Singtel, GrabTaxi team up to promote mobile wallet services

Customers can ditch both credit cards and cash.

Singtel and GrabTaxi have teamed up to promote the use of mobile wallet services intended especially for users who prefer not to use cash or credit cards.

According to a news release by Singtel, the two parties have inked a memorandum of understanding that will enable mobile customers of Thailand’s AIS, Philippines’ Globe, and Indonesia's Telkomsel to book vehicles using the GrabTaxi app, and pay using their personal mobile wallets.

Further, GrabTaxi drivers will be urged to use their mobile wallets to accept payments. The drivers will be offered customised data-centric mobile plans tailored to accommodate their higher data usage needs.

“Telco billing relationships are a key enabler in developing markets, where less than 10% of the population own credit cards or bank accounts. Through our Open Platform, online retailers and service providers such as GrabTaxi can easily connect to the payment platforms of all members of the Singtel Group. The collaboration will enable more mobile customers to enjoy cashless payments through their smartphones,” said Singtel CEO International Mark Chong

The Open Platform integration to GrabTaxi’s app is anticipated to launch by mid-2016.