Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing app, has officially enabled the crypto deposit feature for its GrabPay users in the Philippines. The initiative marks another major move toward mainstream cryptocurrency adoption.
Grab Launches Crypto Top-Up in the Philippines
The new feature was developed in partnership with payments provider Triple-A and local crypto exchange PDAX. Currently, it enables users to top up their GrabPay wallets with Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), USDC, or USDT and instantly convert the funds into Philippine pesos within the app.
Notably, the GrabPay crypto top-up feature was expanded into the Philippines following the success of the pilot, which was first introduced in Singapore in 2024. The company’s rollout leverages partner-carried compliance under existing crypto regulations. For example, PDAX is licensed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and Triple-A is regulated in Singapore and the U.S.
Users select “Cryptocurrencies” as their cash-in option, choose a supported token and blockchain network, specify the amount in pesos, and transfer crypto to a Grab-generated wallet address. Once confirmed on-chain, the equivalent peso value is instantly credited to their GrabPay balance for use on transport, delivery, or digital payments as the user so wishes.
The firm claims all transactions undergo compliance checks to ensure safe and transparent operations, including cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and data protection. Commenting on the initiative, CJ Lacsican, Head of the Grab Financial Group in the Philippines, said:
“Integrating cryptocurrency as a cash-in option for GrabPay reflects our commitment to advancing financial inclusion in the Philippines. By offering more accessible, digital-first solutions, we aim to empower a wider spectrum of Filipinos — especially those with limited access to traditional banking or those who prefer the convenience of digital currencies.”
Traditional Firms Integrate Crypto
While digital assets gain liquidity and acceptance, crypto moves beyond investment into everyday utility. Traditional Firms are now integrating crypto payment options into their services.
Luxury travel agency Skylux Travel, headquartered in the United States, has enabled crypto payments for flight bookings. Interestingly, it also partnered with Triple‑A, making the company one of the first luxury travel service providers to integrate crypto acceptance.
Meanwhile, another Southeast Asian ride-hailing app, TADA, has rolled out a Telegram-based mini-app in collaboration with the TON Foundation. It allows users to book rides in countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, using Toncoin (TON) or USDT on the TON blockchain.
