Hey everyone, did you know that currently in the market, there are a variety of e-wallets now present. Did you many of these e-wallets have almost the same functionality and benefits. However, today we are going to bring you one e-wallet that has been in the market for a long time and have slowly begun to make its way to into the limelight. Alright! Today’s topic will cover the BigPay review in Malaysia.
This would be the infamous BigPay. BigPay is an e-wallet that is backed by Air Asia. Thus, you can expect that your e-wallet will be backed by a huge and renowned airline giant to the utmost fullest potential. Aside from that, this e-wallet also comes with a variety of benefits and add-ons that other e-wallets simply do not provide. Today, we will be reviewing also of these features as seen in the following. So, without further a due. Let’s get started!
BigPay Benefits
Prepaid VISA Card
The first unique trait that BigPay offers is a pre-paid VISA card. There are not many players in the market that do this. In fact, BigPay is also one of the pioneers that revolutionize this concept. This is where users are able to freely top-up their cards with however much amount that they are so please. This would allow them properly to track their expenditure without going of course.
Aside from just being a pre-paid card. It has also VISA capabilities. This means you can use the cards anywhere that a VISA card is accepted. In terms of that, we know that VISA is a renowned US-listed company that is basically accepted anywhere.
Thus, this is very fitting unique differentiator for BigPay to have compared to all its other competitors. We have found through our research that there definitely is other competitors who have prepaid cards. However, those function either on just a MasterCard level or have certain security issues on the card. While as with BigPay, the security features are pretty much the best of the best.
Security features
Since we have already spoken about security features in our previous feature. We might as well speak more about it here in this feature. We have found that one of the other benefits of BigPay is its sign-up process. There may be many consumers in the market that says, “Isn’t it just as easy as downloading the app?”
Well, BigPay is in the banking and finance industry. Thus, you can expect the security is as tight as vault when it comes to things like this. Let us walk you through their sign-up process so that you can get a better understanding. Firstly, the app will prompt you to take a selfie of your IC. The second step will be to take a selfie and record yourself turning your head in various angle. This is for facial recognition purposes, so that they will be able to pin-point the user that is actually signing-up.
If you think that that is already enough, well we would suggest you to think again. The reason why we say BigPay’s security feature is so secure is because they even incorporated voice recognition. This is where the user would have to record themselves saying a few words before proceeding to their top-up phase.
This is all just to keep your personal data secure and out of the hands of villainous people who are phishing for your data. So, rest assured when you are using this e-wallet to store your data or card details.
Freeze card
Now, that we have looked at the security features. Let us look at a feature that can help many people in the event of an emergency. This is where the BigPay has a freeze card function. This function would primarily come in handy when one loses their card or wallet.
So, why would this function be helpful at all? So, let’s try to paint a picture for you. One day, you are walking on the street and enjoying your day. All of sudden, you realize that your wallet has now disappeared, and it is no where to be seen. You first course of action is to call the bank’s customer service line, wait for twenty odd minutes for them to pass you to the right department and then you can freeze your card from being used. This entire process could take about 30 minutes depending on your luck.
Although, with the BigPay card, you can rest easy if this unfortunate circumstance occurs. This is where in your BigPay app, there is a freeze card function. This function would instantly allow you to freeze your card from being used at any one point in time. There would be no need of a call to customer service and waiting for your turn. Your finances will be instantly secured with the press of a button.
Analytics function
Since we are on the topic about features through the press of a button. Let’s look at the analytics function that is present on the app. This app will allow one to easily access whole bunch of data that can easily informed you about your spending habits.
This would be where you would easily be able to track what do you typically spend your fortune on. For example, would you be spending your fortune on food, clothing or paying bills. We find that this is especially useful when it comes to creating budget about how much you need within a month.
Aside, from that it can also show your spending habits for the whole duration that you have been using your app. So, you can see what months that you would have to budget and when you could use the extra expenditure for other investments. For example, savings, stocks, and others. The most useful function that these analytics bring is also the fact that it can also be easily seen in a pie and bar chart graph for easy viewing.
Cashback features
Well, it is no surprise that this feature is obvious in the BigPay app. This is where you would be able to earn cash-back points when you are using the card or the app to make your purchases. We find that this function is unique as it differentiates itself compared to other VISA cards.
The other VISA cards in the market would require you to either purchase a very expensive credit card in order to enjoy the cash-back features. For example, the Ambank platinum card would allow you cash-back when you purchase expensive goods at the Malaysian Airport. However, with the BigPay app, you can easily obtain cashbacks from purchasing products as simple as a cup of Starbucks. This is certainly a huge attraction point when it comes to the average person.
Thus, we find that this unique feature will ensure that all customers that are using their app, will be getting their money’s worth when using the card. Some of the stores that you can get cashback from when using the app include Zalora, Air Asia, amongst others. So, if you want to save more on a daily basis, this is the way to go.
Foreign exchange rates
Let’s now look at a feature that is suitable for the frequent travelers. Let’s first start off with foreign exchange rates. Foreign exchange rates fluctuate on a daily basis, and it is very difficult to predict their movement. Just ask any foreign exchange trader, they would tell you that it is an absolute nightmare, filled with numbers and torment.
However, with BigPay, one is able to easily to foreign exchange rates in the app. Aside from just being able to see it, they are able to get one of the lowest foreign exchange rates in the market. Thus, they would need to go to Merchant Trade or other money exchange outlets individually to see their rates. A click of a button will show you all that you need to know. Since, we are on the topic of money exchangers, let’s show you another benefit that the BigPay card brings.
Currently, if you want to purchase some foreign exchange over the counter. You would need to wait in line for your turn and do your careful research. Now that BigPay has existed, this process can be simplified to its granular details. You can just take your BigPay to any foreign ATM that you are at and withdraw your local currency from there. It is as easy as that and you will even be able to enjoy one of the lowest exchange rates in the market. So, this is definitely a double whammy bonus indeed.
Bill splitting and payment
Here is a reason why you should get your friends to download the BigPay themselves. The app actually payments to be easily done between one BigPay user to the other immediately. This is makes sending money to your friends and families as easy as ever. In fact, the product can actually also track this as a spending feature. Thus, keeping track of all your expenses no matter how small it is.
If this is still not good enough for you, the product even allows for bill splitting function. Just thinking about this, how many times have you been to a restaurant and shared a meal with your friends. Then, when it comes to paying for the bill. You have to manually tell everyone that this is their portion of the bill, and they have to repay that amount to you.
While now when you have BigPay, these days have now long since passed. You do not need to manually send individual texts to everyone. While as now, you can just split the bill via BigPay and just inform everyone of their own respective shares. Then through this, they can just make the necessary payment back to you. This makes it much easier to collect payment and split bills amongst friends.
Referral rewards
Here we are going to look one of the main benefits that a user can receive when using the BigPay app. This is where BigPay rewards you and your friend for becoming a new member. So, you may ask how does this work and what kind of rewards does the end user receive when inviting their friends?
One of the main benefits to the friend that is being referred to becoming a BigPay user is that they receive a free RM20.00 immediately credited into their account. This is BigPay’s way of saying welcome to the family for all new users. We certainly find this a huge selling point when convincing a new customer to join the app.
The benefit that comes to referrer of the friend is that they to get RM20.00 themselves. This is where when your friend successfully activates their account. BigPay will credit RM20.00 into your account as well. We certainly have no seen a company that rewards both referee and referrer. BigPay has certainly got their entire ecosystem covered.
In-app customer service
One of the final benefits that we see within the app is their in-app customer service. This is where you will be able to chat with one of their customer service personnel over the app itself. This means you no longer need to call to any hotline number or hope that you would be speaking to the right person. Through this method, you will be sure that the person you are speaking to is from BigPay and the information that you receive is verified.
Aside from the fact that it is secure and safe for you. This in-app customer service is also a much faster way for an individual to contact compared to calling a general hotline. We have general reason to believe that it would take only about 3-5 minutes for you to be directed to a relevant service personnel whenever you reach to them. This is definitely a much shorter time compared to a banking service provider.
So, all the benefits for the BigPay app have pretty much been listed down here. However, you will definitely ask, this product can’t possibly only have benefits but no deficiencies, right? Surely, this cannot be the greatest invented some the airplane. This is definitely so as there are a few small setbacks that come with this product. The below are a few examples.
BigPay Disadvantages
Service fees
There is definitely some service fees that comes with all the variety of services that they provide. These service fees typically come when money is being transferred out of the BigPay account to other areas. This is for example when one withdraws money from the BigPay card, there is a service fee that is charged for the withdraw. The amount at the moment is RM6.00
Aside from that, there is also a service fee when it comes to foreign currency exchange and also remittances. However, we do not think that this is a major deficiency but more of a necessary evil. This is because there must be an expense to all the services they provide, and someone has to be borne the cost.
However, we do find that the fee that they are charging is rather justified and is not too expensive. Thus, this is till worthy price to pay.
Scam issues
This is definitely an issue that we find that BigPay must take stronger precaution against. At the moment, we have heard of a few cases on the ground regarding a multitude of scam issues. This is where you get individuals calling BigPay and informing them they have either won an award or that BigPay has been rebranded towards a new card color.
The few typical scam reasoning that are out in the market at the moment are “We have rebranded the BigPay to a new red card” and “Someone has committed a huge purchase with your BigPay card, did you make this?”. These are the couple frequent plays that they have. However, we are also here to tell you the key to ensure that they never have access to your account.
This would be your OTP. This OTP is the key for them to access your account. If you do not provide them with this code, they would never be able to access your account. Thus, giving you the oppoertunity to get out of their grasps. We also have a solid source from BigPay stating that BigPay personnel will never ever ask you for an OTP. All contacts to customers will be done via the in-app customer service.
Credit card top-up limit
We would say that this is not a major downfall. However, they have significantly reduced their credit card top-up limit. Currently, the credit card limit is only RM1, 500. If we remember correctly, the previous limit is only RM3, 000. This certiantly makes it much difficult for consumers to top-up their card with the credit card.
We do understand though why the reason BigPay introduced a new credit limit to the BigPay app. This is because many individuals leverages on their credit card limit to top-up on their app rather than using their savings or their full-time job income as a payment mode. Aside from this, some consumers also leverage on the extra incentive feature granted when a customer makes the top-up onto their app.
We would say that this is not a major negative in terms of the totality of the app. However, perhaps BigPay would consider increase the credit card limit to maybe RM2, 000 so that consumers would have an extra RM500.00 in order top-up and finance themselves.
How to sign-up?
So, we have highlighted pretty much all the good and bad features of BigPay. You must be itching to get this app and start earning all the additional benefits that it brings with. However, we know what is holding you back. You want to be able to earn that extra reward through a promo code. Well, have no fear, we are here to show you a few ways on how you can do that.
BigPay FB group
If you are going through the BigPay FB group, you can be sure to find somebody who is willing to give you their BigPay code. However, do be wary that the people on the group may not necessarily give you a real code. They may just be jokers or trolls online trying to mess with you.
Roving agents
The next way is to look out for their roving agents. These agents have been seen being branded with the BigPay T-shirts roaming around. They also have identification tags around their necks stating that they are distributors of BigPay. They give off a promo code that will grant you exactly the same as other promo codes and even some cashbacks.
BigPay official event
This is where BigPay officially organizes an event in certain areas. This is where you can pop-by and visit them and hear more from the people behind the scenes. These people will give you the best idea of how BigPay can benefit you in your daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Even after going through all the benefits, cons and even methods of signing up. We are not surprised if you still have some questions that are lingering in your head. So, we are going to address them here for you. If we do address them here, we do recommend you can always pop-by to BigPay’s website and read more there.
Can I transfer money to my family member or friend overseas?
Yes, you definitely can do that, and you can even enjoy the lower exchange rates offered by BigPay.
Can I cancel the BigPay card?
Yes, you can cancel the card at any time. All you need to do is reach out to the in-app customer service and request for the card to be cancelled.
Is there a pay-wave function on the BigPay card?
Yes, there is a pay-wave function on the card It is automatically set activated on your card when you receive. However, you can turn it off if you please.
Conclusion
So, what do you think about BigPay? Do you think you would want to have it in your arsenal of cards? Well, it’s a pretty much absolute no brainer. Thus, we would recommend you quickly capitalize on the opportunity to sign yourself up for one of these amazing cards!
Aside from that, did we also mention that the BigPay is a product that is free to sign-up. This kind of opportunity is impossible to come by. So, waste no more time and we will see you in the BigPay family.