Bantayan’s first mobile money center unveiled

The first Smart Money Center was set up in Bantayan Island, a northern Cebu, so its residents could avail of mobile financial services.

Smart Money platform—the world’s first reloadable payment card linked to a mobile phone—was recently launched in the island, known for its crystal-clear waters and long stretch of powdery white sand.

Smart partnered with the First Consolidated Cooperative Along Tañon Seaboards (FCCT) to put up Smart Money Centers in far-flung areas of Cebu, including Madridejos and Bantayan Island.

Bantyayan Island is a two-hour land trip  and  an hour’s ferry ride from Hagnaya Port away  from Cebu City.

The long trips to and from the island, however, have restricted the exploration of its beauty and other offerings.

But that situation is fast changing now that Smart Money Center provides island residents with a safe, accessible and affordable way to send and receive cash remittances, only after  a few clicks on a Smart mobile phone. Today, Bantayan folk need not take boat and bus rides to remit cash through mainland banks and remittance centers.

FCCT Smart Money Center will send money to their friends and loved ones anywhere in the Philippines. They may also receive cash transfers from another Smart Money account holder or from the wide network of Smart remittance partners here and around the world.

Through the Smart Money Center, island residents may also settle bills and do mobile payments through their Smart mobile phones.

All transactions are through text messaging.