Access Bank, Nigeria’s leading innovative lender, has scored yet another first by unveiling two new consumer credit cards- the Access Bank American Express Gold Card and the metal Platinum Card.
The Cards which were unveiled in a well-attended launch at the bank’s corporate head office in Lagos on Thursday night, are the first American Express Cards to be issued in the country by any Nigerian bank.
With these launching, Access Bank aims to improve 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.
Recall that 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.
Following the launch on Thursday, Access Bank is now ready to issue the first ever 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 Cardmembers with extensive rewards and benefits.
Nigerians can now savour the credit card experience as the card is now available in the country through Access Bank.
Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director, Access Holdings, announced that the cards will be available by request and invitation, noting that customers who have signified interest will begin to enjoy the usage from Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
“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,” he said.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank 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.”
Mohammed Badi, President, Global Network Services at American Express, on his part, 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 Cardmembers both in Nigeria and when travelling overseas.”
Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director, Retail South, Access Bank, described the launch as a very exciting one for Access Bank, adding that it showed that the bank is always leading in innovations.
She said that the bank has always looked for speed, service and security, and added that the unveiling of the credit cards is a testament to the bank’s leadership role in the country and would go a long way in improving the lifestyle of its customers.
According to Chizoma, “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’t 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.”
Victor Etuokwu, Access Bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Retail North, said the partnership with AMEX is guided by the bank’s belief that whatever it does is aimed at adding to the development of the nation’s economy.
While describing AMEX as a unique brand, he said that the partnership with American Express is not the first and won’t be the last as it is important to have varieties in the payment world.
“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,” he said.
Etuokwu disclosed that the launch of the credit cards is a product of trust and three years of active engagement between the two companies, stating that the partnership comes with both local and international benefits.
He said that the American Express Card would help Access Bank customers to live their lives and noting that the launch of the American Express Debit Card would follow this particular launch in due time.
Briana Wilsey, American Express Vice President and General Manager, Network Partnerships EMEA, described Access Bank as a leader in innovative products in the banking industry, and noted that it was the only bank that met the conditions for the partnership to go through.
“Across Nigeria and in West Africa, Access Bank has a great record of expertise and innovations in the payment space. And this is why we are excited to have them as the issuing partner for this product in Nigeria and West Africa. So, it is very exciting for both of us.
“We are a globally integrated payments company and one of the world’s largest card issuers. We are happy with Access Bank, and we give customers access to products, insights and experiences that make life better and help grow business value.
“Today, we have more than 135 million cards globally. You can use them in over eight million locations in 198 countries and territories. So, you can see that we are a global brand, and we are glad that Access Bank customers are now going to enjoy all the benefits of having AMEX cards.
“One of our key objectives is to continue expanding that scale and relevance globally. And we do this in many ways by investing to modernize the AMEX network by launching innovative products and granting licenses to financial institutions like Access Bank, which can issue cards and grant access to our cards to millions of merchants.
“In fact, since 2017, the number of places you can use your AMEX cards globally has more than tripled. And that is a great part, thanks to our wonderful partners like Access Bank.”
Jonathan Curtis, American Express Business Development Leader, West Africa, said AMEX was excited for the partnership and expressed optimism that going by the successes recorded by both companies, this deal is going to be a success. He described Nigerians as very aspirational.
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; and Hotel perks and upgrades through The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels + Resorts.
It also offers special status access in the Hilton Honours, Radisson Rewards, and Marriott BonvoyTM rewards programmes; Complimentary access to hotel membership programmes, with Tablet Plus membership and Mr & Mrs. Smith Gold status; as well as a 24/7 travel and lifestyle concierge services.
Access Bank customers can visit the Access Bank website or contact their Access Bank account officer or relationship manager for more information.