By Efe Onodjae
Visa International Service Association otherwise known as Visa Inc, has partnered with Zenith Bank to introduce the Visa Signature Card, a premium payment solution designed to meet the lifestyle and financial needs of affluent customers in Nigeria.
The card was unveiled during a media briefing held at the Zenith Bank headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, where executives from both organisations said the initiative forms part of efforts to expand premium banking offerings for high-net-worth individuals and internationally mobile customers.
Speaking at the event, General Manager, Retail Group, Zenith Bank, Emmanuel Oladimeji, said the product represents an upgrade of the bank’s existing premium card offerings targeted at affluent customers.
According to him, the bank already offers Gold and Platinum cards to its high-end clientele, but the introduction of the Visa Signature Card marks another level in its strategy to deepen engagement with the segment.
“What we are launching today is a scale-up of what we already have in the market for affluent customers. We have existing products like the Gold and Platinum cards designed for them, but the Visa Signature Card takes it further in terms of connecting with customers who value convenience and international mobility,” he said.
Also speaking, Marketing Director, West Africa at Visa, Seun Aderamola, said the card was developed based on research into the lifestyle patterns of affluent customers, particularly their interest in travel, shopping, and premium services.
She explained that the Visa Signature Card combines global and local lifestyle benefits through partnerships with merchants across major travel destinations and within Nigeria.
According to her, the card offers access to airport lounges worldwide, travel assistance services and exclusive discounts at partner merchants across key travel corridors including the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa.
“With this product, it is not just about payments. It is about unlocking a lifestyle. These customers travel frequently and have premium lifestyle expectations, so the card is designed to support those needs with global offers and local benefits,” Aderamola said.
She added that cardholders would also enjoy discounts and special offers at selected restaurants, spas and lifestyle outlets in Nigeria through partnerships with local merchants.
Head of Card Services at Zenith Bank, Celestina Appeal, described the bank’s affluent segment as customers with significant financial capacity and high spending patterns.
“These customers are known for high spending and international travel. You can identify them by where they shop and the type of lifestyle they maintain. They value convenience and premium services, which is why products like the Visa Signature Card are designed for them,” she said.
On her part, Director, Business Development, West Africa at Visa, Badeji Oluwatoyin, said the partnership reinforces Visa’s commitment to supporting banks with innovative payment solutions for affluent and high-net-worth individuals.
She noted that beyond payment functionality, the card also provides concierge services, travel support and other lifestyle assistance designed to enhance convenience for customers.
The card which is denominated in foreign currency to enable seamless international transactions would be formally rolled out to the wider market later in March as part of its strategy to strengthen premium banking services for its high-value customers, the bank stated.
