GoTyme Review: modern problems require modern solutions

The app itself is very user-friendly—the design is easy to navigate through and all the important features are front-and-centre. No complicated blurbs, graphics, and whatnot. Before this, I’d already encountered a few of my friends who were avid users of GoTyme. They all had the sleek and signature black and blue ATM card, so I proceeded to get my own.

As a regular busybody, I didn’t want to go out of my way to apply for a new card if it meant too long a wait or too many steps. Luckily, GoTyme has kiosks around Metro Manila where one can get a physical debit card. It was advertised as a quick process so I searched in-app to find a kiosk near me and there was one at No Brand in Glorietta—perfect, just on my way home. I could shop for my favourite ramen and get an ATM card all in one go, what a convenience!

I got to the kiosk and a kind lady (formally called a bank ambassador) assisted me. I entered my account number and the machine had an option to ‘print debit card’ which I chose. No more than two minutes and I received my card. By far the fastest it took for me to get any ATM card, which would often come in the mail, or demanded a personal return to a bank branch. Thinking it may be a ‘generic’ card, I flipped it and saw it had my full name laser printed on the back with all the necessary details. Quick and personalised. This no fuss physical debit card makes so much of a difference. In this day and age where everything is well within reach with a few taps on the app––it’s nice to have something to hold and use as an alternative (or perhaps today, a supplement) to your phone.

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Next, I aimed to discover the bank’s connectivity and ease of use for daily transactions. There are many options to deposit into your GoTyme account. You can link it to other banks like BPI, Chinabank, RCBC, and Unionbank (hopefully in the future, this will be a longer list). Since I was at No Brand already, I availed of the ‘in-store’ deposit option, where the app generates a QR code and you simply pay at the store counter. Furthermore, you can deposit via check (which you only need to scan through the app) or via linking your GoTyme to an overseas account.

I found myself gravitating to the GoTyme card and app for my day-to-day payments. It’s a VISA-debit card so it only takes a quick tap for every purchase. Most of my friends also boast that it’s their go-to bank for travels abroad since GoTyme forex rates for international transactions are lower than most. On top of that, you get three free InstaPay transfers per week, no small perk with other banks going up to as high as PhP 18.00 per transaction. Every swipe is even more hardworking, earning you GoRewards points which, once stacked, accrues to cash redemption. Not bad, given that it’s essentially a cashback with every use of your card.

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The overall experience was a breeze. As an account holder with several other banks, it’s easy to say GoTyme did indeed make it worth it to open another one. It’s a great feat to have a beautiful app and remarkable perks, but GoTyme’s biggest draw is in its attention to user experience. From the app’s easy interface that’s friendly enough even for non-digital natives to its quick card turnaround, it’s obvious the Gokongwei Group has a hit on its hands. I’m looking forward to more connectivity with other channels and a greater number of kiosks sprouting across multiple locations not only in the metro but also nationwide. Its usability lends itself to becoming one’s go-to travel card and banking app.

It’s in the name itself: GoTyme—it’s obviously a bank that cares for yours. By leaning into innovation and high-tech features, it leaves you with more room to enjoy life and less effort spent on managing finances. And who doesn’t want that?

To open your own GoTyme account, simply find a kiosk near you with no more than a few minutes to spare. 

Disclaimer: GoTyme requested Tatler to review the app and banking experience but they have not read or approved the contents above. 

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