Self-service payment kiosk provider eTap Solutions has announced a significant expansion plan for 2026, focusing on increasing the physical accessibility of digital financial services for Filipinos. The initiatives include the rollout of new cash-out machines, the establishment of regional hubs, and the creation of a dedicated services company.
A key part of the expansion is the introduction of cash-out machines in 2026, which will enable users to withdraw funds from their e-wallets. This move addresses the need to bridge digital and physical financial transactions, particularly for those who remain primarily cash-dependent.
Currently, eTap Solutions, a subsidiary of eTap Inc. founded in 2023, operates kiosks in over 450 partner stores nationwide, including DALI, Alfamart, AllDay, TGP, and Julie’s Bakeshop, providing services such as e-wallet cash-ins, bill payments, and e-load.
To widen its reach beyond the capital, eTap Solutions plans to open additional eTap Hubs in major regional cities, including Zamboanga City, Bacolod City, Cebu City, and Davao City. These hubs, which follow the opening of the first location in Palanan, Makati, in May, will serve as service centers where customers can use machines and receive assistance from eTap employees.
The company will also launch on-ground caravans in Visayas and Mindanao to directly assist customers and shoppers at partner stores.
eTap Solutions CEO Carlo Hernandez stated that the 2026 plans are driven by the company’s objective to further financial inclusion.
“Everything we did in 2025 was to enhance financial accessibility for Filipinos. Our machines act as a phygital bridge for anyone who wants to turn their physical cash into digital payments, which is especially useful for the millions of Filipinos who are still primarily cash-first,” said Hernandez.
In a structural move, eTap Solutions will establish a new entity, eTap Managed Services Inc. (EMSI), in January 2026. EMSI will be led by Jana Darm-Cruzado, who also serves as eTap Solutions’ Corporate Secretary.
The new company’s mandate is to better service eTap franchisees, collectors, and technicians. This is intended to improve operational efficiency, including faster servicing of kiosks, efficient replenishment cycles, and smoother operations to ensure machine accessibility.
The expansion comes as digital payments gain ground in the Philippines. While the latest Google e-Conomy SEA report indicates that 57 percent of monthly retail payment volume is now digital, a substantial portion of transactions remains cash-based, highlighting the ongoing importance of physical cash access points.
Hernandez summarized the overall approach: “Between the rising cost of living and constant natural disasters, we understand these are trying times for the average Filipino. The least we can do is make our machines convenient, accessible, and easy to use – there’s no reason they should have a hard time settling their crucial financial transactions.”