Access Bank, yesterday, unveiled the Access Bank American Express Gold Card and the Metal Platinum Card, the first of such cards to be issued in Nigeria and West Africa.
By launching these cards, Access Bank has improved its overall offering to its retail and private bank customers, who can now enjoy the Membership Rewards loyalty programme and a wide range of travel and lifestyle benefits.
In 2019, Access Bank signed an agreement with American Express to start acquiring merchants, enabling businesses across the country to accept payments from international American Express Cards.
In a statement, the bank said it is now ready to issue the first American Express credit cards in West Africa.
The Gold and Platinum Cards showcase the international American Express card design, featuring the distinctive ‘Centurion’ icon.
Similar products are also issued outside of Nigeria by American Express or third parties licensed by American Express and provide card members with extensive rewards and benefits.
Group Managing Director, Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, was quoted as saying that the cards will be available by request and invitation, and customers who have signified interest will begin to enjoy the usage from today.
He said: “We are a bank of many firsts. We do have a wide network and with this partnership, AMEX will have 60 million customers supporting this partnership. It is a massive endorsement for us to work with AMEX in this partnership.”
With American Express, we can provide valuable card benefits, strong loyalty rewards, and a real reason to use electronic payments instead of cash.
Payments milestone
Similarly, Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank, Roosevelt Ogbonna, said: “The launch of American Express Cards in Nigeria is another milestone in the continued development of a vibrant and fast-growing payments industry. Customers want more than transactions – they want real value.
“With American Express, we can provide valuable card benefits, strong loyalty rewards, and a real reason to use electronic payments instead of cash. By diversifying our services to facilitate payments, we can connect more consumers to the SMEs and retail businesses across the country who we know are the engine of economic growth.”
Also, Deputy Managing Director, Retail South, Access Bank, Chizoma Okoli, said the unveiling of the credit cards is a testament to the bank’s leadership role in the country.
She said: “We are always at the forefront in the banking sector here in Nigeria and this is our newest innovation as we lead others. You can see these AMEX cards anywhere in Nigeria except here at Access. I know our customers who are going to reap the benefits will be proud of us.”
Deputy Managing Director, Retail North, Victor Etiokwu, said the partnership with American Express is not the first and won’t be the last.
He said: “In the payment world, it is important to have varieties and as a financial sector supermarket, we have varieties of lovely items for the benefit of our customers. AMEX is a unique brand and we have always wanted to have them on our portfolio and we are glad this has become a reality. We will continue to collaborate with AMEX.
President, Global Network Services at American Express, Mohammed Badi, said: “By granting Access Bank a license to launch the first-ever American Express Cards in Nigeria, American Express’ presence in Africa is becoming even more vibrant.
“The Access Bank American Express Gold Card and the metal Platinum Card enhance the credit card experience in Nigeria with special benefits, access, and service – for Card members both in Nigeria and when travelling overseas.”
Alongside dual-currency functionality (NGN/USD) and international acceptance, the American Express cards include airport lounge access, car rental perks, membership rewards, loyalty points, as well as insurance and protections.
The Platinum Card also offers expanded airport lounge benefits, with complimentary access to more than 1,400 lounges through the American Express Global Lounge Collection.
