Visa, Zenith Bank unveil premium Signature Card for affluent Nigerians

By: Amarachi Okonkwo

Visa Inc. has partnered with Zenith Bank to introduce the Visa Signature Card, a premium payment solution designed to cater to the lifestyle and financial needs of affluent customers in Nigeria.

The card was unveiled during a media briefing held at Zenith Bank’s headquarters in Victoria Island, 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.

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Speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Retail Group at Zenith Bank, Emmanuel Oladimeji, described the product as an upgrade of the bank’s existing premium card offerings targeted at affluent clients.

According to him, the bank already provides Gold and Platinum cards to its high-end clientele, but the introduction of the Visa Signature Card represents the next phase in its strategy to deepen engagement with customers in the premium 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,” Oladimeji said.

Also speaking, Marketing Director for West Africa at Visa, Seun Aderamola, said the card was developed following research into the lifestyle patterns of affluent consumers, particularly their interests in travel, shopping and premium services.

She explained that the Visa Signature Card integrates global and local lifestyle benefits through partnerships with merchants across major international travel destinations and within Nigeria.

According to her, the card provides 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 strong 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 of Business Development for 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.

Zenith Bank added that the card, which is denominated in foreign currency to enable seamless international transactions, will be formally rolled out to the wider market later in March as part of the bank’s broader strategy to strengthen premium banking services for its high-value customers.