Visa, a global leader in digital payments, partnered with Metrobank Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) and fintech DealMe to pilot Visa Installment Service (VIS), a pioneering Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) cross-border card installment solution that allows eligible Metrobank Visa cardholders to split purchases into installment payments instantly at the point of sale.
With the pilot now live in South Korea, VIS works across both ecommerce and physical retail environments, offering greater flexibility and convenience for Filipino travelers using their existing Metrobank Visa cards. The service aims to make cross-border payments simpler, more predictable, and secure for Metrobank Visa cardholders traveling to the country.
As part of the pilot, eligible Metrobank Visa cardholders can enjoy interest free installment payments at select beauty and wellness merchants in South Korea, including Laprin Clinic, Hershe Plastic Surgery, Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic, Lienjang Dental Clinic, and Le Dental Clinic, among others.
South Korea is among the top three overseas destinations for Filipinos, alongside Japan and Hong Kong, driven in part by strong interest in Korean culture, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences. Data from South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) and the Korean Foundation for International and Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) shows that Filipinos consume an average of 24 hours of Korean cultural content each month — the highest among 28 surveyed countries.
“With Visa Installment Service, we’re giving Filipino travelers more flexible and predictable ways to manage their spending overseas by enabling installment payments on a Visa card they already use and trust, and consumers can enjoy their travel experiences without the need to apply for new loans or manage additional BNPL accounts — all while transacting securely,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines.
“We are continuously improving how our customers experience banking, including how they manage spending when they travel. Our partnership with Visa allows Metrobank Visa cardholders to convert eligible purchases in South Korea into manageable installments, giving them greater flexibility and control while enjoying the convenience, security, and trust they expect from their bank,” said Gail Male, Head of Credit Cards, Personal Loans and Digital Channels Group at Metrobank.
“This collaboration connects Filipino travelers to a broader selection of lifestyle and medical merchants in South Korea,” said Kim Tae Hong, Senior Vice President of DealMe. “Together with Visa and Metrobank, we will continue expanding merchant coverage to support Filipinos traveling overseas.”
The pilot of VIS with Metrobank supports the broader shift toward cashless and digital payments in the Philippines and the region, giving consumers more flexible ways to pay while helping merchants meet evolving payment preferences.
