Access Bank has launched the first American Express cards in Nigeria and West Africa.
The bank launched two new consumer credit cards, the Access Bank American Express Gold Card and the Metal Platinum Card on Thursday in Lagos.
Access Bank intends to improve its overall offering to its customers, who can now enjoy the membership rewards loyalty programme and a wide range of travel and lifestyle benefits with the launch of the cards.
“With over 135 million cards globally and three times the increase in places you can use American Express cards since 2017, Access Bank has brought a product of value to Nigerians,” Victor Etuokwu, deputy managing director, retail north, Access Bank Plc said at the launch.
Access Bank has made available in Nigeria the Gold and Platinum Cards which showcases the international American Express card design with extensive rewards and benefits.
Speaking at the launch, 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.
“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 traveling overseas.” Mohammed Badi, President, Global Network Services at American Express, said.
These cards afford their users dual-currency functionality (NGN/USD) and international acceptance.
L-R: Ekene Olele, Business Development Manager, West Africa, American Express; Herbert Wigwe, GMD/ CEO, Access Holdings PIc; Briana Wilsey, Vice President and General Manager, Network Partnerships, EMEA, American Express; Jonathan Curtis, Business Development Leader, West Africa, American Express and Robert Giles, Senior Banking Advisor, Retail, Access Bank PIc.
The American Express Cards benefits 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, hotel perks, and upgrades.