MasterCard and UBA Unveil First Ever Personalized Debit Card in Nigeria

MasterCard and United Bank for Africa (UBA) have unveiled the first ever personalized debit card in Nigeria, dubbed the UBA “All About U” Card. The unique MasterCard card can be customized with elements such as images, colors and more. The launch of the product in partnership with UBA is in harmony with MasterCard’s vision to advance a cashless society in Nigeria where consumers enjoy the security and convenience of electronic payments. Using the design software which seamlessly integrates with the bank’s card management system, the newly launched card perfectly blends UBA’s branding elements with the customers’ creative imagination, making them a ‘partner-in-design’, while creating a sense of loyalty and enhancing affinity.

Speaking at the event to launch the “All About U” Card, Omokehinde Ojomuyide, Vice President and Area Business Head for MasterCard in West Africa commented: “Nigeria is steadily embracing a cashless society and MasterCard is fully committed to creating avenues through which consumers are reminded of the value and benefits of electronic payments such as safety and convenience. The UBA “All About U” card signals the arrival of payment options and platforms that incorporate the preferences of consumers across different segments and we are pleased to partner with UBA to make this a reality.”

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Adedeji Olowe Head of Cards at UBA, stated that the bank has partnered with MasterCard to deploy its state-of-art security and convenient customized debit card solutions to transform the bank’s e-payment transactions. Olowe added: “We know that one size does not fit all, so we constantly innovate to help customers choose services that meet their unique needs. This platform enables customers to design their cards in the comfort of their homes and later collect MasterCard secured code at their UBA branch. This code is verified before any transaction is completed”.

MasterCard is committed to creating awareness to the value and benefits of electronic payments, delivering on the promise of greater financial empowerment for everyone. Around the world, 2.5 billion people lack access to financial services and in Nigeria the Central Bank of Nigeria estimates that 39.7%[1]of the adult population is locked out of the financial sector fold. In order to achieve greater penetration of financial services, MasterCard is collaborating with governments, financial institutions, merchants and businesses to bring about relevant market-driven payment solutions. In May 2013, MasterCard partnered with the Nigerian National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to roll out a pilot program for 13 million MasterCard-branded National Identity Smart Cards with electronic payment capability, the largest formal electronic payment solution roll out and the broadest financial inclusion initiative in Africa.