2025 IJRSE – Volume 14 Issue 15
Available Online: 25 August 2025
Author/s:
Espina, James Ivan
Arriesgado College Foundation, Inc., Philippines (jamesivanespina6@gmail.com)
Badonio, Shakira Monique M.
Arriesgado College Foundation, Inc., Philippines (badonioshakiramonique@gmail.com)
Hagonoy, Novel Jean C.
Arriesgado College Foundation, Inc., Philippines (noveljeanhagonoy529@gmail.com)
Jalique, Sheena Mae A.
Arriesgado College Foundation, Inc., Philippines (sheenajalique19@gmail.com)
Balili, Janna Angela
Arriesgado College Foundation, Inc., Philippines (jannabalili35@gmail.com)
Obeda, Alnash B.
Arriesgado College Foundation, Inc., Philippines (alnashbobeda@gmail.com)
Bansag, Rolando Jr P.*
Davao del Norte State College, Philippines (rolandojr.bansag@dnsc.edu.ph)
Abstract:
This study explores the lived experiences, preferences, and coping strategies of consumers in Tagum City, Philippines, who use both Cash on Delivery (COD) and digital payment methods with emphasis on implications for financial literacy. The research examines how consumers manage concerns related to security, convenience, and trust, as digital financial services become more prevalent. The study employs a qualitative, phenomenological approach, conducting in-depth interviews with twelve purposively selected participants aged 18 to 59, each with at least one year of experience using both payment methods. The findings highlight that, while COD enables a sense of control, it is hindered by delays and inefficiencies. In contrast, digital payments provide speed and accessibility while raising concerns about technological issues and transaction security. Consumers cope by identifying risks and modifying methods of payment based on situation. The findings of this study underline the value of not just businesses and policymakers strengthening payment infrastructures, but also educators integrating financial and digital literacy into academic curriculum. As younger consumers and students engage with greater online transactions, knowledge of secure, responsible, and informed payment practices becomes increasingly important. The study highlights the key role of education for developing consumer confidence, safety, and inclusion in the digital economy, and it promotes future research into how learning interventions might influence financial behaviors in emerging cities.
Keywords: cash on delivery, digital payments, financial literacy, payment methods, Philippines
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25256
Cite this article:
Espina, J. I., Badonio, S. M. M., Hagonoy, N. J. C., Jalique, S. M. A., Balili, J. A., Obeda, A. B., Bansag, R. J. P. (2025). Financial literacy in action: Consumer perceptions of security and convenience in payments. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 14(15), 49-58. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25256
* Corresponding Author