Metacash Review: Is Metacash Legit or a High-Risk Loan App in the Philippines?
The rapid growth of online lending platforms has made access to quick cash easier for many Filipinos. However, it has also opened the door to illegal and predatory lenders. One of the most controversial names that keeps appearing in online searches and SEC advisories is Metacash—also known as Metacash Pro, Metacash Loan, and other variations.
Table of Contents
What Is Metacash?
Metacash is a digital lending brand that operates under multiple names, including Metacash Pro, Meta Loan, and MetaCash-1. Instead of being a single registered company, Metacash appears to be a fragmented lending ecosystem that reuses branding and infrastructure to attract borrowers.
A key issue is brand confusion. The use of the word “Meta” may mislead users into thinking Metacash is connected to Meta Platforms (Facebook, Instagram). In reality, there is no affiliation.
Metacash Loan and Metacash Personal Loan Explained
The Metacash loan is marketed as a fast, paperless personal loan with minimal requirements. Advertisements usually promise:
- Instant approval
- No collateral
- Flexible repayment
- Online processing
In practice, many borrowers report that Metacash personal loan terms are unclear, with short repayment periods (as short as 7–14 days) and high effective interest rates once fees and penalties are added.
Metacash Loan App Review: How the Platform Operates
Metacash Loan App in Other Countries
In Kenya, a version of the app called Meta Loan operates under a named developer and integrates with mobile wallets. Even there, user reviews frequently complain about high interest and aggressive collection.
Metacash Loan App in the Philippines
In the Philippines, Metacash loan app operations are far more alarming. Instead of a clearly identified developer and licensed entity, Metacash often appears as:
- A web-based loan site
- A short-lived app removed or renamed frequently
- A Facebook- or Telegram-promoted loan offer
This structure strongly suggests shadow lending rather than a legitimate fintech business.
Is Metacash Legit in the Philippines?
Short answer: No.
If legitimacy is defined by Philippine law and regulation, Metacash is not legit.
Is Metacash SEC Registered?
This is one of the most searched questions online—and the most important.
❌ Metacash SEC Registered? No
- Metacash is NOT SEC registered as a lending or financing company
- It does not have a Certificate of Authority (CA) from the Securities and Exchange Commission
- It has been explicitly listed in SEC advisories as an unauthorized online lending platform
Under Philippine law, SEC registration alone is not enough. A lender must also have a secondary license (CA). Metacash fails this requirement.
Metacash SEC Registered Status vs Legal Requirements
Under:
- Republic Act No. 9474 (Lending Company Regulation Act)
- Republic Act No. 8556 (Financing Company Act)
Operating without an SEC Certificate of Authority is illegal. This makes any Metacash loan contract high-risk and potentially unenforceable, while exposing borrowers to abusive practices.
Metacash Pro and Reskinned Loan Apps
After SEC warnings and app takedowns, operators often relaunch the same system under new names such as Metacash Pro.
This tactic, known as “reskinning,” allows illegal lenders to:
- Evade app store bans
- Avoid regulatory tracking
- Target new victims under a “new” brand
This means Metacash Pro is not safer or more legitimate than the original Metacash.
Metacash Loan App Download: Should You Install It?
Downloading the Metacash loan app is strongly discouraged.
Key Risks of Metacash Loan App Download
- Excessive permissions (contacts, SMS, location)
- Data scraping and privacy violations
- Potential debt shaming and harassment
- No legal protection for borrowers
Many complaints show that once permissions are granted, the app may use contact data to pressure or shame borrowers.
Metacash Loan App Review: Data Privacy and Security Risks
A serious concern in any Metacash loan app review is data security.
Reported risks include:
- Contact list access used for harassment
- SMS monitoring to assess repayment capacity
- Device fingerprinting to block new accounts
- Weak or missing data encryption
These practices may violate the Data Privacy Act of 2012, exposing users to identity theft and social harm.
Advance-Fee Scam Warning: MetaCash-1
Another dangerous variation is MetaCash-1, linked to advance-fee scams.
Common Red Flags
- Required “processing” or “security” fees
- No loan release after payment
- Requests to move from Facebook to Telegram
- Fake SEC, DTI, or BIR documents
Legitimate lenders never ask for upfront fees.
Metacash Loan Review vs Legit SEC-Registered Lenders
Compared to legal platforms:
| Feature | Metacash (Unauthorized) | SEC-Registered Lenders |
|---|---|---|
| SEC Certificate of Authority | ❌ None | ✅ Yes |
| Loan Terms Disclosure | ❌ Unclear | ✅ Transparent |
| Debt Collection | ❌ Harassment | ✅ Regulated |
| Data Privacy | ❌ High Risk | ✅ Compliant |
Even lenders with high interest rates are safer if SEC registered, because borrowers have legal remedies.
Psychological Impact: Debt Shaming and Harassment
One of the most damaging aspects of Metacash is debt shaming.
Borrowers report:
- Threatening messages
- Multiple calls from different numbers
- Contacting family, friends, and employers
- Public accusations of being a “scammer”
This practice causes emotional distress and has been cited in numerous SEC complaints.
What To Do If You Are Affected by Metacash
If you have dealt with Metacash:
- Do not pay advance fees
- Document all messages and calls
- File a complaint with the SEC (illegal lending)
- Report to the National Privacy Commission (data misuse)
- Avoid reinstalling reskinned apps like Metacash Pro
Final Verdict: Metacash Review for Filipino Borrowers
This Metacash review makes one conclusion clear:
Metacash is a high-risk, unauthorized lending platform that operates outside Philippine law.
It is not SEC registered, not legally authorized, and associated with harassment, data privacy violations, and scams. While the promise of fast cash is tempting, the financial, legal, and psychological risks far outweigh any short-term benefit.
Key Takeaway for Filipinos
Before applying for any online loan:
- Verify SEC registration and Certificate of Authority
- Avoid apps asking for contacts and SMS access
- Be cautious of names like Metacash, Metacash Pro, or MetaCash-1
- Remember: If it’s not SEC registered, it’s not safe
A well-informed borrower is the strongest defense against illegal online lending in the Philippines.