Visa and USSC Money Services have launched U Accept, a new payment tool designed for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines. The service turns any supported Android or iOS device with NFC capabilities into a point-of-sale (POS) terminal using the UGrow app. The Philippines is the third market to adopt the solution, following Vietnam and Sri Lanka, with a gradual rollout to select small businesses.
An entry point, not a replacement
U Accept isn’t meant to replace traditional POS terminals. Instead, it serves as a low-barrier option for businesses that can’t yet afford dedicated hardware. According to J. Richard Soriano, USSC’s chief marketing officer, the service has a monthly transaction limit of ₱120,000, making it ideal for small-scale operations. Businesses that outgrow the limit can later transition to a full POS system.
The service eliminates rental fees and compliance paperwork, reducing upfront costs for merchants. Unlike traditional terminals, U Accept requires no additional equipment—just a smartphone.
How it stacks up against competitors
U Accept shares similarities with GCash’s PocketPay, but with key differences. While PocketPay is limited to Android, U Accept supports both Android and iOS. It also leverages Visa’s payment platform, which the companies describe as more universal and secure. Currently, U Accept accepts Visa cards and QR Ph payments, though the partners say they’re open to expanding support for other payment methods.
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Onboarding takes about 10 minutes through the UGrow app, requiring only a valid ID. USSC creates a digital wallet for merchants, establishing a financial identity that allows them to start accepting payments immediately. There are no onboarding fees.
Transactions settle the same day, a feature Soriano highlighted as critical for small businesses with tight cash flow. Payments are credited to the merchant’s wallet instantly, unlike traditional systems that can take one to two days to process. The app also tracks transactions, which could help businesses secure funding as they grow.
Connectivity remains a hurdle
One of U Accept’s goals is to expand into tourist-heavy areas, but internet reliability in remote locations could pose a problem. Soriano acknowledged the challenge, noting that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is working to improve connectivity. Without stable internet, the service’s effectiveness in far-flung regions may be limited.
For now, U Accept offers a simple way for small businesses to accept digital payments without heavy investment. Whether it can scale beyond its current limits—and adapt to the Philippines’ uneven infrastructure—will determine its long-term success.
