Smile API Weblog

Smile API product updates in 2025 focused on smarter risk signals, higher-converting user journeys, and faster, more predictable integrations for fintech teams across the Philippines. From the launch of the highly customisable Wink Site V3 to significant expansions in our Signals risk suite and document processing capabilities, every update was designed to help you build more secure and seamless user journeys.We focused on three themes that matter most to fintechs, lending businesses, and banks in the Philippines: stronger risk signals, higher-conversion user journeys, and faster, more predictable integrations for developers.Rather than shipping isolated features, we invested in cohesive improvements across our Signals suite, Wink experiences, data coverage, and Developer Portal—helping teams move from experimentation to production with confidence.Below is a recap of the most meaningful product updates from the past year.Wink Site V3: Orchestrating Custom User JourneysThe release of Wink Site Version 3 shifted our platform from a static widget to a fully customisable user journey builder. This evolution allows for greater control over how data is collected and presented to end users.Customisable Journeys: Builders can now create multi-screen pages with a powerful routing feature that directs users based on their inputs.Enhanced Data Quality: New Input Validation rules for phone numbers, emails, and URLs ensure that the data collected is accurate and formatted correctly before submission.Dynamic Personalisation: Support for Form Field Variables and URL parameters allows you to prefill fields or display previous responses later in the flow for a personalised experience.Mobile-First Design: The site is now fully responsive, ensuring an optimal experience across mobile, tablet, and desktop devices.Built-in Content Tools: New Paragraph and Markdown components allow for the inclusion of helpful text, bulleted lists, and company logos directly within the journey. - Why this mattersIncrease completion rates by setting clear expectations for usersBuild trust through localized language and transparent data useReduce drop-offs with better guidance and progress visibilityMatch your brand experience without heavy front-end workStay compliant while improving user confidence in data sharingWink Widget: Refining the End-User ExperienceWe implemented several updates to the Wink Widget to improve loading speeds, clarity, and accessibility for a global audience.Visual Transparency: We expanded data transparency messaging platform-wide after seeing it improve conversion rates by clearly explaining what data is being accessed.Optimised Loading: By using cached data sources and minimising the widget's footprint, we significantly improved loading performance and reduced drop-offs.Simplified Navigation: Provider categories were consolidated into straightforward groups like Government Service and Gig Platforms, helping users find their data sources faster.Contextual Guidance: Added micro-interactions and contextual help text to login screens to guide users through authentication more smoothly.Improved Accessibility: We launched language localisation A/B tests in the Philippines, supporting Tagalog, Bisaya, Ilonggo, and Ilocano to make onboarding clearer for more users. While the minimal conversion uplift saw us revert these changes, Smile remains ready to launch this feature for special use cases.

Simplified Individual Purchases The days of locking into bulk purchases are over. Previously, our most basic and cost-efficient check comprised of our Identity and Employment check, coupled with and NBI Clearance check and Reference check, in order to provide you with the most cost-efficient market standard background check. However, if you don't require one or two of these bundled checks, you're locked into this bundle in order to enjoy the greatest savings. Now, you have pick and choose exactly the checks you need. You can still enjoy the great saving and time-saving benefits of our Bundles, but if you need to pick and choose exactly the check you need, you can do so. This means you can enjoy a more cost-effective way to screen candidates, without unnecessary commitments. Each position you hire for is unique, and now, so is the way you can screen for it. Select only the background check reports you require, and leave out the rest. This a la carte approach ensures you're not paying for information you don't need. Credits That Work for You If you prefer planning ahead, our credits system is still in place and will give you the best bang for your buck, up to 50% discount on our background checks. Purchase credits anytime, and use them for any type of check later on. They're your go-to resource, always available and with no expiration date. It's flexibility and peace of mind in one package. If you need to get that background check done, but don't have the budget to purchase credits in bulk just yet, no problem. You can choose exactly the checks you need and pay for it ala carte, instantly. No more waiting for budgets to be approved! - Streamlined Portal Transactions We've upgraded our Portal to make purchasing checks and credits more straightforward. Get what you need instantly without waiting for an invoice – it's efficiency at its best. Pay via e-wallets or direct debit for quickest confirmation. More payment options will be available soon. - Smooth Transition for Current Customers For our valued existing customers, we're ensuring a seamless changeover. Any checks you've previously purchased will be converted into credits within the new system, providing uninterrupted service. You'll be able to use the new credit system immediately. Our goal with this new pricing model is to give you more control and better value, without complicating the process. Smile Checks is here to facilitate your hiring efforts with a system designed around your individual needs.  Book a demo with us to learn more about our pricing structure and how Smile Checks works: https://tidycal.com/biancaulan/smile-checks-demo

Candidate Onboarding Form Gets a Revamp We are excited to announce the enhancement of our Candidate Onboarding Form. The newly designed form now includes a list of steps for each part of the process flow that updates as the candidate proceeds. This ensures a smooth, guided experience for candidates as they navigate through the form. In response to user feedback, we have also made adjustments to improve usability for keyboard-only input and mobile device users. To streamline data sharing, we have optimized the verification flow ensuring candidates can easily share all necessary data for processing their application. Finally, to further assist candidates in their busy schedules, we have introduced automated email and SMS reminders, prompting them to complete their background check requirements on time. In response to user feedback, we have also made adjustments to improve usability for keyboard-only input and mobile device users. To streamline data sharing, we have optimized the verification flow ensuring candidates can easily share all necessary data for processing their application. Finally, to further assist candidates in their busy schedules, we have introduced automated email and SMS reminders, prompting them to complete their background check requirements on time. Introducing the Self-Service DIY Portal In our pursuit to empower recruiters and HR personnel further, we have launched a self-service DIY portal for Smile Checks. This portal allows users to: Sign up to try out our service with 1 free Check Request Submit Check Requests Monitor the status of Check Requests Purchase credits for additional Check Requests This portal aims to make the verification process more intuitive and efficient by giving users direct control over their requests. Sign up and get free background check credits! We believe in the power of communities and networks in promoting valuable resources, and we want to extend this opportunity to interested companies and organizations. Sign up to our portal to get one background check credit: https://smilechecks.getsmileapi.com/signup We remain committed to continually enhancing our service to better serve our users. Stay tuned for more updates and improvements. Thank you for your ongoing support!

In the era of digital transformation, Smile API has consistently been at the forefront of empowering businesses with comprehensive employment and income data solutions. As the trusted source for employment data in Asia, Smile has recently unveiled its groundbreaking new product, which expands its capabilities in Optical Character Recognition (OCR). This cutting-edge OCR feature enables the seamless scanning and extraction of crucial information from income documents such as payslips and tax returns. In this blog post, we'll explore the immense value of OCR in the digitalization of source documents and delve into the benefits it brings to pre-employment screening, loan origination, underwriting, and other critical use cases where the validation of a person's income is of paramount importance. Streamlining Pre-Employment Screening The process of pre-employment screening plays a vital role in ensuring organizations hire the right individuals. With Smile's OCR technology, HR departments and background checkers can effortlessly validate an individual's income by scanning and extracting relevant details from income documents. This automated and efficient approach not only saves significant time but also minimizes errors and inaccuracies that may arise from manual data entry. As a result, employers can make faster and more informed decisions, streamlining their recruitment process while enhancing the overall candidate evaluation process. Revolutionizing Loan Origination and Underwriting In the realm of fintech lending, the ability to make accurate credit decisions is crucial for both lenders and borrowers. Smile's new OCR feature enables lenders to access and evaluate income documents rapidly, ensuring a seamless loan origination process. By automating the extraction of income information, lenders can assess an individual's financial stability with greater speed and accuracy. This enhanced efficiency not only expedites the loan approval process but also mitigates the risk of fraudulent activities. Additionally, the extracted data can be seamlessly integrated into underwriting models, further strengthening the evaluation of creditworthiness. Efficiency and Accuracy in Various Use Cases Beyond pre-employment screening and loan origination, Smile's OCR feature brings significant benefits to numerous industries and use cases. In the realm of insurance, for instance, the ability to validate an individual's income through accurate scanning of relevant documents streamlines policy application and claim verification processes. Government agencies can leverage this technology to efficiently verify income information for social welfare programs, ensuring the appropriate allocation of resources. Real estate and rental agencies can expedite the tenant screening process by accurately assessing an individual's income stability, reducing the risk of default or missed payments. Conclusion As Smile API launches its revolutionary OCR feature for scanning income documents, the digitalization of source documents such as payslips and tax returns becomes more efficient, accurate, and convenient. The benefits of OCR technology in pre-employment screening, loan origination, underwriting, and various other use cases are undeniable. By automating the extraction and validation of income information, Smile empowers businesses to make better credit decisions, hire faster and more effectively, and str

Seamless access to accurate employment and income data is crucial for making informed credit decisions, streamlining background checks, and enhancing the hiring process. Smile API, the trusted source for employment data in Asia, is proud to introduce its latest innovation: Sample Apps. These exemplary implementations showcase the immense potential of Smile API, empowering developers to create superior user experiences while leveraging authoritative employment and income data. Sample Apps Unlocking Pre-Validated Data for Informed Decisions: Imagine a world where identity verification, employment history, outstanding loans, and estimated income are seamlessly accessible through a single interface. Smile's Sample App demonstrates how developers can effortlessly retrieve pre-validated data from government social insurance platforms, enabling financial institutions to make better credit decisions and enhancing the accuracy of background checks. Powering Connectivity: An Array of Data Providers at Your Fingertips: Smile's API integrates multiple data providers, including HR/payroll systems, gig platforms, government systems, and more. Through an interactive implementation, Smile showcases the vast range of data sources it can connect to, allowing developers to access comprehensive and reliable employment and income data, fostering better-informed decision-making. Streamlining Application Processes with Automated Form Fill: Nobody enjoys filling out lengthy application forms repeatedly. Smile's Sample App demonstrates how developers can automate the form-filling process by seamlessly integrating authoritative data from HR/payroll systems, gig platforms, and government sources. By streamlining the application and KYC (Know Your Customer) process, developers can enhance the end-user experience, minimizing friction and ensuring accuracy. Chat with a virtual agent: Enhancing Loan Origination with Chatbots: To make loan application and origination processes more user-friendly, Smile's Sample App showcases a chatbot built on Smile API and SDK. Developers can leverage this implementation to streamline the loan journey in conversational channels, such as chat platforms. By harnessing Smile's API innovations, financial institutions can provide personalized and efficient customer service, enhancing the loan application experience. Elevating Mobile Banking Experiences with Embedded Integration: Imagining a fictional bank's mobile app, Smile's Sample App reveals how Smile can be seamlessly embedded into the loan application journey. By integrating Smile API, developers can empower end users with access to accurate employment and income data, expediting the loan application process and providing a comprehensive and secure banking experience. Smile API's Sample Apps serves to inspire developers looking to leverage open data and create innovative solutions. By building on Smile's API, developers can unlock vast potential to enhance user experiences, improve developer efficiency, and drive better customer service. With Smile API's robust foundation, developers have the opportunity to shape the future of digital lending, hiring processes, and financial decision-making.

In today's fast-paced world, businesses need reliable and efficient tools to make informed decisions, particularly when it comes to employment and professional credentials validation. Smile API, Asia's trusted source for employment data, has exciting news to share. We are thrilled to announce that we have expanded our data sources, enabling our users to validate not only employment history and income but also licensed professional credentials and certifications. This expansion opens up new possibilities for pre-employment screening and professional credentials validation, transforming the hiring process into a digital and instant experience. Validating Licensed Professional Credentials One of the remarkable additions to Smile's data sources is the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC). Now, users can seamlessly validate licensed professional credentials such as CPAs, Architects, Engineers, Nurses, and Doctors with the PRC. This new capability provides employers with invaluable insights into a candidate's professional qualifications, ensuring they are hiring individuals with the necessary expertise and certifications. Verifying Lawyers with the Philippine Supreme Court We understand the significance of legal professionals in various industries. With Smile's expanded data sources, employers can now validate the credentials of Lawyers with the Philippine Supreme Court. This capability streamlines the hiring process for legal positions, enabling businesses to confirm the authenticity and legitimacy of a candidate's legal qualifications promptly. By harnessing Smile's services, companies can make more informed decisions and reduce the risk associated with hiring lawyers. Professional Certifications Validation with Credly In today's competitive job market, professional certifications play a crucial role in determining an individual's expertise and proficiency. Smile API now integrates with Credly, a renowned platform for internationally recognized certifications such as Microsoft, Oracle, AWS, and more. With this integration, employers can effortlessly validate a candidate's professional certifications, ensuring they possess the skills required for specific roles. This advancement greatly benefits companies seeking to hire candidates with verified expertise and accelerates the hiring process significantly. Unlocking New Use Cases The expansion of Smile's data sources brings forth a host of new use cases for businesses across industries. Pre-employment screening can now be conducted comprehensively and efficiently, thanks to the ability to validate employment history, income, licensed professional credentials, and professional certifications. This digital and instant process saves valuable time and resources, allowing companies to make faster and more effective hiring decisions. Benefits of Smile's Expanded Data Sources Enhanced Hiring Decisions: With comprehensive and validated data on employment history, income, and professional credentials, employers can confidently select the most qualified candidates for their organizations. Time and Resource Savings: The digital and instant process provided by Smile API eliminates the need for lengthy manual verifications, saving businesses valuable time and resources. Risk Mitigation: By validating licensed professional credentials and certifications, employers can minimi