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1stMILE and Splitit: A Game-Changer for Automotive Repairs

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, thanks to the innovative partnership between 1stMILE and Splitit. This collaboration introduces a game-changing Buy Now, Pay Later solution designed specifically for tire and automotive service providers across the nation. The new card-linked installment offering enables customers to manage unexpected repair costs while helping service providers complete more repairs effortlessly.

The Challenge of Unexpected Repairs

For many car owners, the reality of unexpected repairs can lead to financial stress and decision paralysis. According to a recent study by PYMNTS Intelligence, automotive repairs often represent the most common emergency expenditure, with a median cost hovering around $574. However, many consumers are anxious about their ability to cover these unforeseen costs, frequently leading them to either delay or entirely forgo essential repair services.

To counter this, 1stMILE and Splitit are rolling out a solution that allows automotive service shops to offer flexible payment options right at the point of sale. By utilizing the existing credit cards of the customers, this offering simplifies the payment process without requiring additional loan applications or credit checks, making it easier for customers to move forward with necessary repairs.

How the Solution Works

Launched initially in July 2026, participating automotive service shops can begin providing their customers with the opportunity to split their repair expenses into manageable monthly installments. The solution will leverage the vast network of over 17,000 partnered shops affiliated with 1stMILE. Customers will use their existing credit cards just as they normally would, but with the added option to select from various installment plans presented directly at checkout.

Once a customer selects their desired installment plan, the automotive shop receives full payment upfront. This ensures service providers are paid immediately, while customers gain valuable financial flexibility to manage their repair costs in a way that suits their budget.

Setting New Industry Standards

Ran Landau, the Chief Technology Officer of Splitit, states, "Auto-related purchases clearly show how card-linked installments can resolve real-world problems faced by consumers. Car issues often occur unexpectedly; offering an easy solution directly at the payment terminal can ensure both service providers and customers benefit."

The integration of Splitit’s technology into the 1stMILE platform reflects a growing trend towards seamlessly embedding payment options within customer journeys—eliminating the need for shoppers to navigate cumbersome application processes. By allowing customers to utilize available credit, these card-linked installments boast an impressive approval rate of 85% or higher, thus encouraging consumers to tackle urgent repairs head-on.

Enhancing Customer Relationships

For automotive service providers, the partnership not only improves customer conversion but also enriches customer satisfaction and loyalty. As highlighted by Rob Murphy, Vice President of Credit Services at 1stMILE, the expectation for payment flexibility permeates every aspect of consumer financial behavior. By expanding the options available for financing repairs, shops can deliver a more accommodating and modern service experience to their clientele.

Moreover, 1stMILE's integration of Splitit's payment solutions creates new avenues for lending partners to cultivate stronger relationships and enhanced engagement with their cardholders. This allows them to leverage existing credit relationships rather than compelling customers to adopt new payment methods.

A Vision for the Future

The collaboration marks a significant evolution in installment payment solutions as they relate to automotive service. By fusing 1stMILE’s expertise in the automotive aftermarket with Splitit’s card-linked installment technology, both companies are poised to set new benchmarks for consumer financing in auto repairs. As a result, they not only provide greater financial flexibility for customers but also empower service shops to complete more repairs efficiently, fostering stronger human connections through enhanced service delivery.

For more details about this innovative service, please visit Splitit to explore how the automotive industry is embracing modern financial solutions.

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As 1stMILE and Splitit venture into this promising territory, they are leading the charge for change within the automotive service realm, redefining how customers manage unexpected costs and ensuring a brighter, more manageable future for automotive maintenance.