Smart Padala is one of the leading and most recognizable names in the Philippine money remittance industry. Even non-customers are probably familiar with the brand without getting a glimpse of its TV ads before.
You may have come across its banners in your neighborhood store and practically everywhere. And you won’t even have to wonder what it does—the brand name alone tells what its business is all about. In local parlance, “padala” usually refers to the money sent to loved ones in the Philippines.
You may know what the service is for, but do you know how it works? Before you avail of its service, learn more about how to use Smart Padala. Here’s a beginner’s guide to help you get started.
What is Smart Padala by PayMaya?
Smart Padala is a mobile remittance brand under PayMaya Philippines, Inc. that offers a range of financial services, including domestic and international money transfer, bills payment, and prepaid reloading.
With over 55,000 agents nationwide, Smart Padala by PayMaya is considered the largest domestic remittance network in the Philippines. It reaches even far-flung areas, making affordable and convenient remittance services available to Filipinos who don’t have access to traditional banking products.
Related: How to Use Paymaya App: A Complete Guide for Newbies
What are the Other Services of Smart Padala?
Aside from its core service, which is mobile remittance, Smart Padala offers four other services:
1. International Remittance Claims
This is a new service of Smart Padala, which is made possible by its partnership with Western Union. So, if your loved one from abroad sends you money through Western Union, you can claim your remittance at select Smart Padala branches nationwide.
2. PayMaya Cash-In/Cash-Out
If you want to cash out or add funds to your PayMaya account, you can visit your nearest Smart Padala agent. However, remember that only upgraded PayMaya accounts are eligible for cash-outs.
3. Bills Payment
You don’t have to go to the malls or payment centers just to pay your bills. If your neighbor happens to be a Smart Padala agent, you can just settle your bills right then and there. Smart Padala accepts a wide range of bills, from utilities to insurance.
4. Load Purchase
You can buy e-load and load packages for cable and Internet from your Smart Padala agent. Moreover, your Smart Padala agent may offer gaming pins and load for your beepTM card.
Read more: Thinking of Migrating to New Zealand, Canada, U.S., or Australia? Read This First!
Smart Padala Requirements for Remittance
Only one valid ID is required for sending and receiving money. For those who will claim money, they also need to provide the reference number of the remittance transaction aside from presenting their valid ID.
Smart Padala agents accept any of the following valid IDs, as long as they are unexpired and photo-bearing:
- Government-issued IDs (UMID/GSIS eCard, passport, driver’s license, NBI Clearance, Police Clearance, Postal ID, TIN card, PhilHealth ID, etc.)
- Barangay Certification/Barangay Clearance
- Company ID
Related:
How to Register with Smart Padala
For faster and safer transactions, Smart Padala encourages customers to complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) process. The KYC is a requirement by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for financial services providers in the Philippines to verify the identity of their users.
You can undergo the KYC process on your next send/receive money transaction with an authorized agent. Simply fill out a transaction slip, present your valid ID, and have your photo taken by the agent.
Completing the KYC process provides several benefits to users. First, it protects you against scams. It allows receiving the reference number immediately upon sending money. Being a registered user also entitles one to exclusive promos from Smart Padala.
Smart Padala Rates 2021
Like other remittance centers in the Philippines, the company charges a service fee only to customers who send money. Recipients don’t pay any fee for claiming a remittance.
Here’s the updated list of Smart Padala fees (accurate as of September 2021):
You can quickly compute the service fee using the Smart Padala Fee Calculator[1]. Just enter the amount you’ll send and click the Calculate button. The online calculator will automatically generate the corresponding remittance fee.
How to Use Smart Padala Services
How to Send Money from the Philippines
1. Go to the Nearest Smart Padala Agent
Visit Smart Padala’s website to find the nearest agent branch[2]. Simply type your location, and the list of stores and their addresses within your area will be displayed.
Once you’re at the agent location, fill out a transaction slip and present your valid ID.
To ensure that your remittance goes to your intended recipient, write down the recipient’s name and mobile number correctly.
2. Pay the Service Fee
Hand the accomplished transaction slip, remittance, and service fee payment to the agent.
3. Confirm Your Transaction Slip
After the agent has completed processing your transaction, the slip will be returned to you. Double-check the information on the transaction slip. If it’s good, sign it.
You and your recipient will receive a text message with a reference number to confirm your successful transaction.
How to Receive Money from the Philippines
Note that remittance sent through Smart Padala is valid for 60 days only, so claim the money immediately within that period to avoid issues with the remittance. Here’s how to receive your money:
1. Go to the Nearest Smart Padala Agent
Fill out a transaction slip and present your valid ID. For a hassle-free transaction, make sure to write down the correct reference number you received via SMS.
2. Show the Text Confirmation to the Agent
The agent needs to see the text confirmation to verify that you’re the legitimate recipient. So be sure to bring your mobile phone when claiming a remittance.
3. Confirm Your Transaction Slip
After processing your transaction, the agent will hand you the money and transaction slip. Sign the slip and check if you received the correct amount.
How to Claim Your Western Union Remittance via Smart Padala
For claiming your Western Union remittance via Smart Padala, just follow these steps below:
1. Go to the Nearest Smart Padala Agent
Make sure that you have your MTCN or Money Transfer Control Number. This is a unique reference number issued by Western Union to the sender in every successful money transfer.
2. Fill Out the Transaction Slip
You’ll be required to input the MTCN. If you’re not yet registered with Smart Padala, you’ll be asked to provide your customers details and one (1) primary valid ID. But if you’re already a registered client, all you need to present is one (1) primary valid ID. After this, wait for the remittance to be processed.
3. Claim Your Money
After the transaction, you’ll receive a confirmation text from PayMaya. Count your money before leaving the agent.
How to Pay Bills via Smart Padala
Smart Padala’s Bills Payment service works like traditional bills payment centers in the Philippines. To pay your bills, just bring your billing statement to the nearest partner outlet that accepts bills payment and give your payment before your due date.
Smart Padala accepts payments to the following billers:
- Utilities: Meralco, Manila Water, Maynilad, Davao Light, Prime Water, etc.
- Telecom: PLDT, SMART Bro, SMART Postpaid, Sun Cellular Postpaid, Globe Telecom, BayanTel, etc.
- Cable TV: Cignal and Sky Cable, Destiny Cable, Cable Link, etc.
- Banks: BPI, Equicom Savings Bank, Sterling Bank of Asia, UnionBank Credit Card, etc.
- Loans: Home Credit, Cash ni Juan, AEON, Global Dominion, Makati Finance, etc.
- Insurance: Pioneer Intercontinental Insurance Corp., Sun Life of Canada, Pru Life U.K., Paramount Insurance, Caritas Health Shield, Manulife, Cocolife, etc.
- Government: National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, DFA, MMDA, Pag-IBIG, POEA, DTI, etc.
- Transportation: Easytrip, Snappy
- Travel: Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines Contact Center, etc.
- School tuition: Ateneo de Naga University, University of San Carlos, University of Nueva Caceres, National Teachers College, etc.
How to Purchase Load via Smart Padala
Buying load from a Smart Padala agent is straightforward. Just go to your nearest agent, specify the kind of load that you need to buy, and give your phone number if needed. At present, you can purchase the load for the following networks and services.
- Smart
- Sun
- TBD
- Globe
- TM
- DITO
- Garena
- PLDT Famload
- Cignal
- Steam
- Garena
- Mobile Legends
- beepTM
How to Apply as a Smart Padala Agent
Want to earn extra income by starting a Smart Padala business? You can make as much as PHP 27,000 or more per month by providing remittance, bills payment, and prepaid mobile reloading services in your neighborhood.
Smart Padala Agent Application Requirements
This entrepreneurship opportunity is available only to small business owners with a physical store. Meaning, you should have a sari-sari store, cellphone repair shop, mini convenience store, or any business establishment where customers can transact with you.
Starting a Smart Padala business also requires a capital of PHP 5,000 to PHP 10,000, a mobile phone (a basic unit will do), and a Smart SIM card. No processing fee or franchise fee is required for those who wish to open their own remittance center.
To apply as an agent, you need to submit certain documents, depending on how your business is registered.
Non-DTI/SEC-Registered Business
If you own a small sari-sari store or any business that doesn’t require a DTI registration, here are the required documents for your Smart Padala agent application:
- Valid ID of authorized signatory
- Barangay Business Permit
- Printed and clear photo of the store with the store name and owner
- RA (Remittance Agent) license (for pawnshops and money changers)
Sole Proprietors
- Valid ID of authorized signatory
- Business / Mayor’s Permit
- BIR Form 2303 (Certificate of Registration)
- DTI Certificate of Business Name Registration
- RA license (for pawnshops and money changers)
Partnership or Corporation
- Valid ID of authorized signatory
- Business / Mayor’s Permit
- BIR Form 2303
- SEC Registration
- SEC General Information Sheet
- Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
- Secretary’s Certificate / Board Resolution on authorized signatories
- Financial Statement
- RA license (for pawnshops and money changers)
Read more: How to Get an OFW e-Card: Guide to OFW ID Card Application
How to Apply as a Smart Padala Agent
The application process to become an agent is easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Fill out the Smart Padala online enrollment form[3].
- Upload the complete requirements. Wait for Smart Padala’s feedback within two working days.
- Your application will undergo an evaluation process. Wait for a representative to contact you within five working days regarding the approval of your agent application.
- Once you get approved, you’re ready to operate. An Activation Certificate and Starter Kit will be delivered to you. You’ll also be trained by an authorized account officer.
FAQs on How to Use Smart Padala
1. What should I do if I didn’t receive a Reference Number?
Whether you didn’t receive a reference number or you accidentally deleted the text message that has it, there are two ways to claim it. Remember that the method of claiming the reference number is dependent on the following scenarios:
- Scenario 1: For Smart Padala transactions to be claimed anywhere (any Smart Padala agent), call (+632) 8-845-7777 to get the Claim Reference Number.
Scenario 2: For Smart Padala transactions to be claimed at a specified agent, just head back to the branch (or agent) where you sent the money to get the Transaction Reference Number.
2. Does claiming money from a Smart Padala agent have a fee?
Since 2017, claiming money from Smart Padala agents is free of charge. You must report the agents who are charging you a fee.
3. The name of the receiver has a typographical error. What should I do?
If the receiver’s name has a typographical error, the sender needs to call the hotline (shared above) to correct it. The change or correction will be reflected within one business day.
However, remember that Smart Padala has rules regarding this.Minor typos, spacing mistakes, and unintended removal of silent letters (e.g. removal of “u” from Aguilar), are some of the errors that Smart Padala will allow you to correct.
On the other hand, total name change, removal or inclusion of suffixes (Sr., Jr., I, II, III, etc.), and single or multiple letter change that may refer to another person (Marie to Maria) will not be accepted.
4. Is there a minimum amount for cashing in?
Yes. The required minimum cash-in amount is PHP 100.
5. How much is the service fee for adding money to my PayMaya account?
For transactions worth PHP 1,000 and below, you’ll be charged with a PHP 15 service fee. On the other hand, the agent will charge you PHP 7.50 for every additional PHP 500.
6. I’m withdrawing my PayMaya funds. Is there a cash-out fee?
Yes. You’ll be charged with a 1.5% transaction fee. This will be deducted automatically from your PayMaya account. Remember that you won’t need to pay the Smart Padala agent any fee.
7. Can I pay other people’s bills through Smart Padala?
Yes. Just make sure that the details are accurate and complete.
8. Can I pay my bills in advance?
Yes. However, this will depend on the biller. Just a reminder: pay your bill at least three to five days ahead of the due date, so the payment will have enough time for processing.
9. Can I make a partial bills payment through Smart Padala?
Smart Padala recommends that you pay your bills in full. Nevertheless, this will depend on the billers, as some of them may accept partial payments.
10. Will I get a receipt for paying my bills through Smart Padala?
You’ll receive a text message that contains the transaction details. This confirmation will serve as a valid receipt.
11. Will the transaction be reversed in case I gave the wrong account number?
Unfortunately, this isn’t possible. This is why Smart Padala always reminds customers to make sure that the account number is correct before actually paying the bill.
12. Is there a Smart Padala bills payment transaction fee?
You’ll only cover the biller convenience fee, which is only required by select billers. You’re not required to pay the Smart Padala agent anything.
13. How much is the service fee for buying gaming pins?
For purchased load below PHP 100, you’ll need to pay PHP 5. For load worth PHP 100 and above, the service fee is PHP 10.
14. Will the transaction be reversed in case I gave the wrong account number?
The transaction is irreversible, so make sure that you double-check your account number before giving it to the Smart Padala agent.
15. I want to reload my beepTM card. How much is the limit?
You can load up to PHP 10,000. Just a reminder from Smart Padala: you'll not be able to recover the load if you lose your beepTM card. As such, you’ll have to take good care of it. Every transaction has a service fee of PHP 10.
Final Thoughts
Remittances and bills payments used to be a stressful chore. You have to travel to and from the payment center, which could be far from your home. But now that you know how to use Smart Padala, you have one less thing to worry about. If your neighbor happens to be an agent, you can send money and settle your bills at your most convenient time.
Got any issue with sending or claiming your remittance? Call the Smart Padala hotline at 15177 (toll-free via SMART and TNT subscribers) or (+632) 8-845-7777 (for Globe subscribers).
Want to earn extra income as a Smart Padala agent? You can make as much as PHP 50,000 per month by providing remittance, bills payment, and prepaid mobile reloading services in your neighborhood.
Sources:
- [1] Smart Padala Fee Calculator
- [2] Smart Padala Agent Directory
- [3] Smart Padala Agent Enrollment Form
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