Why neighborhood stores are the future of digital payments

Picture it: a hardworking father of two gets up in the morning to get to work. On the way, he buys freshly baked pan de sal, then remembers his electricity bill is due today! Lucky for him, his neighborhood bakery has an eTap kiosk, and he uses the machine to settle the bill just in time.

Then, at his lunch break, he goes over to his nearby pharmacy to buy cough medicine for his eldest. Here, he remembers he needed to give his wife money for grocery shopping, which he’s able to do by topping up via e-wallets at the pharmacy’s eTap kiosks.

Whether he knows it or not, the father in the scenario above is proving that financial inclusion for cash-dependent Filipinos can be found right at the corner store.

Typically, the conversation around digital payments has revolved around apps, QR codes, and cashless convenience. But while fintech innovations keep moving forward, the real frontier for growth may not be inside our smartphones—it’s in the nearby grocery, pharmacy, and bakeshop. 
‍

Digital payments meet daily life
‍

Across emerging markets like the Philippines, people don’t always make the distinction between “digital” and “physical” transactions. What matters more is the convenience they experience when settling transactions like buying prepaid load credits or paying household bills. By embedding digital payment services in these familiar touchpoints like nearby stores, financial technology stops being abstract—it becomes part of everyday life.
‍

Trust and accessibility
‍

One of the biggest barriers to adopting digital payments is trust. Not everyone is comfortable linking their bank account to a new app or dealing with money that they can’t physically touch. Additionally, other issues like spotty connectivity could also deter people from fully adopting digital payments. 
‍

Accessibility is then found in other ways. In many communities, neighborhood stores are within walking distance—often closer than the nearest bank branch or even a reliable internet connection. By turning these stores into digital gateways, fintech companies extend their reach to segments of the population that are still underserved by formal financial institutions.
‍

The multiplier effect for small businesses 
‍

When neighborhood stores become payment centers, everyone wins. Store owners get additional sales from the increased foot traffic. Customers gain a one-stop shop where they can settle bills, top up e-wallets, and buy essentials in a single trip. Communities benefit from a stronger digital economy that circulates faster and more efficiently.
‍

In fact, neighborhood stores often play the role of “last-mile delivery” in digital finance. They don’t just process transactions—they introduce people to digital payments for the first time, helping bridge the gap between the unbanked and the formal economy.

At eTap Solutions powered by eTap Inc., we understand that our kiosks act as a bridge between cash-heavy Filipinos and the world of digital payments. Between helping hardworking users settle their important transactions on the go and bringing partner stores benefits like increased foot traffic, we believe our kiosks are pivotal for anyone trying to get in on the future of digital payments.
‍

Interested in placing an eTap kiosk right in your store? Reach out to the official eTap Solutions LinkedIn page!


‍

Article by Pancho Dizon

Graphic by Javi Acosta

‍