Why We Made the First Points Program in Remittance: Rewarding Every Transfer

Chan Akireddy
February 7, 2025
2 minutes

When we started Pomelo, we asked ourselves a simple question: Why don't remittance companies reward customer loyalty? Airlines have miles, and credit cards have points, but when it comes to sending money home – an activity that millions of people do regularly – there were no programs to reward customers for supporting their loved ones abroad. We decided to change that.

Reimagining Remittance Rewards

Traditional remittance services often treat each transaction as isolated, missing the bigger picture of ongoing customer relationships. We saw an opportunity to recognize and reward the dedication of people who consistently support their families back home.

Our points program is simple, yet powerful:

  • Earn points on every transfer
  • 1X points on debit card transfers
  • 2X points on credit card transactions

Why Points Matter

For our customers, every dollar sent home matters. The points program isn't just about rewards – it's about stretching your money further. When you earn points on transfers you're already making, you’re getting bonus rewards for your family. It's our way of saying "thank you" for choosing Pomelo while helping you send more to your loved ones.

Real Impact for Families

Consider a customer who sends $500 monthly to their family in the Philippines. With our points program, the customer not only earns points on every transfer but can transform these points into meaningful experiences for their loved ones. Through our partnership with Grab, the customer can convert their points into ride codes or meal vouchers, making an immediate difference in their family's daily life.

Instead of just sending money, the Pomelo customer can now:

  • Treat her sister to dinner after a long workweek
  • Ensure her nephew gets a safe ride home from late-night study sessions
  • Surprise her family with meal deliveries during busy times

Looking Forward

This is just the beginning. We're constantly exploring new ways to make our points program even more valuable. Whether it's special holiday bonuses, partnership rewards, or new redemption options, we're committed to making every transfer count. We launched our first ever 2x points week from 1/27 - 2/2, where customers receive 2x points on debit card transfers and 4x points on credit card transfers.

Start Earning Points Today

We believe sending money home should be rewarding, not just necessary. Our points program is changing how people think about remittance – from a pure utility to a service that gives back to its loyal customers.Ready to start earning points on your transfers? Sign up with Pomelo today and join thousands of others who are already getting rewarded for supporting their loved ones. See how our rewards program can make your transfers more valuable for you and your family in the Philippines. 

See more details on the points program here: https://www.pomelo.com/marketing/202411-points-program

Banking services are provided by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC, and are subject to the terms of a Cardholder Agreement. FDIC insurance only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance is available through pass-through insurance at Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC, if certain conditions have been met. The Pomelo Mastercard® is issued by Coastal Community Bank pursuant to a license from Mastercard International and may be used everywhere Mastercard®  is accepted. Pomelo, Inc. is not a bank and is a technology services provider and administrator of the card program.