Malacanang on Monday ordered telecommunications companies to temporarily shut off cellphone signals in Quiapo and along the route of the Black Nazarene procession as part of the government’s security measure against terrorist attacks.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicanor Bartolome said the order will prevent alleged terrorists from communicating with each other during the procession. This can also prevent cellphones from being used as detonators on explosive devices.

The route of the Black Nazarene procession covers a large part of Manila, from Luneta to Quiapo church. The PNP have doubled the number of police personnel deployed in Quiapo from 4,000 to 8,000. There has been no indication when the cellphone signals will be restored.

The SMS-based BPI Express Mobile in SMART Menu allows Smart users to enjoy the convenience of doing wide range of bank transactions such as balance inquiry, fund transfers, bills payment, SMART prepaid airtime reloading and SMART Money reloading through their mobile phones. The SMS-based works with the text messaging facility of Smart, even without connecting to the internet. BPI Express Mobile was made available to Smart subscribers on September 2009.

BPI Express Mobile also comes in another variant — Internet-based. With Internet-based BPI Express Mobile, you can do the same transactions as SMS-based and more except Smart Money related transactions. To learn more about Internet-based BPI Express Mobile, click here.

Here’s how to setup and use SMS-based BPI Express Mobile on your Smart cellphone.

A. Register for BPI Express Mobile

1. Register your cellphone and account number.
   

   Text ENROLL <Account Number> <Joint Account Indicator> and send to 3274.

   *The Joint Account Indicator is the 2-digit number in the lower right portion of your ATM card.
   

2. Activate your enrollment through any of BPI’s ATMs nationwide.
   1. Insert Express Teller ATM Card
   2. Key-in your Pesonal Identification Number (PIN)
   3. Choose Special Services. Choose Activate Enrollment
   4. Choose EConnect – SMS Enrollment
   5. BPI will send a text message containing your initial Mobile PIN (MPIN) after (1) banking day

   

   Your initial MPIN is 157362. CHG your MPIN now! Send CHG oldMPIN newMPIN to 3274. Ref#111608314976

3. Change the initial MPIN to your own MPIN.
   

   CHG <Initial MPIN> <Own MPIN> send to 3274

   BPI will send a confirmation message.

   You have successfully changed your MPIN. Access your accounts anytime, anywhere with BPI Express Mobile. Go to Smart Menu > Mobile Banking > Activate Bank > enter BPI > enter MPIN. P2.5/txn Ref#06670345

B. Activate Mobile Banking Menu in your cellphone

1. Choose Mobile Banking in SMART Menu.
2. Choose Activate. If you already have an active bank, proceed to step 4.
3. Smart will send a text message confirming activation
4. Choose Activate Bank
5. Choose m-Pin
6. Enter BPI as Bank Code
7. Press OK to confirm
8. Enter m-Pin
9. Smart will send text messages confirming activation. BPI should now appear under Mobile Banking

Now, you are ready to use BPI Express Mobile!

C. Use BPI Express Mobile

1. Balance Inquiry for Deposit Accounts (Savings or Checking)
   

   BAL <MPIN> <AccountKey> send to 3274

   Account Key is composed of 2-letter Account Type and last 4 digits of your account number. Account Type; SA = Savings Account, CA = Checking Account. (e.g. SA1234). Balance Inquiry is also available in your Smart Menu.

2. Fund Transfer (to own deposit accounts only)
   1. Choose BPI from Mobile Banking Menu
   2. Choose Transfer
   3. Select Recipient Account
   4. Select Source Account
   5. Select Currency
   6. Enter amount to be transferred. Use either # or * in place of a decimal point.
   7. Enter M-PIN
   8. BPI will send a text message containing the details of the fund transfer

   
   

3. BPI to Smart Money Transfer. Transaction fee is Php 15 to be deducted from your BPI account. If you want to transfer Php 8,000 to your Smart Money, you will be charged Php 8,015 from your BPI account.
   1. Choose Smart Money from Smart Menu
   2. Choose Reload Money
   3. Select the Smart Money Card to be reloaded
   4. Choose BPI
   5. Select Source Account
   6. Enter amount to be transferred
   7. Enter M-PIN
   8. Smart will send a text message containing details of Smart Money reload

   
   

4. Smart Money to BPI Transfer. I tried it, it’s not working. I called Smart and they told me this is not possible. I’ll just write this down in case they implement this in the future.
   1. Choose Smart Money from Smart Menu
   2. Choose Transfer
   3. Choose Bank
   4. Choose BPI
   5. Select Recipient Account
   6. Select Smart Money Card to be debited from
   7. Enter the amount to be transferred
   8. Enter W-PIN
5. Reload Smart/TNT Prepaid
   1. Choose BPI from Mobile Banking Menu
   2. Choose Reload Prepaid
   3. Choose Buddy/TNT or Smart Bro
   4. Choose My Buddies (see Personalized Lists C6 to add Buddies) or Others.
   5. Select or Enter Mobile number
   6. Select Source Account
   7. Select the amount to be reloaded
   8. Enter M-PIN
   9. Smart will send a text message containing details of the reload

   
   

6. Bills Payment. Requires BPI-Smart Biller Codes.
7. Personalize Lists (for My Buddies and My Bills).
   1. Go to Smart Money > Personalize > My Lists > Add
   2. Choose My Buddies to add Buddies or choose My Bills to add billing accounts. Only Smart Money Biller Codes can be saved in “My Bills” list.

For other transactions, visit BPI Express Mobile for Smart.

The SMS-based BPI Express Mobile in Globe Menu allows Globe users to check on their account, perform fund transfers, or load their GCASH wallet straight from their BPI account. The SMS-based works with the text messaging facility of Globe, even without connecting to the internet. It was initially available to Globe subscribers.

BPI Express Mobile also comes in another variant — Internet-based. With Internet-based BPI Express Mobile, you can do the same transactions as SMS-based and more except GCash related transactions. To learn more about Internet-based BPI Express Mobile, click here.

Here’s how to setup and use SMS-based BPI Express Mobile on your Globe cellphone.

A. Setup BPI Mobile in Globe Menu

• For Globe SIMs issued before February 2009, download the BPI Express Mobile menu on your Globe cellphone. Downloading the menu may take between 1-2 minutes. This is free of charge.
  1. Go to Globe Svcs+
  2. Choose myFavorites
  3. Choose Add Favorites
  4. Choose What’s Hot
  5. Choose BPI Mobile

  
  After downloading the menu successfully, the BPI Express Mobile menu is now listed under Globe Svcs+ – myFavorites – BPI Mobile.
  

• For Globe SIMs issued February 2009 onwards, the BPI menu is already saved in you SIM. Choose Globe Prepaid/ Postpaid > Specials > Mobile Banking > BPI

B. Register for BPI Express Mobile

1. Register your cellphone and account number.
   

   Text ENROLL <Account Number> <Joint Account Indicator> and send to 2274.

   *The Joint Account Indicator is the 2-digit number in the lower right portion of your ATM card.
   

2. Activate your enrollment through any of BPI’s ATMs nationwide.
   1. Insert Express Teller ATM Card
   2. Key-in your Pesonal Identification Number (PIN)
   3. Choose Special Services. Choose Activate Enrollment
   4. Choose EConnect – SMS Enrollment
   5. BPI will send a text message containing your initial Mobile PIN (MPIN) after (1) banking day

   

3. Change the initial MPIN to your own MPIN.
   

   CHG <Initial MPIN> <Own MPIN> send to 2274

   
   Now, you are ready to use BPI Express Mobile!

C. Use BPI Express Mobile

1. Balance Inquiry for Deposit Accounts (Savings or Checking)
   

   BAL <MPIN> <AccountKey> send to 2274

   Account Key is composed of 2-letter Account Type and last 4 digits of your account number. Account Type; SA = Savings Account, CA = Checking Account. (e.g. SA1234). Balance Inquiry is also available in your Globe Menu.

2. Fund Transfer
   1. Choose Fund Transfer from BPI Mobile Menu
   2. Enter your 6-digit Mobile PIN (MPIN)
   3. Enter the amount to be transferred
   4. Choose Enter Account to manually enter the source account number and the recipient account number
   5. Enter the Account Key of the source account. Account Key is explained in Balance Inquiry for Deposit Accounts (C1).
   6. Enter 10-digit account number of the recipient
   7. Click OK to proceed with the transfer
   8. If the transfer is successful, a confirmation will be displayed on the screen
   9. BPIMobile will send a text message containing the details of the fund transfer.

   
   

3. BPI to GCASH Transfer. Transaction fee is Php 15 to be deducted from your BPI account. If you want to transfer Php 8,000 to your GCash wallet, you will be charged Php 8,015 from your BPI account.
   1. Choose GCash Transfer from BPI Mobile Menu
   2. Choose Bank to GCash
   3. Enter your 6-digit Mobile PIN (MPIN)
   4. Enter the amount to be transferred
   5. Choose Enter Account to manually enter the source account number
   6. Enter the Account Key of the source account. Account Key is explained in Balance Inquiry for Deposit Accounts (C1).
   7. Click OK to proceed with the transfer
   8. If the transfer is successful, a confirmation will be displayed on the screen
   9. Globe GCash (2882) will send a text message containing the details of the GCash transfer.

   
   

4. GCASH to BPI Transfer. Transaction fee is Php 70 or 1% whichever is higher (to be deducted from your BPI account). If you want to transfer Php 500 to your BPI account, the transaction fee would be Php 70, therefore you will be debited Php 500 from GCash and Php 70 from your BPI account. If you want to transfer Php 8,000 to your BPI account, the transaction fee would be Php 80, therefore you will be debited Php 8,000 from GCash and Php 80 from your BPI account.
   1. Choose GCash Transfer from BPI Mobile Menu
   2. Choose GCash to Bank
   3. Enter your 6-digit Mobile PIN (MPIN)
   4. Enter the amount to be transferred
   5. Enter your 4-digit GCash PIN
   6. Choose Enter Account to manually enter the source account number
   7. Enter the Account Key of the source account. Account Key is explained in Balance Inquiry for Deposit Accounts (C1).
   8. Click OK to proceed with the transfer
   9. If the transfer is successful, a confirmation will be displayed on the screen
   10. Globe GCash (2882) will send a text message containing the details of the GCash transfer.

   
   

5. Reload Globe/TM Prepaid. Requires enrollment.
6. Reload Express Cash/Express Money Order. Requires enrollment.
7. Bills Payment. Requires enrollment.

For other transactions, visit BPI Express Mobile for Globe.

Text scams – everyone has probably received at least one. But they just wont stop.?According to the NTC’s One-Stop Public Assistance Center (OSPAC), the number of text scams the agency has received has increased to 55% since 2008.?That was two years ago when the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) gave us some tips on how to detect such frauds.

Now after two years, these text scams have evolved into different styles but all have the same purpose: TO GET MONEY. Now, we need to understand how they work so we would know how to deal with them.

1. Raffle Scam?- a type of scam where the text message claims that you have won in a raffle. The text scammer will rush you into sending them money so that you can claim the prize right away.
   

   CONGRATULATIONS!!!YOUR # WON TOYOTA AVANZA w/ 300 thou via electronic last Jan.24.2011.For details,please call now MANUEL ACOSTA of Phil. Info. Center on this #. [received from a relative's phone]

   More details on the raffle scam here.

2. New Roaming Number Scam – a type of scam where the con artist claims to be a close relative and requests you to send them load. They usually start by sending a text message informing you of their new roaming number.
   

   E2 Bgong roaming # ko Msta n kau jan,ako ok nman d2.Spg at tyga lng. Mis ko n kau jan.My ppdala ako ppakage jn.My gift aq sau dun s luob ng pakage.Ingat kau jan.?[received from my phone]

   The usual victims of the New Roaming Number Scam are Philippine residents who have OFW relatives. They?accidentally?fall for the scam when the text message is received just in time when they are expecting a package from an OFW relative.

3. Missent Load Scam – a type of scam where the text message appears similar to a Pasaload, Share-A-Load, or Give-A-Load notification.
   

   1/2 You have just been loaded P150 by 09269787436. P200 load will expire in 45 day(s). Trace #751709. To send load, txt?to 2+10digit cel#

   After a few minutes, the scammer will claim that the load was sent to a wrong number and will eventually ask to send back the load.

   Pwede po pakibalik ng load ko?

   If the load notification came from an 11 digit number, ignore.

4. Discount Billing Scam – a type of scam where the text message claims that you are eligible for a discount on your postpaid bill. But the message is actually making you send a load to an unknown number. Their usual target are postpaid subscribers.
   

   GLOBE: Congrats! You’re the one selected postpaid Plan given ?P150 discount billing, to get your P150 discount billing, just text 150 then send to 29056509391. Thank You Globe Postpaid Subscriber!

   If you are not familiar how to?Pasaload, Share-A-Load, or Give-A-Load, then you might fall for this scam.

5. Dugo Dugo SMS style scam – a type of scam where the con artist claims to be a close friend or a relative who has just been injured in an accident and was just borrowing someone’s cellphone. ?The scammer will then demand for some load. ?This scam originated from the famous?Dugo Dugo Gang?who uses phone/landline to scam. But there’s no stopping them from expanding their activities thru text messaging.
   

   An officemate’s mother fell victim to this text scam.? The texter posed as my officemate’s brother who was in a car accident.? The texter asked for Php6,000 pasa-load.? The mother, worried that her son is in trouble, immediately sent Php1,000.? She was about to send more money but gut feel prevented her.? She called the mobile number but no one answered. [source]

   To know more how Dugo Dugo gang originally works, watch this video.

6. GCASH scam- a type of scam where the scammer suddenly?disappears?after receiving the payment on his GCASH?account. The scammer uses popular shopping/auction sites such as ebay.ph, multiply.com, or sulit.com.ph to sell goods and then?signs up for a GCASH account using a fictitious name. After receiving the payment on his fake GCASH account, he will then tranfser the funds to his real GCASH account.
   The following story came from a sulit.com.ph member hjamaru6. He told me that the cellphone number 09156660132 was able to register a GCASH account using my name and was able to scam other people.

   Ang ginamit na pangalan ni Ebook Seller sa Gcash ay Caroline Sinel.

   Kung paano ko nasabi na iisa lang si godlove143 at Ebooks Seller? Nung nahacked ang account ko sabay nag offline ang mga contact number nila. Hindi matawagan Caroline?Sinel?Gcash?Number 09156660132 at? 639358757363 Anne Rose Malaliz. Hindi na rin nag online sa sulit.com.ph for 5days, Magkasabay din sila. Sila rin ang huling kausap ko nung madaling araw na nahacked ang account ko. Marami ang naging biktima nito. Hindi lang ako. Malupit na hacker ito! Ingat po tayong lahat. [source]

   Unfortunately, Ebook Seller is?not only a GCASH scammer but also a Paypal and Gmail hacker.

Listed below are the prices of unlimited text promos offered by Globe, Smart, Sun Celluar, Touch Mobile, Talk ‘N Text, and Red Mobile. For as low as Php 4.00, you can subscribe to an unlimited text promo good for 1 day. ?While the lowest priced combo of unlimited call and text is priced at Php 20.00 for 1 day.

For more information on how to subscribe to these promos, read more prepaid unlimited text offers?listed after the table. You can also check out the company’s website for other promos.

Red Mobile

Php 4 – Unlimited text to Red for 1 day.

TU4 to 9949

Php 28 – Unlimited text to Red for 7 days.

TU28 to 9949

Php 120 – Unlimited text to Red for 30 days.

TU120 to 9949

Php 8 – Unlimited call and text to Red for 1 day.

CTU8 to 9949

Php 56 – Unlimited call and text to Red for 7 days.

CTU56 to 9949

Php 240 – Unlimited call and text to Red for 30 days.

CTU240 to 9949

Talk ‘N Text

Php 20 -?UNLITXT 2ALL 20. Unlimited text to all networks for 1 day.

UA20 to 4545

Php 20 -?UNLITXT20PLUS. Unlimited texts to TNT/Smart and?10-minutes call to TNT/Smart for 1 day. To call dial *4546 +11 digit TNT/Smart number.

GU20 to 4545

Php 30 – UNLITXT30PLUS. Unlimited texts to TNT/Smart and?20-minutes call to TNT/Smart for 1 day. To call dial *4546 +11 digit TNT/Smart number.

GU30 to 4545

Php 150 – UNLITXT150. Unlimited text to TNT/Smart for 30 days.

U150 to 4545

Php 100 – UNLITalk Plus. Unlimited call (from 10pm to 5pm) and unlimited text to TNT/Smart for 5 days. To call, dial *4547 + 11-digit Talk N’ Text or Smart number.

T100 to 4547

Touch Mobile

Php 10 – ASTIGTXT10. Unlimited text to TM/Globe for 1 day.

ASTIGTXT10 to 8888

Php 15 – ASTIGTXT15. Unlimited text to TM/Globe for 2 days.

ASTIGTXT15 to 8888

Php 20 – UNLI Call & Text 20. Unlimited call (from 10pm to 5pm) and text to TM/Globe for 1 day.

UNLICOMBO to 2824

Php 100 – UNLI Call & Text 100.?Unlimited call (from 10pm to 5pm)?and text to TM/Globe for 7 days.

UNLICOMBO100 to 2824

Sun Cellular

Php 10 – Winner Txt 10. Unlimited text to Sun for 1 day.

WIN10 to 247

Php 50 -?Text Unlimited 50. Unlimited text to Sun for 7 days.

TU50 to 247

Php 150 -?Text Unlimited 150. Unlimited text to Sun for 30 days.

TU150 to 247

Php 20 -?TEXTALL20. Unlimited text to all networks for 1 day. (Added September 14, 2011)

UTEXTALL20 to 247

Php 25 -?Super Loaded 25. Unlimited call and text to Sun for 1 day.

CTU25 to 247

Php 150 – Super Loaded 150. Unlimited call and text to Sun for 7 days.

CTU150 to 247

Php 450 -?Super Loaded 450. Unlimited call and text to Sun for 30 days.

CTU450 to 247

Smart Communications

Php 25 – LAHATxt Unli 25. Unlimited text to all networks for 1 day. Promo runs from July 29, 2011 to November 30, 2011

LTU25 to 2266

Php 25 – Smartalk Unli Call & Text 25. Unlimited call and text to?Smart/TNT/Red for 1 day.?To call, dial *6406 + 11-digit Smart/TNT/red #.

UNLI25 to 6406

Php 150 – Smartalk?Unli Call & Text 150. Unlimited call and text to?Smart/TNT/Red for 7 days.?To call, dial *6406 + 11-digit Smart/TNT/red #.

UNLI150 to 6406

Php 299 -?Smartalk?Unli Call & Text 100. Unlimited call and text to?Smart/TNT/Red for 15 days.?To call, dial *6406 + 11-digit Smart/TNT/red #.

UNLI299 to 6406

Globe Telecom

Php 25 -?SUPERUNLI ALLTXT 25.?Unlimited text to all networks for 1 day. Promo runs from July 16 to September 30, 2011

UALLPLUS25 to 8888

Php 25 – SUPERUNLI CALL & TEXT 25. Unlimited call and text to Globe/TM for 1 day. Promo is extended until September 30, 2011

SUPERUNLI25 to 8888

Php 150 -?SUPERUNLI CALL & TEXT 150.?Unlimited call and text to Globe/TM?for 7 days.?Promo is extended until September 30, 2011

SUPERUNLI150 to 8888

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has entered the unli postpaid market by offering the most affordable postpaid plans ever. These??two new unlimited texting postpaid plans are:

• Unli Postpaid Plan 299 (Php 299/month), unlimited text to Smart/Red/Talk N’ Text/Addict Mobile
• Unli Postpaid Plan 599 (Php 599/month), unlimited call and text to Smart/Red/Talk N’ Text/Addict Mobile

UNLI Text Plan 299 comes with a free?Samsung E1080 GSM handset. Meanwhile the UNLI Call & Text Plan 599 comes with?a more premium Nokia C1-01 handset.

“Our subscribers want a real ?UNLI? postpaid plan and so we are giving it to them,? Smart Mobile Marketing head Guido Zaballero said. ?With these new plans, we will further cement our position as the number 1 wireless services provider in the country.”

To apply for a Smart Postpaid plan, new subscribers must submit necessary documents to their nearest Smart Wireless Center.?Upon activation of the account, the unlimited service can already be enjoyed.?No SMS registration is required to avail these plans.

Google has developed an optional security feature called 2-step verification?that helps protect Google accounts from identity theft and other online threats. ?Using?Google’s 2-step verification, signing into Google account requires?both?your password?and?a verification code you will receive on your mobile phone via SMS.?

The 2-step verification works by entering a short numeric code called the “verification code” that will be sent to your mobile phone via SMS. You will need to enter this verification code in addition to your?username and password when you sign in.

After signing in, Google will ask you for a verification code. From the phone number +447781470659, Google will send a text message like this:

Your Google verification code is <6-digit number>

To setup 2-step verification:

1. Login to your Gmail account
2. Click Account Settings.
3. Under Personal Settings, click Using 2-step verification.
4. Choose how you’d like to get verification codes.?To receive ?by SMS, choose Text message (SMS) or voice call.
   
5. Add a mobile number where Google can send codes. To test your phone, click?Send code?and check your phone for the verification code. Enter the code you receive on your mobile phone then click?Verify.
   
6. Your phone is now configured to receive verification codes. Click Next and follow the rest of the instructions.
   
7. Finally, turn on 2-step verification.?The next time you sign in, Google will ask you for your password and a verification code

Turning on 2-step verification is a sure way to make your account safe. So even if your password has been stolen, you are confident that the potential hijacker will not be able to sign in to your account because they don’t have your phone.

Last year, Globe introduced MY SUPER PLAN, a fully-customizable plan which let their subscribers personalize their plan by choosing and paying only for the services that they need. Among the list of their add-ons are three unlimited texting plans:

• My Super ONE (Php 175/month), unlimited call and text to one mobile number.
• My Super TXT (Php 349/month), unlimited text to Globe/TM/Tatoo
• My Super UNLI (Php 599/month), unlimited call and text to Globe/TM/Tatoo

For new subscribers, they can avail of MY SUPER PLAN using Globe’s MY SUPER PLAN builder as long as they can submit required application requirements. However, they will be given a new Postpaid mobile number.?They can avail of the promo via Globe Stores nationwide, Globe Direct at (02) 730-1588, Globe Customer Service (02) 730-1000 or www.globe.com.ph

For existing GPlan or GFlex Postpaid subscribers, they can subscribe to their choice of add-on by texting the keywords listed below (the amount will be charged on top of their existing plan and services will automatically renew unless they opt-out):

To subscribe to?MY SUPER TXT (Php 349/month), unlimited text to Globe/TM/Tatoo:

MYSUPERTXT to 8888

To unsubscribe from MY SUPER TXT

MYSUPERTXT OFF to 8888

To subscribe to?MY SUPER UNLI (Php 599/month), unlimited call and text to Globe/TM/Tatoo:

MYSUPERUNLI to 8888

To unsubscribe from?MY SUPER UNLI

MYSUPERUNLI OFF to 8888

To subscribe to?MY SUPER TXT ALL (Php 599/month), unlimited text to all networks:

MYSUPERTXTALL to 8888

To unsubscribe from?MY SUPER TXT ALL

MYSUPERTXTALL STOP to 8888

Existing GPlan or GFlex Postpaid subscribers ?can also switch to MY SUPER PLAN using the MY SUPER PLAN builder (provided they are outside lock-up for downgrade to MY SUPER PLAN).?MY SUPER PLAN subscribers can also change their plan back to a GPlan or GFlex plan.

Do you want to know which mobile phone number belongs to which network? Below is a list of mobile number prefixes used by Globe, Smart, Sun Cellular, Red Mobile, Talk ‘N Text, and Touch Mobile. This list is useful for those who often subscribe to unlimited text or call services.

Mobile phone area codes in the Philippines are composed of three digits and always start with the number 9. Originally, there were only three prefixes or area codes used for mobile phones: 917 for Globe Telecom, 918 for Smart Communications and 973 for Express Telecom, the three existing mobile companies at the time. As service grew rapidly throughout the 1990s and even until today, existing codes have been exhausted and new codes have been added to fulfill demand. [Source: Wikipedia]

Globe GCASH and Smart Money are the two available mobile money platforms in the Philippines. Here are the comparison between Globe GCASH and Smart Money?in terms of registration, sending money, withdrawal, security and other features.

Transaction Method

• Most Globe GCASH trasactions are mostly?SMS-based. Globe has GCASH menu but it has to be downloaded first.
• Most Smart Money transactions are done using the?Smart Menu.

Smart Menu comes pre-installed with Smart Money Menu.

Registration/Sign-up Process

• To sign-up for Globe GCASH, all you need to do is register via text message. Once registered, you can already start using GCASH.
• To sign-up for Smart Money, you first need to register thru Smart Menu or SMS.?Then apply for a Smart Money Mastercard at your nearest?Smart Wireless Center?and present a valid ID. It may take up to?7 days for the card to arrive. You cannot use Smart Money unless you get your card.

Applying for a Smart Money account can take up to seven days or more. Meanwhile, applying for GCASH only takes 5 minutes. No need to go to any Globe business center. No need to present a valid ID.?But the only problem with GCASH is their easy sign up process. Because Globe doesn’t require any proof of identification upon sign up, the system can be easily manipulated by scammers by creating a fake GCASH account.

Account Number

• When you register for GCASH, your GCASH account number is your 10-digit mobile number.
• When you register for Smart Money, there are two account numbers you need to remember – your Smart Money account number and your?16-digit Smart Money Mastercard number. The 16-digit Smart Money Mastercard number will be used for making transactions.

By using Smart Money, giving away long account numbers can be quite confusing and difficult in making transactions. With GCASH, you only need to give your mobile number as your account number. It is not only easier to remember but the receipient can also be rest assured of the person they are transacting with.

Deposit/Cash In

• To deposit money in your GCASH wallet, you need to go to a Globe Business Center or any accredited GCASH partner and request to do a cash-in transaction. You need to present a valid ID.
• To deposit money in your Smart Money account, you need to go Over The Counter (OTC) at any Smart Wireless Center, BDO branch or any Smart Money accredited outlet.

Sending Money

• Sending money from your GCASH wallet to another GCASH wallet costs Php 2.50/transaction to be deducted from your predpaid/postpaid account. A confirmation message will be sent to both the sender and the receiver after a successful transaction.
• Sending money from your Smart Money account to another Smart Money account?costs Php 2.50/transaction to be deducted from your predpaid/postpaid account.?A confirmation message will be sent to both the sender and the receiver after a successful transaction.

ATM Card/Debit Card

• GCASH ATM card can only be used for withdrawing money from GCASH account. Applying for a GCASH ATM card costs Php 100.00
• Smart Money Mastercard is a debit card. Aside from withdrawing money, it can also be used to purchase at any store that accepts Mastercard, even online. Applying for a Smart Money Mastercard costs Php 120.00.

Smart Money Mastercard is more flexible?than GCASH ATM. Smart Money Mastercard can be used for both purchasing and withdrawal. While GCASH ATM can only be used for withdrawal of funds.

Withdrawal/Cash Out

• To withdraw funds from GCASH account, visit your nearest Globe Business center or any accredited GCASH partner, request a cash-out transaction and present a valid ID. Some Globe Business Center may charge a fee. You can also use your GCASH ATM card to withdraw from any ATM nationwide. ATM withdrawal fee is Php 20.00.
• To withdraw funds from Smart Money, you can visit your nearest Smart Wireless center or use your Smart Money Mastercard to withdraw at any BDO ATMs nationwide. ATM withdrawal fee is Php 3.00.

With Smart Money Mastercard, you can withdraw funds from your Smart Money account for only Php 3.00 per withdrawal at any BDO ATMS nationwide. Smart obviously wins here.

Security

• GCASH has no security feature.
• Smart Money Mastercard has a lock feature that prevents your account from making online purchases when it is locked. So unlock your account only when you need to shop online. It auto-locks after 10 minutes.?Unlocking fee is Php 2.50/unlock and will be deducted from your prepaid load/postpaid account

GCASH’s easy sign-up process has attracted a lot of users and?now they have more subscribers than Smart Money. GCASH users has has no problem adopting to the SMS-based sending of money. But a lot don’t yet realize the advantage of using Smart Money. Smart Money’s long registration process can be quite confusing at first. But after registration, the rest of the transactions are hassle free. Starting from the simplicity of Smart Menu, the flexibility of?Smart Money Mastercards, and the low cost withdrawal thru BDO ATMS, Smart offers more that GCASH.