night or on weekends. Plus, you can get instant confirmation of your payments, so there’s no guessing or worrying if your payment went through. It’s a safer and quicker way to take care of your monthly responsibilities.
Buy Load for Any Network without Leaving Home
Prepaid load is a must for many Filipinos, especially those who rely on mobile data to do their jobs or connect with their loved ones. The good news is that you never have to worry about topping up your prepaid load when you have a Maya Wallet. This is because you can use the app to buy load for all major networks anytime you need it. Do you need to make a quick call or use mobile data to access job postings or learning platforms? Just open your Maya Wallet and use your funds to buy or send mobile load to others. Plus, the app often offers load promos or cashback, giving you more value for your money.
Send and Receive Money Instantly and Securely
The ability to send and receive money instantly is vital to many households in the Philippines. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) 2021 Financial Inclusion Survey (FIS), 32% of adults in the country sent remittances, and 45% received them. These funds often go toward daily needs like groceries, medicine, and transportation. Maya Wallet supports this activity by simplifying the way people transfer and receive funds. Using the e-wallet, you can send money to another Maya user or even to someone with a bank account. Transfers are done in real-time, which can be especially useful in emergencies or for urgent purchases.
If you’re earning income from selling goods, offering services, or doing gig work, Maya also makes it easy for customers to pay you. You can share your Maya QR code or username so they can transfer money to you right away. There’s no need for coins or bills to change hands. This helps you manage your earnings more safely and more efficiently.
Access Credit Without a Traditional Credit Score
If you’ve never borrowed from a bank, it’s hard to get approved for a loan. Maya changes that with the Maya Easy Credit. This service, which is available on the Maya app, offers short-term credit based on your app usage and transaction history, not on your employment or credit history. For people who are beginning to cultivate a working relationship with financial services providers, Maya Easy Credit is a big deal because:
You can use Maya Easy Credit to cover emergencies, pay bills, or buy essentials. By doing so and following your repayment schedule, you’re also building your credit history over time.
Get Personal Loans Even as a First-Time Borrower
Maya also provides personal loans for users who qualify. Maya Personal Loan is an ideal option if you need to start a small business, pay for school, or cover medical expenses. You can use the Maya app to apply for the Maya Personal Loan. Upon approval, you’ll get the loan funds in your Maya Wallet, meaning you can use it to directly pay your bills or shop online.
You Can Finally Open a Bank Account without Needing a Lot of Paperwork
Opening a traditional bank account can be a challenge to people who are just beginning to explore financial tools. This is because many banks require you to visit a branch, present multiple IDs, and maintain a minimum balance just to get a foot in the door.
With Maya, however, you can open a digital bank account straight from your phone using just one valid ID and a quick selfie for verification. Simply download the Maya app and create an account to be able to use the most versatile digital bank in the Philippines. To access a greater range of financial tools, including a high-interest rate savings account, all you need to do is upgrade your Maya account. You don’t need to travel or line up, plus you can start an account even with just a small amount. This makes Maya the perfect option for daily wage earners and small business owners. With your Maya account, you're already part of the formal financial system, and that opens doors to more services down the road.
Save and Grow Your Money, Even in Small Amounts
If you’re thinking of saving money for a specific purpose, such as to meet emergency needs or to start your own small business, then you can count on financial services like Maya Savings and Time Deposit Plus. Designed with flexibility in mind, these services offer generous interest rates that you can use to grow your funds. Maya Savings does not have a lock-in period, meaning you can access your funds at any time. Meanwhile, Time Deposit Plus is a practical choice for those who are capable of a longer commitment.
These features help build the habit of saving, even if your income is irregular. You can start small and still see your money grow, giving you a safety net for future needs.
Maya Is the Most Accessible Financial Partner for Filipinos
Maya is a financial partner for millions of Filipinos, especially those who’ve been left out of the traditional banking system. Whether you're saving your first PHP 500, paying bills for the first time online, or building your credit from scratch, Maya makes those steps easier and more accessible. Take control of your financial future with Maya and download the app today.
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Maya is powered by the country's only end-to-end digital payments company Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. for digital banking services. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
www.bsp.gov.ph