UK GAME stores launch in-store digital credit assessment with Mobile for Credit
Keep your finances between you and your digital device
Around 20 “Experience” GAME stores in the UK are taking part in a pilot run of Mobile for Credit to allow its customers skip awkward conversations about buying finance products via text.
The pilot was launched in partnership with Experian and UK-based Close Brothers Retail Finance (CBRF) – recently acquired by Klarna.
James Sheldon, sales and commercial director at Experian, says: “Online shoppers expect a seamless experience when looking at how they could pay for what they want – so why shouldn’t in-store customers expect the same? Talking about finance can be awkward, especially if you’re not sure of your likelihood of finance acceptance.”
The pilot aims to streamline the process of buying consoles and other major gaming products on finance.
Abby Vickers, credit risk director at CBRF, comments: “This self-serve facility offers a seamless experience to in-store shoppers and can help boost consumer confidence by giving an indication of their likelihood of acceptance for credit before they apply.”
Shoppers at participating GAME stores can now text the keyword displayed in-store to a short text number.
Customers will then receive a link to fill in their name and postcode on an Experian website, which is customised to the retailer’s brand colours, and will receive an indication of their likelihood of being accepted for finance with CBRF before applying. The pre-application check is free, secure and does not affect a person’s credit history, Experian and CBRF say.
If they wish to progress, shoppers can then approach the counter and apply without the concerns typically associated with making an in-store application.
