1stMILE, a financial experience platform for the automotive aftermarket, and Splitit, a provider of card-linked installment payments, are launching a new customer payment program for tire dealerships and auto shops.

The platform, 1stMILE Buy Now, Pay Later powered by Splitit, launched in July and allows participating customers the ability to split eligible repair and maintenance purchases into monthly installments using a credit card they already have. The companies say the program is initially launching "across thousands of automotive service markets and is expected to expand throughout 1stMILE's network of more than 17,000 partnered shops nationwide."

Officials say the 1stMILE and Splitit partnership aims to help auto service providers give customers flexible financing options and "move forward with necessary repairs when unexpected expenses arise." Officials cited a recent PYMNTS Intelligence study that showed automotive repairs represent the most common emergency purchase, with a median spend of $574, highlighting a trend of postponing or declining needed repairs.

"Through the partnership, 1stMILE and Splitit enable eligible customers to access installment payment options directly at the point of sale without requiring a separate loan application, credit check or approval process," say 1stMILE officials. "Customers can complete repairs immediately while shops receive full payment upfront."

"Auto-related purchases are one of the clearest examples of where card-linked installments solve a real-world problem," says Ran Landau, CTO of Splitit. "Drivers don't plan for a transmission failure or new brakes, and repair shops shouldn't lose business because customers can't absorb an unexpected expense on the spot.

"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 and sets a new benchmark for how installment payments should work at the point of sale."

"Consumers increasingly expect payment flexibility across every aspect of their financial lives, including vehicle maintenance and repair," says Rob Murphy, vice president of credit services at 1stMILE. "By integrating Splitit's card-linked installment technology into the 1stMILE platform, we're giving shops another powerful way to help customers move forward with needed repairs while supporting conversion, customer loyalty and long-term engagement. This represents the next evolution of point-of-sale financing for tire and automotive service providers."

The solution allows 1stMILE lending partners to "increase cardholder engagement and utilization through a solution that leverages existing credit relationships rather than requiring consumers to adopt an additional payment product."

Officials say the 1stMILE and Splitit program differentiates itself from solutions "that typically require shoppers to open a new account or complete a separate application process" and allows tire and auto shops to "strengthen customer relationships and deliver a more modern checkout experience."