PLDT Inc. wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. has partnered with Silicon Valley-based fintech startup Plentina on a project that will allow its subscribers to avail of a micro consumer loan initially to pay for prepaid load.
Under this partnership, Smart subscribers can access a Buy Now, Pay Later service that enables them to take out a micro consumer loan to pay for their load via Plentina.
Once approved, they can shop for their needed products and services, and pay in installments.
Alex Caeg, head of PLDT and Smart consumer sales group, said Smart intends to extend this service to its retail and device partners so that they can offer more convenient and flexible modes of payment for customers who may want to purchase mobile phones or other gadgets from Smart.
To widen financial access, Plentina and Smart are working together to reach even more Filipinos and provide them with easier access to mobile load as well as digital tools for work and study.
“You can load up your Smart mobile phone using credit through Plentina and pay later according to your preferred schedule,” said Earl Valencia, chief business officer and co-founder of Plentina.
To avail of the service, Smart and TNT customers need to download the Plentina app, follow the registration process and then wait for the approval. Once approved, they can shop for their needed products and services, and pay in installments. – Myla Iglesias
