Splitit and 1stMILE Bring Frictionless BNPL to Auto Repair Shops

Unexpected vehicle breakdowns often leave drivers scrambling to cover hefty, unplanned expenses on the spot. To alleviate this financial friction, automotive commerce platform 1stMILE has integrated Splitit’s point-of-sale (POS) installment technology, allowing service providers to offer flexible payment plans directly at the checkout counter. The newly launched 1stMILE Buy Now, Pay Later powered by Splitit ensures merchants receive full payment upfront while customers manage their cash flow over time.

Unlike traditional financing options that require lengthy approvals, this card-linked model leverages the consumer's existing available credit. "Consumers increasingly expect payment flexibility across every aspect of their financial lives, including vehicle maintenance and repair," Rob Murphy, vice president of credit services at 1stMILE, explained. He noted that the integration gives auto shops a powerful tool to help customers proceed with necessary repairs while boosting conversion rates and long-term loyalty.

The integration is designed to eliminate the typical hurdles associated with emergency auto repair financing. Customers can expect the following streamlined experience at the payment terminal:

• No New Applications: The system bypasses separate loan applications and hard credit checks entirely.
• Existing Credit Utilization: Customers simply swipe or insert their existing credit card as they normally would.
• Terminal Selection: Installment plan options appear directly on the POS screen, allowing the user to select their preferred monthly breakdown.

This frictionless approach yields an average approval rate of 85% or higher, according to the companies. The need for such solutions is starkly highlighted by a recent PYMNTS Intelligence report, which found that auto parts and accessories constitute the most common category of unplanned purchases. Among consumers facing emergency expenses over the past 12 months, 42.9% cited auto-related costs, with a median expenditure of $573.53.

By enabling one-click installments directly on the payment terminal, we’re redefining what’s possible for in-person commerce. Together with 1stMILE, this represents one of the largest card-linked POS installment rollouts in the industry.

- Ran Landau, Chief Technology Officer, Splitit

The auto repair industry is uniquely vulnerable to cart abandonment - or in this case, repair abandonment - due to sticker shock. Traditional Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services often introduce friction at the worst possible moment, asking stressed customers to fill out forms and await credit decisions while their car sits on a lift. By utilizing the open-to-buy balance on existing credit cards, Splitit removes the psychological and logistical barriers of applying for new debt.

This partnership is a significant win for independent auto shops. By guaranteeing upfront payment to the merchant while absorbing the installment logistics, 1stMILE and Splitit are effectively turning a high-stress financial emergency into a manageable monthly expense. As vehicle ages continue to rise and maintenance costs inflate, seamless POS financing will likely transition from a premium perk to an absolute necessity for service centers looking to maintain their customer base.