No bank? No problem!: How fintech is helping Filipinos access financial services

Bukod sa wallet o alkansya, what do you think is the next best thing to safekeep money? Well… the bank!

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In today’s era, it is hard to imagine someone not having a bank account, as it has become an essential part of life. Surprisingly, 34.3 million Filipinos, which is about 44% of the total adult population,  remain unbanked (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, 2021). Among the reasons kung bakit may mga individual na hindi pa rin nakakapagbukas ng bank account ay ang “minimum balance” requirement, kakulangan sa documents (tulad ng valid ID, proof of address, proof of income, at iba pa), o kaya naman ay walang malapit na banking institution, especially in rural areas (de Gantes, G., Gerson, H., and Romano, K., 2023). The need for financial inclusion and bridging the gap for unbanked Filipinos still remain.

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Self-service kiosks: Financial access for all

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Thanks to financial technology (fintech), services that were once out of reach are now more accessible to many Filipinos, particularly through innovations like the “self-service kiosk.” With these kiosks, people can easily send money, pay bills, and buy loads, among others!

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Even those in underserved areas now have the opportunity to manage their finances. With a current count of 3,247 kiosks nationwide, eTap is proud to play a part in making financial services more convenient and available to Filipinos.

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Benefits of the self-service kiosk

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May iba't ibang benefit na dala ang mga self-service kiosk, which make managing money easier! Kung isa ka sa mga nagwo-worry na hindi makakaabot sa cutoff ng banko, hindi mo ito kailangang isipin pagdating sa mga kiosk.

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As long as the location where the kiosk is placed is open, you can access financial services anytime. Tired of long lines at the bank? Skip the wait! With self-service kiosks, you can take control of your transactions. No need for a middleman to assist you.

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The hassle of traditional banking is quickly becoming a thing of the past, thanks to innovations in the fintech industry like self-service kiosks. These kiosks are transforming how we manage money, making financial services more accessible and convenient. While there is still work to be done in bridging the financial inclusion gap, eTap is committed to closing it—one kiosk at a time.

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So, what are you waiting for? No bank? No problem! Take charge of your finances today—visit an eTap kiosk near you!

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Article by Sophia Era
Thumbnail by Brennan Cahilig
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