FirstBank and Visa have introduced two new payment cards aimed at Nigeria's mass-market and affluent banking customers, a move designed to expand digital payment access and accelerate the country's transition to a cashless economy. The products, unveiled over the weekend, include the Visa Value Naira Debit Card and the Visa Signature Debit Multi-Currency Card, both tailored to meet the growing demand for secure, flexible, and globally connected payment solutions.
Deepening Collaboration for Financial Inclusion
The launch signals a deeper partnership between the two institutions as financial service providers intensify efforts to widen financial inclusion and improve access to digital banking services across different customer segments. Speaking during the unveiling, Head of Cards and Messaging at FirstBank, Obianuju Ndu-Okereke, stated that the products were developed to address the diverse needs of customers, from individuals conducting daily transactions to high-net-worth clients seeking premium international banking services.
Features of the Visa Signature Multi-Currency Card
According to Ndu-Okereke, the Visa Signature Debit Multi-Currency Card allows users to link both local and foreign currency accounts to a single card, enabling transactions in naira, dollars, pounds sterling, and euros. “The Visa Signature card and the Naira debit card meet different customer levels. The Signature card offers access to global curated experiences for premium customers. You can have dollar, euro, and other foreign currency access all embedded in one card,” she explained.
She added that the premium card was created for executives, entrepreneurs, and frequent international travelers who require easier access to global payment channels and lifestyle services. Users of the Visa Signature card will also enjoy benefits such as airport lounge access, concierge services, emergency assistance, and exclusive offers from partner merchants across multiple destinations.
Instant Issuance for Naira Card
Ndu-Okereke disclosed that the Visa Value Naira Debit Card would be issued instantly at FirstBank branches nationwide, while delivery of the Visa Signature card would take a maximum of 48 hours. “The Naira Visa card is instant as you walk into any of our branches, while the Visa Signature card takes about 48 hours at the longest,” she stated. She further revealed that the Visa Signature card currently has a spending limit of N3 million, subject to review based on customers’ banking profile and transaction needs.
Targeting Different Customer Segments
While the Visa Signature card targets premium customers, the Visa Value Naira Debit Card is designed for everyday banking users seeking reliable and convenient payment options for routine transactions. Vice President and Head, West Africa Cluster at Visa, Andrew Uaboi, said the launch reflects efforts by both institutions to respond to the changing payment needs of consumers across the country.
According to him, the FirstBank Visa Flex Signature Card is tailored for affluent customers seeking seamless cross-border payment experiences, broader international access, and premium banking benefits. He noted that the Naira Visa Debit Card would support wider access to secure digital payment services for everyday consumers and further encourage Nigeria’s move toward a cashless economy.
Commitment to Innovation and Inclusion
Uaboi added that the partnership between Visa and FirstBank aligns with broader efforts to drive innovation, strengthen digital payment infrastructure, and balance financial inclusion across multiple consumer groups. He also commended FirstBank for sustaining its partnership with Visa and supporting innovation within Nigeria’s financial services industry.
