Till, a platform that allows renters to pay landlords, is rolling out a bundle of new features to entice renters to pay their bills on time, including the capability to spread out payments over a month, rent protection loans, and rewards for platform users.

Why should we care?
Till, which is based in Washington, D.C., markets itself as a tool to help renters manage their money more efficiently, especially if payments on the first of the month are a challenge. Till positions itself as a win-win solution for both landlords and tenants, because tenants can set up payment schedules that align with their needs, and landlords can be assured of on-time payments. Till monetizes its services through a flat monthly fee it charges renters. The rent protection offering resembles many earned-wage access solutions on the market, and is aimed at covering a shortfall renters might encounter while attempting to meet their rental expenses (the amount advanced is repaid in future rent payments). Like other earned-wage access platforms, Till doesn’t carry out a credit check or charge interest. Till competes with companies like Flex and Xspaced, along with earned-wage access platforms that offer direct-to-consumer offerings. Last summer, Till raised $8M in seed funding.