Oschadbank has launched a new application called Samo, which integrates banking functions with marketplace capabilities. This service targets small and medium enterprises, especially those without their own online stores, as reported by Forbes. Users can select a partner, create an order, pay within the app, and pick it up at the store or establishment. The application is currently in beta mode.
Samo is already supported by several major partners, including WOG, Socar, Winetime, and Okwine, as well as a number of local businesses in Kyiv, Dnipro, Kropyvnytskyi, and Chernihiv. Plans include expansion and the launch of the Shop&Go feature, which will allow users to scan products in-store, pay online, and leave without waiting in line.
Anton Tyutyun, Deputy Chairman of Oschadbank, stated that the idea for Samo arose at the beginning of the pandemic, but the pilot project was only implemented in 2023. Development costs have not been disclosed, but experts estimate them to be between $100,000 and $360,000.
Despite the official launch, users have encountered issues: SMS codes for login were not received, card linking was not functional, and some product categories were empty. A Forbes journalist was unable to access the app for several days.
“This is not even beta; it’s a false start,” commented Artem Shevchenko, CEO of market by mono, adding that the app operates unstably and pickup is only available with significant delays.
Oschadbank acknowledges that Samo is still imperfect but considers it an important step in expanding the bank’s ecosystem. In 2025, there are plans to scale Samo to other cities and actively engage new partners.
According to bank representatives, Samo is intended to complement Oschadbank’s portfolio of digital services, including classic online banking and the “My ЖК” app for homeowners associations. Experts believe that the service will not become a full-fledged competitor to Glovo or Rozetka but can be an effective tool for supporting small businesses and retaining bank customers.
