SSS taps BPI as payment gateway in mobile app

THE Social Security System (SSS) announced it has added the Bank of the Philippine Islands as a new payment channel for members to pay contributions through the SSS mobile app.

These Individual members are the self-employed, voluntary and overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who have existing BPI accounts, the state-run pension fund manager said in a statement issued last Wednesday.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio was quoted in the statement as saying that the new online payment gateway “is very timely with the pension fund’s shift to digital platforms since its members are now familiarized with various electronic and online facilities.”

“While the pandemic played a major role for SSS to focus its resources on the digitalization of its core and business processes, the transition is actually one of the top priorities under the new charter,” Ignacio said. “We are glad our payment partners are also integrating their systems with ours to further improve services thru hassle-free and safe transactions.”

SSS said its members must download the SSS mobile app. The app requires log-in details as registered in the member’s My.SSS account. They can then generate a Payment Reference Number (PRN) in the SSS Mobile App by clicking the “Generate PRN/SOA” icon, the SSS said.

Members may opt to download a PDF copy of the PRN or pay immediately using the “Pay” button in the interface. They must tap “BPI” as the payment method channel, then “OK” to confirm the prompted payment details, and “PROCEED” to be redirected to the BPI secure site.

At the BPI authentication page, members must provide their BPI log-in credentials and select the preferred account. BPI will then send a 6-digit one-time PIN (personal information number) to the member’s enrolled mobile number, which they must enter to confirm and complete the payment process. Successful payment notifications from BPI and the SSS Mobile App will be displayed showing the date and time of payment, PRN, applicable period, SSS contributions, total contribution, total payment and transaction reference number.

A fee of P15 will be deducted from the BPI account for each successful transaction, the SSS said.

“We are still exploring more online payment channels to provide convenience to our growing membership base, especially since the community quarantine is restricting movements,” Ignacio said. “Our main goal is to encourage them to use online platforms instead of personally going to the branches. We are focused not only on improving our online payment transactions but also that all our services can already be accessed online using the website, mobile app, and other electronic and self-service channels.”

Image credits: Nonoy Lacza