FirstBank has launched a multi-currency Visa Signature Card that supports transactions in naira, U.S. dollars, euros and British pounds sterling, as the lender seeks to strengthen its premium banking offerings and expand customers’ access to seamless global payments.
The bank unveiled the new product alongside a Naira Visa Debit Card during a launch event held in partnership with Visa.
Welcoming guests to the event, Seyi Oyefeso, executive director, retail banking, South at FirstBank Nigeria, speaking on behalf of Olusegun Alebiosu, chief executive officer of the bank, said the launch marked a significant milestone in FirstBank’s journey to deliver customer-centric payment products.
He said the Visa Signature Card was designed as a premium offering for affluent customers, providing elevated lifestyle privileges, exclusivity, convenience and global access through a world-class payment experience.
Oyefeso added that the Naira Visa Debit Card was developed to strengthen the bank’s everyday banking proposition by providing customers with a secure, reliable and globally accepted payment solution for daily transactions.
According to him, the products underscore FirstBank’s commitment to customer satisfaction while reinforcing its alignment with global payment standards and local market needs.
Speaking during the launch, Obianuju Ndu-Okereke, head of Cards and Messaging Businesses at FirstBank, representing Chuma Ezirim, bank’s Group executive, e-Business and Retail Products said the Visa Signature Card was tailored for affluent customers, including executives, business owners and frequent international travellers.
She said the card offers premium lifestyle privileges, exclusive travel benefits and access to a global network of curated experiences.
Okereke explained that the Visa Signature Card automatically switches transaction currencies depending on the customer’s location. Transactions carried out in Nigeria default to naira, while payments made in the United Kingdom switch to pounds sterling. Transactions in the United States default to dollars, while payments across the Schengen region are processed in euros. Outside these regions, the card defaults to the U.S. dollar.
According to her, the card combines multiple currency functionalities in one product, enabling customers to transact seamlessly across international markets.
“The Visa Signature Card delivers a premium experience through global acceptance, higher transaction capacity and curated lifestyle benefits across dining, shopping and entertainment,” Okereke said.
She added that the card comes with airport lounge access, travel insurance, concierge services, global customer support and personal accident insurance.
Okereke noted that the initiative reflects FirstBank’s strategy to strengthen its card portfolio across both premium and mass-market segments, deepen customer engagement and expand global payment capabilities.
She also said the Naira Visa Debit Card was introduced to support everyday spending while reinforcing financial inclusion and Nigeria’s cashless transformation.
“The Naira Visa Debit Card provides reliable everyday value, enabling seamless local and international transactions across POS, online and ATM channels, while ensuring ease of use and accessibility for all customers,” she said.
Andrew Uaboi, vice president and Cluster head of West Africa at Visa, said the partnership between Visa and FirstBank demonstrates a shared commitment to serving customers across different income and lifestyle segments.
According to him, the Visa Signature Card was created to address the needs of the bank’s growing affluent customer base by offering curated benefits both locally and internationally.
“These benefits include airport lounge access, purchase protection for items bought locally or internationally, and emergency medical assistance for customers travelling abroad,” Uaboi said.
He added that the Naira Visa Debit Card was designed for customers aspiring toward the affluent segment while giving them access to Visa’s global payment infrastructure.
“Together, these two products reflect our understanding of the financial journey customers go through, and by understanding that journey we are able to provide products and solutions that meet customers at every stage of their financial lives,” he said.
Uaboi noted that the products are backed by Visa’s global acceptance network and technological expertise, enabling customers to transact in more than 200 countries and territories.
Responding to questions on whether the bank was launching one card or two separate cards, as well as the transaction limits attached to the products, Okereke clarified that FirstBank was launching two separate products, the Visa Signature Card and the Naira Visa Debit Card.
She disclosed that the current maximum transaction limit on the cards is N3 million, although customers can request higher limits subject to review and approval based on their profile and instructions.
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