MRT-3 stations now accept Mastercard Tap & Go payments

Starting today, commuters using the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) can now pay by tapping at designated contactless turnstiles. This should allow passengers better means of payment flexibility and convenience for daily travels.

For reference, the ‘Tap & Go’ payment method is applicable to Mastercard credit, debit, or prepaid cards. This includes NFC-enabled compatible e-wallets on Android smartphones.

The new system is part of the push for an open-loop payment setup, allowing passengers to skip reloading transport cards. Instead, commuters can now directly use their existing Mastercard cards or devices for a more seamless experience.

Mastercard also says that doing so offers peace of mind. Transactions done through this method are protected by security standards that prevent card skimming or fraud.

The move supports the government’s push to modernize public transport, benefiting millions of daily commuters. The faster, more efficient fare collection encourages a wider adoption of digital payments.

The Philippines joins major cities like London, Sydney, and Singapore where Mastercard has rolled out similar transit solutions. In fact, Mastercard was the first international payment network that introduced ‘Tap & Go’ in Metro Manila in 2024.