Picture yourself at the mall looking for a new gadget or appliance to purchase. At that same moment, you realize you don’t have a credit card or the budget to pay in full. As you turn your head to the side, there’s a sigh of relief because you see a booth manned by someone in red, ready to assist you. Yes, you got it right – that’s Home Credit.
Since starting their operations in the Philippines in 2013, Home Credit’s customer base has already grown to almost 8 million nationwide. Having started as a loan provider for customers who want to fulfill their gadget and electronic needs but have no access to credit cards, Home Credit has also explored the digital space offering innovative digital payment products through the My Home Credit App in Google Play Store, which now has over 9 million app users.
But aside from their signature look and world-class financing services to customers (as well as numerous witty memes that give you the giggles!), do you know some interesting facts about the country’s leading consumer finance company and digital service provider?
As they celebrate their 8th year anniversary, let’s open the #factbox and discover 8 fascinating trivia about Home Credit Philippines (HCPH):
1. HC has more meanings than one
For Home Credit, HC also means “Happy Customer” and nothing makes it more true and evident than their own logo – a smiley face. But did you know that before this, the first logo used was a refrigerator – the very first item bought in Home Credit’s home country in Czech Republic.
While the old logo puts more focus on products, the new one puts greater focus on what matters most — YOU, the customers — and how they want to give you the best quality of service.
2. It’s helmed by capable leaders
Every ship needs a captain, and guiding the crew when HCPH launched in 2013 was David Minol. During this time, he led the way for many of the company’s milestones. Introducing affordable installments for the unbanked Filipino market? Fast approval and simple requirements? HCPH’s status as the country’s leading consumer finance company? This was all made possible under David’s leadership.
After briefly leaving to assume a position in Home Credit International in 2016, he is back once again just in time as the company celebrates its 8th year – and under his guidance, Home Credit is set to reach even greater heights.
3. It all started at SM
HC here, HC there. Almost all malls you visit or turn to, their strong nationwide presence is seen and felt in over 9,000 partner brands and physical retail stores all over the country, placing them as the country’s leading in-store finance provider. But like many other companies, they also had to start somewhere.
For them, SM Appliance became their very first brand partner where the first loan application was also processed (at SM Megamall). The partnership continues until now, bringing together great deals and offers to consumers. From appliances to gadgets to home essentials, all are available in affordable installments because this partnership has got it all for you!
4. It’s a trailblazer
Another “first” worth knowing about Home Credit is that they’re the first non-bank institution to offer a credit card to their customers and also the first to integrate it to QR payments to make contactless purchases at partner stores. With the goal of catering to the unbanked sector, including first-time borrowers with little to no credit history, they were able to combine it with the demand for safe and cashless shopping in the new normal.
So, if you’re shopping routine is done the traditional way, this uniquely safe payment method is just for you.
5. It’s NOT too good to be true
“Get approved in just one minute!” – such a nice thing to hear, right? Well, it isn’t too good to be true because it’s possible with Home Credit. But you’d be surprised to know that in the early days, the loan application approval usually takes 24 hours to process.
As they bring in significant changes in processes and technology to improve products and services, it was later on brought down to a minute – the fastest not just in Home Credit PH history but also in the industry. Combined with simple requirements, it makes loan applications easy and convenient for any of your gadget or electronic needs.
6. It’s committed to educating Pinoys
Financial literacy is easy as “Juan Two Three!” because of Home Credit PH. Teaching the basics of money management to every Juan and in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD), their “Juan Two Three” campaign has already reached 25,600 households and visited 185 communities nationwide.
Even when the pandemic hit the country and mass gatherings were prohibited, it didn’t stop them from pursuing this advocacy. By leveraging on digital platforms, they continue to deliver financial concepts as well as teach the use of digital tools that are essential skills in the new normal through their newest program: “DigitizEd”. Without a doubt, HC also means “Helping the Community”.
7. It’s a fast-growing company
At Home Credit, there are no small roles, everyone is important. Having an inclusive environment and nurturing culture like them, quickly growing the workforce only comes naturally. From a little more than a hundred employees when they closed their opening year, they’re now 12,000 strong – still growing and counting to serve more customers.
8. It’s about to reach its 8 million customer mark
8 years = 8 million customers. What a beautiful coincidence! On their 8th year, Home Credit is about to reach another milestone as they approach their 8 million customer mark. A portion of this number is brought by their rapid mobile presence through the My Home Credit App. If you’re one of the app users, you would know why there are so many things to love about it. And if you’re not, it’s about time to try it. There’s a wide range of things you can do with it – apply for Home Credit loans, pay bills, buy load, make contactless payments, shop through our partner stores, enjoy exciting discounts, and so much more.
Coming from their humble beginnings, Home Credit PH has definitely come a long way and they have their people – both customers and employees – to thank for that. As they turn 8 this year, so many surprises and announcements await their growing customer base.
Join the Home Credit Walo Regalo contest by sending them a creative greeting on their 8th anniversary. Follow their official Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok, and Youtube accounts for the complete mechanics. For more information, visit www.homecredit.ph.
