Order A GCash Mastercard Without Leaving Your Home!
Going out today is a bit of a hassle because of the on going pandemic, plus, all the precautionary measures that must be observed. But lucky for us because most things are a couple of taps away on the phone, just like ordering a the GCash Mastercard for example.
Before pandemic, applying for a bank card requires you to physically go to the bank to submit requirements and provide other needed information. And then you'll have to return to the bank to claim your card. But during a pandemic, doing these can be a big hassle and could put your health at risk. Well, some local banks have made it easier for people to apply for a card in this difficult time. Online application is now made possible and the card will also be delivered to you. No more personal appearances. And one that does that is the Globe GCash.
Globe Telecom or Globe is one of the major telecommunications company in the Philippines and have been among the local pioneers of online banking, I believe, because I've been hearing about GCash before since mid-2000s. GCash doesn't have an app yet before and only works through SMS. I'm not sure on how the procedure of cashing in and out works back then.
About four years ago, my bank card needed to be renewed and so I filled out a form on its website before going to the bank. The teller had me fill out another form then checked my valid IDs. After that, he told me to return after two weeks, if I'm not mistaken. So I returned after two weeks but according to the bank teller, my card wasn't still delivered. I came back a week after and still no good news. I then sent a message to the main office's customer service and their official social media account. I got an immediate response from their social media account and they sent me a link to a form I need to fill out. This is already the third time I am filling out a form. Lol. After submitting the form, I received a message which contains the date when my card is available for pickup. I went to the bank on the date indicated, and voila! I got my card. It took me a month before I was able to get my card. It was my worst experience for a card renewal.
Luckily, one fellow writer on a different blogging site at that time have written about GCash and how easy it is to apply for a card. She had convinced me to apply for one, and so I went to a Globe branch to have my account verified and apply for a GCash Mastercard at the same time. The process was fast and easy, the only hassle I experienced back then was that the person in charge for the GCash applications constantly goes around different Globe branches and so I have to go on the day and time that person is present at the branch.
Today, having your account verified and ordering a GCash Mastercard is already super easy. Everything just happens in your phone. For getting your account verified, you only have to fill out a form and upload a valid ID. When you're account is verified, you'll have full access to GCash features. Meanwhile, if you'd like to withdraw your money on GCash through the ATM machine, you'll need to have the GCash Mastercard.
Before, you'll need to go to a Globe GCash representative to have the card but thank goodness it's a lot easier now. There are two options, buy the card at a Globe partner store or order online through the app. Ordering online also has two options: have it delivered to your address or pick up at a partner store nearest you.
Since our purpose is to have a GCash Mastercard without going out, we chose the Deliver option. You'll have to add Php 65 for the shipping aside from the Php 150 payment for the card.
To do that, open your app then tap the "Show More" button on your dashboard. Under Fund Management, tap "Cash Out". On top you'll the Order GCash Mastercard where you can choose between Deliver or Pick Up. (Pick Up doesn't charge shipping fee)
Tap on "Deliver", read the requirements and reminders to know whether you are qualified to purchase the card. If you meet all the requirements needed, scroll down and fill out the form. Submit the form and you'll be given an order number which you should take note because it is needed for the payment of your card.
After successfully applying for GCash Mastercard, you need to pay a total amount of Php 215 next. (Php 150 for the card + Php 65 for the shipping) Go to your dashboard and tap "Pay Bills", then tap "Payment Solutions", and find GCash Mastercard. Fill out the necessary information needed and you're done!
You'll then receive an e-mail and then an order confirmation message through SMS after a day or two. Wait about 10 business days to receive your card.
I don't know if it's due to the pandemic but the card we ordered took 13 business days. We were already worried, so the morning of the 13th day, I wrote an e-mail to the customer service then before lunch, the card was delivered. Lol.
Well, you now have the card but it doesn't end there because you still have to link it to your GCash account. To do that, go to your app and tap the three lines on the top left corner. Tap "My Linked Accounts" and choose GCash Mastercard. Enter your card number, the 16 digit number on your GCash Mastercard. Submit and you're finished!
The current (lighter blue) GCash Mastercard looks better in terms of design compared to the old one (darker blue). However, the old card which I currently have has a 5-year validity, meanwhile, the new one only has 2-year validity.
I do not know whether this card was created three years ago and was stocked in their inventory or did they really just shorten the validity of their cards. If it was the latter, then that sucks. That means you'll have to order every two years.
Anyway, I guess it's alright because of the convenience GCash provides in return. GCash is a useful online wallet and online bank at the same time. It has a couple of nice features and does fast and instant transactions. One downside of this app, however, is it's frequent maintenance schedule. That's why it would be wise not to rely completely on one online bank. Have a backup so in case GCash is under maintenance, you can still do online transactions through your other online bank.
But overall, GCash is a nice app and much easier to use than other online bank apps. For online wallet and online bank, GCash is a great choice. Plus, getting a card is very easy. :)
Hi, I'm Straykat! :)
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