Your new bank account could be at Dollar General
Dollar General is making big moves in financial services with a banking platform, buy now pay later (BNPL) payment, and a new rewards redemption option.
The discount retailer is launching a series of new financial services aimed at increasing access to banking options and providing additional customer payment alternatives. New services include the introduction of Dollar General’s proprietary Spendwell banking platform, a BNPL test program with the Sezzle platform, and new FIS Worldpay card reward points payment options.
Following are details on each of these new financial services offerings.
New Dollar General financial offerings include:
Spendwell
Available exclusively through Dollar General in partnership with InComm Payments and issued by MetaBank, the Spendwell bank account and Visa card is now available at Dollar General’s 18,000-plus stores, as well as through a dedicated online platform and mobile banking app.
Spendwell provides customers with two financial account options, including one with no monthly fees and another that allows customers to earn 1% unlimited cash back to be redeemed on purchases at Dollar General. Both account options include an accompanying Visa debit card, which can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. They also provide as access to the Spendwell app, which enables users to perform financial tasks such as managing everyday expenses and paying bills.
In addition, all Spendwell accounts include free features and services, such as direct deposit with early access to wages, ability to add cash at Dollar General, and online bill payment.
This partnership builds on Dollar General and InComm Payments’ existing collective efforts, such as gift card programs, bill pay solutions and payment processing technology. Other existing financial services offered by Dollar General include a partnership with Western Union that lets customers initiate international and domestic money transfers digitally through the Western Union mobile app or on the Western Union site, and then pay in person at Dollar General locations. Consumers can also receive money transfers in-store.
DG Buy Now Pay Later
Dollar General plans to launch a test of a BNPL purchase option through a new partnership with Sezzle at more than 1,700 stores in Texas. The "DG Buy Now Pay Later" program will provide customers with zero-interest payments on purchases, allowing them to pay for their purchases in four installments when purchasing items at Dollar General stores, or for in-store pickup on the Dollar General app or online.
When customers apply via app, they receive an instant response detailing their spending limit. Dollar General will evaluate the test to assess expansion opportunities.
Rewards redemption
Dollar General also is piloting an added payment option with the FIS Premium Payback real-time rewards redemption network. Customers will be able to redeem eligible credit and debit card rewards points toward their Dollar General purchase.
Currently available at more than 18,000 Dollar General stores in 46 states, customers with eligible FIS bank debit and credit cards may redeem 1,000 credit card points for $5 toward their purchase of $5.01 or more.
“Today’s announcement highlights Dollar General’s focus on supporting our customers and communities by extending financial service accessibility and payment options,” said Emily Taylor, Dollar General executive VP and chief merchandising officer. “In keeping with our purpose-driven mission of ‘serving others,’ we continually search for additional services and flexible solutions to help make our customers’ lives easier.”
Headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tenn., Dollar General operates more than 18,000 stores in 47 states.