Access Bank, one of the Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, has introduced two new consumer credit cards, marking a significant milestone in the country’s payments industry. The Access Bank American Express® Gold Card and the metal Platinum® Card are the first American Express Cards to be issued in Nigeria, offering customers a range of exciting benefits and rewards.
The launch of these credit cards further enhances Access Bank’s commitment to providing exceptional services to its retail and private bank customers. Cardholders can now enjoy the prestigious Membership Rewards® loyalty program, as well as a wide array of travel and lifestyle benefits. This development follows Access Bank’s 2019 agreement with American Express to facilitate merchant acquisition, enabling businesses across Nigeria to accept payments from international American Express Cards.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, the Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “The introduction of American Express Cards in Nigeria is a significant milestone in the growth of our vibrant payments industry. Customers are seeking more than just transactions; they desire genuine value. With American Express, we can provide valuable card benefits, robust loyalty rewards, and a compelling reason to utilize electronic payments instead of cash. By expanding our services to support payments, we can connect more consumers with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and retail businesses, which we recognize as the driving force behind economic growth.”
Mohammed Badi, the President of Global Network Services at American Express, also expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying, “By granting Access Bank the license to launch the first-ever American Express Cards in Nigeria, American Express’s presence in Africa becomes even more vibrant. The Access Bank American Express® Gold Card and the metal Platinum® Card elevate the credit card experience in Nigeria by offering exclusive benefits, access, and service to cardholders both within Nigeria and when traveling abroad.”
The newly launched Cards feature the iconic ‘Centurion’ icon, which is synonymous with American Express card designs worldwide. Cardmembers can now enjoy extensive rewards and benefits similar to those offered by the card or its licensed partners outside of Nigeria. Access Bank has successfully made this premium credit card experience available to Nigerian consumers.
In addition to the convenience of dual-currency functionality (NGN/USD) and international acceptance, the Access Bank American Express Cards provide exclusive perks such as airport lounge access, car rental privileges, Membership Rewards® loyalty points, and comprehensive insurance coverage. The Platinum® Card takes the experience even further, offering expanded airport lounge benefits, access to premium hotel programs such as The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels + Resorts, and special status access in renowned rewards programs including Hilton Honours, Radisson Rewards, and Marriott BonvoyTM.
Furthermore, Platinum® Cardholders will enjoy complimentary access to hotel membership programs, including Tablet Plus membership and Mr & Mrs. Smith Gold status. To ensure an exceptional experience, Access Bank and American Express have also introduced round-the-clock travel and lifestyle concierge services for cardholders’ convenience.
With the launch of these cards by Access Bank , it has reinforced its position as a leader in the Nigerian banking sector. By providing customers with these prestigious credit cards, the bank aims to elevate the payment experience and create lasting value for its clientele while promoting electronic payment adoption as a catalyst for economic growth.
