Subscribers of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) can now purchase prepaid load and pay later through the mobile app of Plentina, a Silicon Valley-based fintech startup accelerating access to credit in emerging markets like the Philippines.
Under the partnership between Smart and Plentina, the subscribers of the wireless unit of PLDT can access a buy-now-pay-later service that enables them to conveniently take out a micro consumer loan to pay for their load via Plentina.
“We welcome Plentina as one of our direct distribution partners. Our tie-up with Plentina provides a financial service that caters to the broader base of prepaid customers,” Alex O. Caeg, senior vice president and head of PLDT Smart Consumer Sales Group said.
“We also hope to extend this service to our 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,” he added.
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 to digital tools for work and study.
“Smart and Plentina have the same DNA – we both want to make Filipino lives better. Filipinos can download the Plentina app, and if they pass the credit scoring, they can already purchase load instantly. They won’t get stressed out even when they don’t have available cash,” Earl Valencia, Chief Business Officer and Co-Founder of Plentina said.
“You might not have the money now, but then you can load up your Smart mobile phone using credit through Plentina and pay later according to your preferred schedule,” he added.
To avail of the service, Smart and TNT customers just need to download the Plentina app, follow the registration process and then wait for approval. Once approved, they can shop for their needed products and services, and pay in installments.
