‘We see BillEase as an enabler to get people who are relatively new to credit into the formal banking and financial system.’
Sachet spenders BillEase head of POS Merchants Kurt Molina (left), along with CEO and co-founder Georg Steiger, said the app-based lender seeks to serve the Filipinos penchant for small-ticket spending.
Photograph by Alvin Kasiban for daily tribune
BillEase app users can shop for purchases more than their accounts’ credit limit through a boost feature that automatically kicks in upon check out if certain criteria are met.
Graphics courtesy of Billease
BillEase, derived from the Filipino words “bilis” (fast) combined with “bill easy,” is a financial technology (fintech) platform that offers convenient and quick payment solutions to Filipinos.
Founded in 2017, BillEase has become one of the leading choices for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services in the country.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Tribune, BillEase chief executive officer and co-founder Georg Steiger, along with head of POS Merchants Kurt Molina, shared how they ensure the company continues to meet the growing needs of Filipino consumers.
Building inclusion, trust
As Filipinos are known for small-ticket spending, which is evident in the continuing presence of sari-sari stores, BillEase executives recognized the demand for smaller credit options among the masses. Steiger explained that many Filipinos earn around P15,000 to P25,000 monthly and can only “afford a credit that’s maybe up to P50,000.”
However, traditional banks struggle to serve this market because underwriting small loans manually is costly and time-consuming.
Realizing it was time to bridge this credit gap, they maximized available technology by using artificial intelligence to automate credit assessments. Customers can now receive a decision within a minute after signing up.
“It is all automated and therefore quite cheap to operate,” Steiger said. BillEase not only addresses the market’s financial needs but also helps build its customers’ credit reputation.
“We see BillEase as an enabler to get people who are fairly new to credit into the formal banking and financial system,” Steiger added, emphasizing that responsible repayment helps users qualify for credit cards and traditional bank loans later on.
Its offers are truly maka-masa (for the masses), with a minimum credit limit of P500, typically ranging from P2,000 to P6,000, and a maximum limit of P50,000.
The company keeps detailed records of loan performance, gradually increasing limits for responsible payers.
“How did we build the trust?” Steiger reflected. “By listening to our customers, understanding their needs, and finding more and more ways to serve them.”
Expanding payment innovations
No cash? No problem. The app-based lender ensures customers can walk through the busy streets of Manila or enjoy their favorite coffee spots without worrying about not having money on hand.
Steiger explained that BillEase is designed for small purchases, typically without fees or interest, as long as the next payday makes repayment.
“It becomes almost like a credit card without the plastic,” he said.
To make payments even easier, BillEase allows repayments via QR codes from any banking app or e-wallet. Beyond BNPL, users can also pay for utility bills, mobile load, airline tickets (like Agoda), gadgets and appliances, all within the app.
Just recently, the company launched BillEase Deals, where customers can shop as they would on Shopee or Lazada, but everything is payable on credit.
“We’re offering free shipping and one-year free device protection and discounts they won’t find on other platforms,” Molina proudly shared.
Nothing for gambling
Credit is good, overspending is not. BillEase champions responsible spending through its system design. Credit approvals remain conservative to help customers manage their finances better. They explained that all partner merchants are Department of Trade and Industry trust-marked brands.
“You can’t do gambling… we’re strict about blocking these categories,” Steiger pointed out.
Today, BillEase has over 1,700 partner stores nationwide and continues to expand its reach. With 2.5 million customers and counting, the company remains determined to grow further.
“We’ve served millions, but we’re still barely scratching the surface,” Steiger said.
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