MANILA - GCash is extending the grace period for users who got loans from the app and is also waiving fees for small cellphone loads to help users affected by the recent floods.

The Ayala-led fintech said that its credit arm Fuse Lending will give a two-week payment grace period to borrowers of GLoan and GGives in calamity-hit areas.

“Understanding the importance of having extra money during these challenging times, GCash is offering a grace period to customers whose due dates fall between July 21 and 31, 2024,” said Tony Isidro, president and CEO of Fuse Lending.

The company said this will allow customers in areas affected by Typhoon Carina to postpone their loan payments to August without incurring any penalty charges.

GLoan allows eligible GCash users to borrow up to P125,000 cash sent straight to their GCash wallet, which can be used for multiple purposes, the company said. 

GGives meanwhile is the company's buy-now-pay-later service. 

GCash said it is also waiving the fees for cellphone loads worth P59 and below starting July 25 to July 31.

"This would help ease the expenses of customers affected by the severe rains and flood – allowing them to stay connected with their loved ones, updated on news, and continue their livelihood like working from home with ease," the company said.  

GCash said it was also waiving the 0.5 percent cash-in fee for GCash Pera to help sari-sari stores in areas affected by super typhoon Carina continue to provide services to their communities.

The fintech said this will allow users to fund their wallets without any additional cost and allow them to provide much-needed services like buy load, pay bills, as well as cash-in and cash-out.

GCash said users can also contribute to various reputable non-governmental organizations that mount rescue, relief, and recovery operations. 

These NGOs include:

1.    Ayala Foundation

2.    ABS-CBN Foundation

3.    GMA Kapuso Foundation

4.    UNICEF

5.    Philippine Red Cross

6.    Caritas Manila

7.    Save the Children

Users can opt to send funds directly to the NGOs by searching for them in the "Pay Bills" feature under the "Others" category, or scan the official GCash QR Code of the organizations. Transaction fees for these donations are waived.

The company meanwhile warned users against scams posing as donation drives.

"Users are encouraged to donate only through official payment channels such as the GCash app, and transact only with trusted organizations to avoid donating to dubious organizations. Customers are advised to never share their MPIN or OTP to anyone."

It also urged users to conduct thorough background checks on individuals and groups before contributing.