Finance
Mastercard is phasing out magnetic strips
Starting 2024
Swiping is one of the most recognizable actions for consumers. For decades, buyers swiped their credit cards through a card reader to buy their favorite goods. However, technology has progressed us far beyond the world of simple swipes. Now, we have chips and wireless payment options. To further reflect this massive change, Msatercard is officially phasing out magnetic strips in a few years’ time. Swiping will soon be a thing of the past.
As the company announced, Mastercard will transition to only chip cards starting in 2024. The transition will start in regions where chips are already the norm. New cards will no longer comes with a magnetic strip.
Other regions, where chips aren’t widely used yet, will start their transitions in 2027. By 2029, Mastercard will no longer make new cards with the strip. By 2033, the company will have completely transitioned away from magnetic strips.
Of course, with technology the way it is, everyone will have likely transitioned away from the magnetic strip far earlier than 2033. Today, buyers are already embracing other contactless payment options especially during the pandemic. Everyone can now attach their bank and payment details on their smartphone or wearable.
Soon, swiping will only be a thing for Tinder daters.
SEE ALSO: Mastercard will start accepting cryptocurrencies this year
Finance
UnionDigital Bank, Chubb partner for accessible insurance protection
Chubb insurance products now integrated into UD app
UnionDigital Bank and Chubb Philippines have partnered to bring accessible insurance protection to Filipinos.
The strategic partnership integrates Chubb’s insurance solutions directly on the UD app. These comprehensive solutions will be seen among UD’s suite of financial products. That way, insurance protection becomes more accessible for consumers.
The two key insurance products in the initial rollout are Loan Protect Insurance and Kaya Protect Insurance.
The first product is automatically included for eligible UD loan borrowers at no additional cost for the first three months once the loan is approved.
In the event of accidental death, permanent disability, temporary disability, or death due to illness, Loan Protect Insurance pays up to the original loan amount to cover 100% of the customer’s outstanding loan balance.
Any remaining balance is released to beneficiaries. Loan Protect Insurance is currently available for loans up to PhP 30,000 with short-term repayment periods.
Meanwhile, Kaya Protect Insurance will be available soon. This provides personal accident and accidental death coverage up to PhP 150,000 and is activated automatically by maintaining a low minimum balance of PhP 100 in the insured’s savings account.
The partnership between UnionDigital Bank and Chubb aims to address the protection gap, as according to a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) survey, 48% of adult Filipinos are currently uninsured.
Finance
New luvit card offers flexible Buy Now, Pay Later installments
Simple application process, borrow up to PhP 200,000
FinVolution Group has unveiled the luvit card, making everyday payments accessible and flexible for users through a Buy Now, Pay Later approach.
The rollout marks the company’s move into card-based solutions, bringing installment-enabled transactions into a format that works both online and in physical stores — whether locally or abroad.
To get started, simply download luvit via the App Store or Google Play. Signing up on the app only needs minimal requirements and fast approval.
Once approved, users can start using the Mastercard-powered physical luvit card for a range of expenses. This includes daily purchases, bills, travel bookings, and other lifestyle spendings.
Users can borrow from PhP 2,000 to PhP 200,000 (~US$ 32.56 to ~US$ 3,255.80).
The Buy Now, Pay Later card is designed to accommodate various financial needs. Users can repay in installment options that work for them. In addition, a 0% interest installment is available for the first 40 days.
Finance
Atome now allows in-app bill payments with Bayad partnership
Pay for utilities, internet, government contributions directly within the app
Atome Philippines has partnered with Bayad to allow users to pay for utilities, internet, and government contributions directly within the Atome app.
The integration with the country’s largest bill payment aggregator is designed to help Filipinos manage household budgets more easily without the need for extra steps.
Atome users no longer need to switch from one app to another, nor visit websites to handle monthly bills. Bayad’s extensive network of billers and service providers can be accessed through the platform.
As such, electricity and water bills, as well as government fees, can be paid for directly via the app.
Beyond convenience, users will likewise earn Atome rewards points on every utility bill payment they make.
The partnership between Atome and Bayad is an important step in financial inclusion in the Philippines.
It gives unbanked and underbanked individuals a simpler and more rewarding way to manage essential household expenses.
Atome is known popularly for its Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) offering. It has tie-ups with retailers like fashion, beauty, travel, and more.
The digital financial service platform also offers a Mastercard-powered BNPL card, as well as petty cash loans.
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