Looking for a detailed Atome Philippines review?
The digital finance scene is always changing. Ever since Shopee started its Shopee Pay Later feature, more and more Filipinos are interested in apps that can help them buy now and pay later. One of the most popular “shop now, pay later” apps is Atome Philippines.
In today’s post, we’ll talk about how to open an Atome Philippines account, how it works and how to open an Atome credit card. We’ll also answer if Atome is trusted, based on our personal experience.
- What is Atome Philippines?
- What are the Requirements to Open an Atome account?
- How Does Atome Work in the Philippines?
- Is There an Atome Credit Card?
- Is Atome legit?
Let’s dive right in.
What is Atome Philippines?
Atome is pronounced “A-To-Me” and stands for “Available to Me”. Launched in December 2019, Atome is a “buy now, pay later” mobile app that you can use to separate your bill into 3 equal payments over 3 months.
Its mobile app is free to download and free to use for consumers. Also, as long as you pay your bill on time, Atome charges zero interest and zero service fees.
You can use Atome to pay anywhere you see the Atome QR code. It can also be listed as a payment option at a merchant’s website, such as Agoda hotel reservations or Zalora website.
Who owns Atome?
Atome is part of Advance Intelligence Group, a Series-D AI-driven technology company with its main base in Singapore. The company also operates across South and Southeast Asia, Latin America and Greater China.
What are the Requirements to Open an Atome account?
You only need 4 things to open an Atome account:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Download the Atome app on your phone
- Have a valid government ID
- Have an existing credit card
Plus, Atome is not a savings account, so it doesn’t need any maintaining balance to open.
How to Register With Atome
Right now, Atome Philippines offers a “buy now, pay later” shopping option for Filipinos.
Want to open an Atome account? Follow the steps below.
1. Download the Atome app on Google Play or Apple App Store
When you search for it in your digital downloads store, here’s what Atome’s official logo looks like:
2. Register using your mobile number and OTP (one-time PIN)
Once you’re done downloading the Atome app to your phone, it’s time to register using your mobile number. Enter your mobile number. Also, make sure to check that you agree to the app’s terms of service and privacy policy.
Next, you need to enter the One Time Pin (OTP) that Atome will send to your mobile number so you can go to the succeeding step below.
3. Complete your personal information
This step is pretty straightforward. Just make sure to enter your personal details such as full name, address and ID details.
Personally, I submitted my UMID and I didn’t have any issues uploading it to Atome’s mobile app.
4. Bind your payment card with Atome app
For this step, you need to have a valid credit card to link with your Atome app. I used my RCBC credit card.
Want to apply for a credit card? Here are the best credit cards with no annual fee you can consider.
5. Verify your identity with your Philippine ID
Finally, you just need to take a picture of your ID and take a picture of yourself holding your ID and you’re done!
Based from my experience, I applied on a Wednesday afternoon and my Atome account got approved in less than 5 minutes, so it’s pretty convenient.
How Does Atome Work in the Philippines?
I first saw Atome when I was browsing at Agoda for a hotel to stay at during our trip to Thailand. Since I was curious if it really worked, I tried it out myself. Here’s what I did.
1. Select “Atome”
First, I booked the hotel I wanted. Then, during checkout, I saw the “Pay with Atome” button so I clicked on it. It’s simple — simply scan the QR code using your Atome app.
2. Make payment
Atome automatically splits your bill into 3 equal payments. The split is equal, and there’s no added charges or extra interest.
You just need to pay the 1st payment at the time of buying. Then, the next two payments will be spread 30 days apart, like this:
3. Finish the payment cycle in 30 days
Make sure to pay your Atome bills on time so you don’t incur any charges.
Once you’re done paying 3 equal installments, you’ll receive an email that you’re done paying a full cycle:
That’s it! You’ve now successfully used Atome to pay for your bills in a 3-month installment term.
Is There an Atome Credit Card?
Yes, Atome also has a credit card you can apply for. The credit limit depends on the credit limit of the credit card you connected to Atome with.
To apply, here are the top tips to get approved for a credit card in the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions on Atome
Is Atome legit?
According to their official website, yes, shopping with Atome is a safe and secure shopping experience.
Also, based from my experience, shopping with Atome was hassle-free and secure as I didn’t encounter any security breach.
Is Atome interest-free?
Yes, as long as you pay on time, shopping with Atome is interest-free.
If you pay late, you’ll be charged a one-time ₱300 administration fee.
Final Thoughts on Atome Philippines
With the launch of tons of “buy now, pay later” apps in the country, Atome Philippines is a great contender.
Do take note that when you use it, make sure to pay on time so you don’t get any extra charges, though.
Found this post helpful? You can also see this detailed review on SeaBank Philippines.