Universal Storefront Services Corporation (USSC), a nationwide financial services store network, and Western Union, a leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement, have expanded digital money transfers in the Philippines by integrating Western Union money transfer service within the USSC Super Service mobile app, providing convenient services for customers at their fingertips.
The integration of Western Union’s global cross-border money transfer service into USSC’s mobile app technology enables customers in the Philippines to send and receive money, to and from more than 200 countries and territories directly from their mobile phones or tablets. USSC is the first Western Union agent in the Philippines to offer an omni-channel platform that provides access to both digital money transfer services via the mobile app and retail money transfer services via over 1,300 locations.
The USSC Super Service app contains the electronic Panalo Wallet, which allows customers to conveniently store funds, receive or send remittances via Western Union. It also allows customers to pay bills, top-up mobile phones and purchase USSC Budget Insurance for protection and emergencies.
“The launch of the USSC Super Service app is part of the company’s objective of providing more convenience to our customers through a secure app. Our customers can now enjoy the products and services we offer, such as Western Union money transfer services, without having to leave their home or office. Opening a Panalo Wallet with USSC along with the app, provides customers more prudent financial management and enhanced financial inclusion. With the wallet, the app, and the power of technology, we hope to bring customers the best service possible,” says Ziggie Gonzales, Chief Marketing Officer of USSC.
According to the World Bank’s Migration and Remittances Brief 29, the Philippines remains one of the top three remittance receiving countries in 2017, underscoring the importance of money transfer services for the country.
“Everything will be digitized, even at the store level. Customers can choose how they want to transact. With the USSC Super Service mobile app, we think we will help improve customer lives through convenience and security,” adds Tony Cuarteros, USSC’s Chief Information Officer.
This collaborative service launch is part of both companies’ digital transformation, to ensure evolving customer needs are met. While USSC continues to focus on maximizing technology to improve instore and digital customer experience, Western Union’s focus is on building a future for cross-border money movement and continuing to innovate.
“As one of the most digitally savvy countries in the world, the Philippines has rapidly embraced technology. With this service launch, we are delighted to provide customers with the option of digital money transfer services in addition to transacting using the wide network of Western Union Agent locations across the Philippines. We believe this collaboration with USSC will provide a convenient, always-on channel for international and domestic money transfers,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Western Union, Country Director, Philippines.
CUSTOMER GUIDANCE
Signing up for a Panalo Wallet is free. Customers, 12 years old and above, need to bring at least one valid ID to the nearest USSC Super service store and fill out the application form along with a picture and fingerprint capture.
To pick up the cash, customers can go to any USSC store and withdraw cash or transfer the funds to a USSC Cash Card and withdraw the money at an ATM. Money transfers from the wallet can be sent conveniently to other Panalo Wallets in the Philippines or for pay out in cash across over 525,000 Western Union Agent locations around the world or to bank accounts in select countries.
The “USSC Super Service” app is currently available at Google Play for Android, PC and Windows, and at iTunes for iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch users. Consumers can learn more about the app on www.ussc.com.ph, www.facebook.com/ussc.philippines, by calling (02)449-3888, or writing to customer_service@ussc.com.ph. –INQUIRER.net BrandRoom/KS
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