Bulk SMS for microfinance institutions and SACCOs
Improve repayment rates without adding field staff. DARSMS helps microfinance institutions, SACCOs, VICOBA groups and digital lenders send repayment reminders and account alerts to every member's phone.
Why microfinance institutions use SMS
For many borrowers, a feature phone is the only channel they check every day. A clear SMS a few days before an instalment falls due, followed by a confirmation when payment is received, reduces arrears and cuts the time loan officers spend calling clients.
DARSMS reminder schedules are built for instalment lending: record each borrower's total amount and instalment, set a weekly or monthly frequency, and choose how many days before the due date the reminder is sent. The platform sends every reminder for you.
SACCOs also use bulk SMS for meeting notices, dividend announcements and contribution statements, while lenders with their own software connect through the SMS API for disbursement and repayment alerts.
What you can send
- Weekly or monthly loan instalment reminders.
- Disbursement confirmations with loan reference.
- Repayment received and outstanding balance alerts.
- Overdue and arrears follow-up messages.
- SACCO meeting notices and AGM invitations.
- Savings contribution and dividend statements.
Example messages
Habari Amina, rejesho lako la TZS 45,000 linatakiwa tarehe 20/05. Lipa kwa M-Pesa namba 123456. Asante - Upendo Microfinance
124 characters
Payment of TZS 45,000 received for loan LN-3302. Outstanding balance: TZS 180,000. Next instalment due 20 Jun. - Upendo Microfinance
132 characters
How DARSMS helps microfinance institutions
Instalment schedules
Store each borrower's total and instalment amounts and let DARSMS send reminders on a weekly or monthly schedule.
Kiswahili and English
Write reminders in the language your members use. Plain Kiswahili text fits the standard 160-character SMS.
Lower collection costs
An SMS reminder costs from TZS 20, far less than a phone call or a field visit, and reaches every borrower at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Can SMS reminders reduce loan arrears?
Timely reminders help borrowers plan for each instalment and remove the excuse of forgetting. Most lenders send one reminder a few days before the due date and a follow-up when a payment is missed.
Can we send reminders in Kiswahili?
Yes. Messages can be written in Kiswahili or English. Avoid emoji and special symbols so each message stays within 160 characters and uses one SMS credit.
Can our loan software send the SMS automatically?
Yes. Connect your loan management system to the DARSMS SMS API to send disbursement, repayment and overdue alerts as each event happens.
Related solutions
Start reaching your audience by SMS today
Registration is free and includes 5 SMS credits to test. Buy more credits with mobile money whenever you need them.