In today's fast-paced world, managing finances can often feel overwhelming, especially when you need to make larger purchases. This is where Atome Philippines comes into play as a Buy Now, Pay Later solution, offering shoppers in the Philippines a chance to buy what they need now and pay for it over time.
For many consumers, the challenge lies in balancing immediate shopping desires with financial stability. Throughout this blog, you will explore how Atome provides a platform that helps navigate this challenge. From its unique features and benefits to its potential drawbacks, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of what makes Atome a compelling choice for shoppers in the Philippines.
What is Atome?
Atome Philippines has emerged as a notable player in the Buy Now, Pay Later space, bringing a fresh wave of financial flexibility to Filipino shoppers. Originating from Singapore, Atome entered the market under the Advance Intelligence Group, a company known for focusing on AI-driven financial solutions.
In 2019, Atome made its debut and quickly established itself by forming partnerships with over 50 retail stores, both online and offline. Atome has partnered with notable companies such as The SM Store, ZALORA, and Rustan's, to name a few. These collaborations span various shopping categories, including fashion and lifestyle, electronics, and home goods.
Top Features of Atome Philippines
Atome is transforming the shopping experience in the Philippines by offering flexible payment options that cater to modern consumer needs. Below are the key features of Atome in the Philippines:
1. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Option
Atome allows customers to split their payments into 3 equal installments with 0% interest, making it easy for consumers to manage their budgets. The first payment is due at checkout, while the remaining payments are made every 30 days. This feature helps customers avoid upfront full payments, making purchases more affordable.
2. The Atome Cash Feature
The Atome Cash feature is another highlight, offering users the ability to obtain cash loans swiftly with amounts up to ₱50k. With competitive interest rates starting at 1.75% monthly, these loans are structured to support users in managing their cash flow effectively. Users can choose flexible repayment plans that extend up to 12 months, and importantly, Atome offers these loans without hidden charges, ensuring transparency and predictability in financial planning.
3. Atome Mastercard Credit Card
Atome also offers a Mastercard credit card variant, which extends financial flexibility to consumers. With a pre-approved credit line of up to ₱200k, this card can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted. Atome offers this without any annual, sign-up, or hidden fees, making it a viable choice for those in need of affordable credit solutions, including the underbanked and unbanked populations.
Payment schedules can be managed directly through the Atome app, enabling a seamless experience with purchases now and payments up to 45 days later.
Benefits of Choosing Atome
Atome has become a popular financing option in the Philippines, offering consumers the flexibility to shop now and pay later. Whether it's for clothing, gadgets, or other products, Atome allows customers to split payments into easy installments, making purchases more manageable.
Here are some of the key advantages of using Atome for shopping and loaning:
Flexible Payment Options
Atome allows customers to break their payments into 3 or 6-month installments, making it easier to manage purchases without burdening their finances all at once. This flexibility helps individuals budget their expenses while still enjoying the products they want.
Easy Application Process
Signing up for Atome is simple and quick. Users can create an account within minutes and start shopping immediately. The approval process is straightforward, with minimal paperwork required, providing an effortless way to access installment plans.
No Hidden Fees or Interest for Timely Payments
One of Atome's standout features is that there are no hidden fees or interest charges when payments are made on time. This makes it a transparent and cost-effective option compared to other forms of financing or credit cards.
Wide Range of Partner Merchants
Atome partners with various retailers across different industries, from fashion and electronics to home goods and beauty products. This vast selection allows customers to use Atome for a wide range of purchases, ensuring convenience and variety.
Instant Approval and Quick Access to Credit
Atome offers instant approval for eligible customers, giving them immediate access to credit for their purchases. This fast access is ideal for urgent shopping needs, whether it's buying something essential or treating oneself.
Improved Cash Flow Management
By spreading out payments over time, Atome helps customers maintain better control over their finances. This allows for better cash flow management, especially when making larger purchases, without the stress of paying the full amount upfront.
Secure and Reliable
Atome uses advanced security features to protect customer data and payment information. This ensures a safe shopping experience for all users and offers peace of mind when making transactions.
Also Read: How Do Interest Rates Work in The Philippines, And What Are Their Types
Check out this YouTube video to learn more about how Atome works and see firsthand experiences. It provides an insightful look at Atome's service and its growing influence.
Disadvantages of Atome
While Atome offers a convenient and flexible way to shop and pay later, there are some potential drawbacks to consider before using the service. It's important to weigh the pros and cons to ensure it's the right financial choice for your needs.
Below are some key disadvantages of opting for Atome:
High Interest and Late Fees
If you miss a payment or fail to pay on time, Atome charges a late fee which is 5% of the outstanding, which can accumulate quickly. While Atome offers interest-free installments for on-time payments, delays can result in high extra charges, making the overall cost of your purchases significantly higher.
Potential for Over-Borrowing
Because Atome allows users to break payments into installments, it can lead to overspending. Some users may find themselves purchasing more than they can afford, as they may not immediately feel the financial impact. If the payments stack up, this can cause financial strain, leading to debt accumulation.
Limited Partner Retailers
While Atome partners with a variety of retailers, the selection may still be limited compared to traditional credit cards or other financing options. If the store you want to shop at isn't partnered with Atome, you won't be able to take advantage of the payment plan, limiting its usefulness in certain situations.
Impact on Credit Score
Missing payments or accumulating late fees on your Atome account can negatively impact your credit score, making it harder to obtain loans or other forms of credit in the future. Although Atome doesn't directly report to credit bureaus, poor payment history can still affect your overall creditworthiness.
Not Ideal for Large Purchases
Atome is more suited for smaller purchases that can be easily paid off in installments. For larger, long-term financial commitments, using Atome might not be the most effective solution, as the limited repayment term could strain your budget, especially if multiple installment plans are active at the same time.
Also Read: Independent Lending Companies in the Philippines
Take the stress out of securing funds for your business. Apply for n90's fast financing solutions and get loan approvals within 24 hours. Empower your Philippine SME to grow and succeed today!
How to Set Up an Atome Account
Setting up an Atome account in the Philippines is a quick and straightforward process, enabling you to access the benefits of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services for your shopping needs. Here's a step-by-step guide to setting up your Atome account:
- Download the Atome App: The first step is to download the Atome mobile app from either the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). The app is free to download and is the gateway to using Atome for all your shopping and installment payment needs.
- Sign Up or Log In: After downloading the app, open it and either sign up or log in to your existing account. If you're a new user, you will need to create an account by providing your email address and mobile number and setting up a password. The registration process is simple and takes just a few minutes.
- Provide Personal Information: To complete your Atome account setup, you will be asked to provide some basic personal details, such as your full name, date of birth, and address. This is important for verifying your identity and ensuring secure transactions.
- Link a Payment Method: Atome requires you to link a valid payment method, such as a debit card or credit card, to your account for seamless installment payments. This payment method will be used to collect the first installment when making a purchase using Atome. You'll also need to ensure that the linked card is valid and active.
- Verify Your Account: Atome may require additional identity verification to ensure your account is secure. To confirm your identity, you may be asked to upload a clear photo of a valid government-issued ID, such as a Driver's License, Passport, or National ID. This step is necessary to prevent fraudulent activities.
Also Read: Pros and Cons of Top 5 Legit Online Loan Options in the Philippines
Making Purchases with Atome
Shopping with Atome in the Philippines is convenient and user-friendly. It offers an easy and coherent installment plan for both online and in-store purchases.
Here's a simple breakdown of the online shopping process when using Atome:
- Choose a Partnered Retailer - Browse through Atome's wide range of partner retailers, which include well-known brands in various sectors such as fashion, electronics, and beauty. You can shop on platforms like Lazada, Zalora, or any of the other 2,500+ retailers offering Atome as a payment method.
- Select Products and Proceed to Checkout - Add your desired items to the cart and proceed to checkout. When you're ready to pay, select Atome as your payment option at the checkout screen. Atome will then offer you the option to split your payment into 3 equal installments.
- Sign In to Your Atome Account: If you already have an Atome account, log in using your registered details. If you're a new user, you'll need to sign up by providing basic personal information like your name and email and linking a payment method.
- Confirm Your Order and Payment Plan: After logging in, Atome will display a breakdown of your payment plan. You'll pay the first installment immediately, and the remaining payments will be automatically charged every 30 days. Review the details before confirming your order.
- Complete the Payment Process: Once you confirm the payment plan, Atome will process the transaction. You'll receive instant approval for the payment, and your order will be confirmed. The payment schedule will be outlined clearly, ensuring transparency.
- Enjoy Your Purchase: Your items will be shipped to you, and you can enjoy them while paying in installments. The process allows for hassle-free shopping, letting you manage your finances while still getting what you need now.
- Track Payments and Manage Your Account: Use the Atome mobile app to manage your account and payment due dates. The app sends reminders when payments are due, ensuring you stay on top of your finances.
Are you curious about the ATOME card and how it can enhance your shopping experience? Take a look at the thoughts, questions, and discussions carried out by numerous users in this Reddit thread! Dive deeper into its features, benefits, and potential drawbacks to get all the insights you need to make the right financial decision!
What is an Atome Card and How Does it Work?
The Atome Card, created in partnership with Mastercard, aims to include everyone, particularly those without access to traditional banking services. It offers a substantial credit line of up to ₱200k, allowing cardholders to manage their finances with ease. Importantly, there are no annual fees or hidden charges, and cardholders enjoy the benefit of up to 40 days of interest-free transactions. The card is widely accepted both locally and internationally, wherever Mastercard is accepted, which adds to its convenience.
Through the Atome app, users can seamlessly track expenditures and payment schedules. They receive real-time notifications and can convert bills into easy-to-manage installment plans of either 3 or 6 months' duration. The card supports secure online transactions via One-Time Password (OTP) authentication, and it comes with a tap-to-pay feature for swift in-store purchases.
Atome Card Requirements and Application Process
Applying for the Atome Card is straightforward and designed to be accessible. You need to be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Philippine ID, such as a National ID or a Driver's License. An active Atome account is also required for the application. Significantly, there is no stipulated minimum income requirement, making the card truly inclusive.
To apply, download the Atome app, choose a preferred card design, and fill in the necessary personal information. Secure Face ID verification is a part of the process, ensuring a reliable identification method. Approval is typically processed within 3 business days. Once approved, users gain instant access to a virtual card for online use, while the physical card arrives soon after, ready for activation for in-store transactions.
Also Read: Dangers of Online Loan Apps in The Philippines
Atome's Impact and Future in the Philippines
Atome has redefined both shopping and loaning experiences for many users in the Philippines, offering a seamless alternative to traditional payment methods. One of the key features of Atome is its pay-later scheme, which accommodates consumers who prefer to spread out their payments over time without the hassle of upfront full payment. This is particularly attractive to younger consumers like Gen Z and millennials, who are naturally inclined towards digital financial solutions and crave flexibility in managing their finances.
What sets Atome apart is not just its innovative buy-now-pay-later model but also its commitment to fostering financial literacy among its users. By educating consumers on responsible credit management, Atome ensures that the credit extended is managed prudently, reducing the risk of debt traps, a vital initiative in today's fast-paced digital economy.
The positive reception and rapid growth of Atome underscore its relevance as the Philippines continues to embrace a digital-first approach. It's not just about innovative financial products; it's about meeting the current and future needs of consumers who are becoming increasingly comfortable with e-commerce and digital finance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Atome provides an innovative and flexible solution for shoppers in the Philippines, allowing them to break up payments into manageable installments. This service enables customers to shop for their favorite products and pay later, making it easier to manage their finances. With its user-friendly platform and wide range of retail partnerships, Atome is revolutionizing the shopping experience.
Despite the availability of financing options like Atome, aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs can also turn to dedicated SME loans offered by NBFIs like n90. These loans are specifically tailored to help small and medium-sized businesses grow and thrive. With flexible repayment terms and fast approval processes, n90 provides entrepreneurs with the capital needed to start or expand their ventures in the Philippines. Connect with us at n90 to know more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I borrow money from Atome?
Atome doesn't offer traditional loans. Instead, it provides a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service, allowing you to make purchases and pay in 3 equal installments. You can split the total amount into manageable payments, typically with 0% interest, if paid on time. This flexibility is ideal for shopping, but it's not a direct loan service.
2. How does Atome work in the Philippines?
Atome works in the Philippines by offering Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services. Shoppers can make purchases at partnered stores and split the total cost into 3 equal installments. The first payment is made at checkout, with the remaining payments due in 30-day intervals. The process is managed via the Atome mobile app, ensuring a convenient, flexible payment option.
3. What is the credit limit for Atome Philippines?
The credit limit for Atome in the Philippines typically ranges between ₱5k and ₱200k, depending on factors such as your payment history, the frequency of purchases, and your usage of the service. The limit may increase over time as you demonstrate responsible use and make timely payments. You can view your available credit directly in the Atome app.
4. What bank is Atome Philippines?
Atome is not a bank in the Philippines. It is a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service that partners with banks and financial institutions to provide consumers with flexible payment options. Atome works with a variety of payment providers and partners, enabling customers to make purchases and split payments into installments, but it is not classified as a bank.
