General Questions About PayFree

• What is PayFree?

• Why do I need to have an account?

• How does PayFree work?

• Does PayFree mean I pay for free?

• Is there a maintaining balance required to keep my PayFree?

• How safe is my money? How secure is PayFree?

• What are PayFree bank accounts?

Registration questions

• How do I register an account [online, SMS]?

• Can I register a second cellphone number under one account?

• Can I register a bank account via SMS?

• How can I edit my email address, bank account, etc?

• How can I change my password?

Funding a PayFree Account

• How do I fund my account?

• In what currency can I fund my PayFree?

• Can I fund my PayFree using my credit card?

Fund Transfer [Sending money, Buying, Paying Bills]

• How do I transfer fund to another PayFree member [Online, SMS]?

• How do I use PayFree to pay online merchants?

• Is there a maximum amount of money that I may transfer/receive?

• Is there a charge if I chose to pay my bills thru PayFree?

• How do I pay my bills?

Prepaid Loading [Online, SMS]

• How do I buy/sell prepaid cellphone loads [online, sms]?

Fund Withdrawal [Online, SMS]

• How do I withdraw money from my PayFree account [online, sms]?

• Are there any withdrawal charges?

• How much can I withdraw?

• I don’t have a bank account. How can I withdraw funds from my account?

Cash Card

• How do I order a cash card [online, sms]?

• What is the price of the debit card?

• What happens if I lose my ATM PIN?

• I don’t’ have a bank account. May I still order a cash card?

Merchants FAQ

• What benefits do I get by accepting PayFree as a mode of online payment?

• Is there a maximum amount of money that I may transfer/receive?

• How do I register as a merchant/online store?

• I have online stores in auction sites. Can my account be considered a merchant account?

• My company does MOTO (mail order, telephone order) and I do not have a website. Can I accept PayFree payments as a merchant?

• How long will integration take?

General Questions About PayFree

What is PayFree?

PayFree is simply a secure and reliable electronic wallet (e-wallet) or online repository that stores money that you deposit. PayFree technology enables members to enjoy the benefits of a virtual currency to make secure online, over-the-counter, ATM and mobile phone transactions without the use of credit cards. Your PayFree may be used to transfer funds to other members, to make online payments for goods or services to merchants, to accept payments from other PayFree members, to load/sell prepaid cellphone credits and to withdraw money.

The PayFree eWallet stores your transaction history which may be viewed online from your home page.

Why do I need to have an account?

• PayFree protects you from Identity Theft by protecting your personal and financial details from falling into the wrong hands.
• PayFree is available internationally. Although OTC/ATM/SMS funding is available only in the Philippines as of this moment, a PayFree member can transfer funds anywhere there is internet access.
• PayFree is very cost effective –you PAY FREE!
• PayFree is open to all.
• PayFree offers customer service via phone and email.
• PayFree provides several funding options.
• PayFree provides several withdrawal options: cash card, check, bank transfer
• Online merchants, auction sellers and organizations will be able to accept payments or donations from buyers or donors .
• Payfree members will be able to SMS transfer/accept payments directly to/from Globe, Smart or Sun subscribers.
• Using the optional physical PayFree debit/cash card, a member will be able to make POS payments at any establishment that accepts bancnet cards.
• Using his PayFree eWallet, a member can buy prepaid load for personal or retail purposes and buy cheap VOIP credits for international calls.

How does PayFree work?

Your PayFree account is a secure location to hold your funds until you are ready to use them. It does not require you to maintain a minimum balance. You can add funds to your account through our several funding methods and you can withdraw/transfer your funds from your account.

Transferring funds to others is the greatest benefit of PayFree. You can send money to others for free.

Does PayFree mean I pay for free?

Yes. Whether you are transferring funds to another Payfree member, paying an online merchant or loading your cellphone, you don’t get charged. Your recipient, however, will be charged a minimum fee. For the fee structure, please click here.

Is there a maintaining balance required to keep my PayFree?

None. You may use your PayFree solely for receiving payments and withdraw entirely its balance. But if you intend to use PayFree to transfer funds, to pay or to buy/sell prepaid load credits, it is suggested that you keep enough funds in your account for immediate future needs.

How safe is my money? How secure is PayFree?

PayFree is committed to handling your customer information with high standards of information security. Your personal information is accessed only when necessary and each access to your personal information by our employees is tracked by PayFree Administrators.

We want our members to feel secure when shopping online. Before your information is transferred over the internet, we use a technology called Secure Socket Layer (128 bit SSL) to encrypt your sensitive information to ensure it is not legible by anyone on the internet during the transfer.

Your money is very safe with PayFree. Money in your account is YOUR money and will be always treated with care. Our numerous authentication methods ensure that only you have access to your funds. Our secure servers and application structure ensure only the appropriate people have access to PayFree information. Your account will not be closed or frozen unnecessarily.

What are PayFree bank accounts?

These are several bank accounts to which you as a member deposit to fund a PayFree account. PayFree partnered with banks with the largest networks of branches so that wherever you are in the Philippines, a PayFree bank is always nearby. You do not have to be a depositor of any of these banks to fund your PayFree account. Following are the PayFree bank accounts:

• Asia United Bank Checking Acct. 018010001866
• BDO Checking Acct. 2718010635
• BPI Checking Acct. 3110005678
• China Bank Checking Acct. 1082021161
• East West Bank Checking Acct. 2802001641
• Metrobank Checking Acct. 7098528616
• Security Bank Checking Acct. 0071035533001
• Sterling Bank Checking Acct. 3210600032150

Registration questions

How do I register an account [online, SMS]?

Registration is free. Two ways to register: online and SMS

A. Online
Register online at https://www.payfree.com.ph/signup.asp. After submitting online form, you will immediately receive an email to confirm your registration. If you registered your mobile phone number, you will also receive an mpin code for your sms transactions.

B. SMS (via Text Message)
SMS registration is allowed but you will be required to complete your registration online. Information such as your bank account, address, etc. are necessary when withdrawing funds from your account.

To register via SMS,

Save these numbers in your phonebook for easy access when doing mobile transactions and for easy identification when receiving PayFree text notifications

Upon registration, you will receive a text message informing you of your mpin (for mobile transactions), online username and password (for internet access). A default mpin of 1234 is assigned to you. For security purposes, change your mpin as soon as possible.

To change mpin,

Save these numbers in your phonebook for easy access when doing mobile transactions and for easy identification when receiving PayFree text notifications

Can I register a second cellphone number under one account?

Yes. Use the cellphone number you intend to add and text:

The cellphone number should have not been previously registered under any PayFree account.

Can I register a bank account via SMS?

Yes. You may register an account that is under your name only.

How can I edit my email address, bank account, etc?

Login to your PayFree account and click Edit Profile then edit information that you want changed.

How can I change my password?

To reset your password please refer to our site at www.payfree.com.ph and click Change Password.

Funding a PayFree Account

How do I fund my account?

There are two important things you need to remember in funding your account:

        1. Deposit your money to any of the PayFree bank accounts; and,

        2. Inform PayFree of the details of the deposit made (by ONLINE form or by a TEXT message).

There are two ways to fund your PayFree ewallet: Over-the-counter Bank Deposit and Online Transfer.

Although you may also fund using Phonebanking, ATM or SMS transfer, you still need to inform PayFree of the details of the deposit made.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Bank Deposit

        a. Visit a branch of any of the banks listed here. You don’t have to be a depositor to do an OTC deposit.

        b. Fill out a Cash Deposit form:

        c. Immediately after making the deposit, text the following using the cellphone number you have registered with PayFree:

Online Transfer (Internet or Online Banking)

        a. If you have not done yet, enroll YOUR personal bank account to online banking. You may do this by visiting your bank branch and filling out a form or do this online. If online form is used, you still need to print it out and submit to your branch.

        b. Enroll as Third Party or Target Account any one of the PayFree checking accounts listed here. To avoid transfer charges, enroll a PayFree bank that is the same as your bank (if you bank at BPI, choose the PayFree BPI account, or if you bank at BDO, choose PayFree BDO checking account, and so on).

If your bank is not in the list of PayFree banks, you may choose any PayFree checking account as your Third Party/Target Account. Bancnet member banks do not usually charge fees for inter-bancnet fund transfers.

Some banks may allow you to enroll a Third Party/Target Account the same time you enroll your account to online banking. For assistance, please call your bank branch.

        c. If you have enrolled a PayFree checking account as your Third Party/Target Account, you may do online transfers through your bank’s online services every time you need to fund your PayFree account.

        d. Immediately after making an online transfer, do any one of the following:

Using the cellphone number you have registered with PayFree:

-or-

Login to your account at www.payfree.com.ph

Fill out necessary details like amount, PayFree bank and transaction number
Click submit

In what currency can I fund my PayFree?

Philippine Pesos. If you fund your PayFree using your US Dollars bank account, the currency will be converted to Philippine Pesos.

Can I fund my PayFree using my credit card?

Yes but limited only through Western Union. Your account will be credited within 24 hours or 1 working day. Please email support@payfree.com.ph for instructions on how to do this.

Fund Transfer [Sending money, Buying, Paying Bills]

How do I transfer fund to another PayFree member [Online, SMS]?

Online

SMS

Both sender and recipient receive sms confirmation indicating the transfer

How do I use PayFree to pay online merchants?

PayFree members can make payments for goods and/or services to a PayFree merchant. Payments are instant and both parties will receive a confirmation email or SMS as proof of payment.

• Go to the merchant site. Select products or services to buy, then checkout
• Upon checkout, you will be redirected to the PayFree payment form
• Verify if the payment details are accurate
• Login using your PayFree userID and Password to complete the payment
• When you login you will see your transaction details
• Once completed, you will be redirected to the merchant site

Is there a maximum amount of money that I may transfer/receive?

None. Maximum allowable balance at any given time: P100,000.

Is there a charge if I chose to pay my bills thru PayFree?

Yes, P20 per transaction. Bills payment is an additional service given to members who do not have access to online banking and would rather pay thru PayFree than go to the bank or payment centers.

How do I pay my bills?

Login to your account. Then choose Bills Payment. Fill in subscriber’s name, account number and other pertinent information. Please take note that there are utility companies that do not accept late online payments. Be sure to pay your bills at least 2 days before due date.

Prepaid Loading [Online, SMS]

How do I buy/sell prepaid cellphone loads [online, sms]?

ONLINE

• Login to www.payfree.com.ph
• Choose "Buy Eload" button
• Enter cell no. you are loading (yours or someone else’s).
• Enter amount (drop down menu)
• Click Buy eLoad button

SMS

To buy or sell load, text:

(Note: it would be a good idea if you save these numbers in your phonebook)

Available Denominations:

globe/sun: 30, 60, 115, 150
smart: 30, 60, 115, 200, 300, 500

Your default mpin is 1234. To change your mpin, text:

Fund Withdrawal [Online, SMS]

How do I withdraw money from my PayFree account [online, sms]?

ONLINE

• Login to your PayFree account
• Click WITHDRAW MONEY
• Fill in amount to be withdrawn
• Choose Bank if you want money deposited to your personal bank account. Fill in the details of bank account; or.
• Choose Check if you want a check issued to your name and sent to your registered address; or,
• Choose Cash Card if you want to withdraw your money at any ATM using the PayFree Debit Card.
• Click Submit

SMS

To withdraw by sms, text:

Are there any withdrawal charges?

Yes. P20 per withdrawal.

How much can I withdraw?

You may withdraw as much as what you have in your account.

I don’t have a bank account. How can I withdraw funds from my account?

You have two options:

        1. Request for a check which you can bring to a bank for encashment.

        2. Order a cash card. A bank account is not necessary for you to order one.

Cash Card

How do I order a cash card [online, sms]?

Each cash card costs P100. Make sure you have at least P100 in your account before ordering.

ONLINE

• Login to www.payfree.com.ph
• Choose "Order Cash Card" button
• Specify address where you want the cash card to bedelivered.
• Click Order Cash Card button

SMS

To order by sms, text:

What is the price of the debit card?

Each card costs P100. The card will be delivered to your specified address.

What happens if I lose my ATM PIN?

You need to order a new card. Replacement card will cost you P100.

I don’t’ have a bank account. May I still order a cash card?

Yes. The cash card is not attached to any bank account. You may be able to withdraw funds through your cash card. (See Fund Withdrawal section in FAQ.)

Merchants FAQ

What benefits do I get by accepting PayFree as a mode of online payment?

• PayFree’s growing number of subscribers should be your no. 1 reason for accepting PayFree payments. It’s all a numbers game. The more hits you get on your website, the more sales you get!
• Increase your sales without having to hire more sales people or spend so much in marketing and advertising.
• PayFree gives you an option to advertise to its members thru regular newsletters and announcements or in the form of SMS footers added to text messages that are sent to members whenever SMS confirmations are sent after every transaction and registration.
• PayFree gives your customers several options to pay you –online or SMS, without the bother of going to the bank every time they transact with you.
• Customers who are averse to using credit cards online for fear of identity theft or credit card fraud will have a better and safer option using an eWallet instead.
• More than 80% of online buyers in the Philippines (credit cardholders included) prefer alternative payment options other than credit cards. This is because in the Philippines there are far less credit cardholders than there are ATM cardholders, a ratio of 1:5 and because using non-credit card methods of payment is safer.
• You have the option to be a PayFree Privilege Club merchant where members earn points whenever they make a purchase at any member merchant and where points can be redeemed at any member merchant. If you are interested in becoming a PayFree Privilege Club merchant, please send an email inquiry to support@payfree.com.ph

Is there a maximum amount of money that I may transfer/receive?

As a merchant, you may transfer or receive without limit.

How do I register as a merchant/online store?

        1. Download and fill out the Merchant Application form.

        2. Submit following documents together with completed Merchant Application Form:

                * SEC Certificate / Business Permit
                * Proof of Billing

        3. Download Integration Guide. Technical documentation on how to integrate PayFree to your website.

        4. After registration and payment of setup fees, you will receive an email confirmation and further instructions on integration.

I have online stores in auction sites. Can my account be considered a merchant account?

No. We cannot do integration to a domain that you do not own. However, this should not stop you from accepting online payments. Sign up as a regular PayFree member and indicate in your store that you accept PayFree payments with your PayFree userID indicated. Tell your buyers to register their own PayFree accounts. If both you and your customers are registered members, you can send and receive payments from one another.

But unlike a merchant account, yours have limits on the amount of free transactions and on the balance that your account can keep.

My company does MOTO (mail order, telephone order) and I do not have a website. Can I accept PayFree payments as a merchant?

Yes. Instead of asking your customers for their credit card numbers, just tell them to get a free PayFree account, fund it and transfer fund to your PayFree merchant account ID. Download the application form in the merchant page and indicate in the nature of business: MOTO

How long will integration take?

We can have you up and running in just a matter of days. Our technical people will coordinate with your webmaster or technical staff once integration is started.