Zenith Bank Plc has unveiled a new Visa Signature Card as part of its strategy to deepen engagement with high-net-worth customers and expand its suite of premium banking services. The move targets clients who are globally mobile, frequently travel, and engage in high-value transactions.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Emmanuel Oladimeji, general manager of Zenith Bank’s retail group, said the new card builds on the bank’s existing premium offerings, which include Gold and Platinum cards. “What we are launching today is essentially a step up from what is already working well for us,” he said. “Zenith Bank has long served affluent customers, and this partnership with Visa allows us to introduce another level of engagement for individuals who value convenience and international access.”
The Visa Signature Card is designed to cater to customers with active travel lifestyles and significant spending power, offering seamless payments, lifestyle privileges, and global accessibility. According to Oladimeji, the card integrates both domestic and international benefits, ensuring convenience for clients wherever they are.
Seun Adaramola, marketing director for West Africa at Visa, emphasized that the card was created based on research into affluent consumer behavior, highlighting strong spending on travel, shopping, and digital payments. She noted that partnerships with over 300 global merchants and more than 50 local merchants will allow cardholders to enjoy discounts and exclusive offers across sectors including lifestyle, beauty, wellness, and dining.
Beyond purchase privileges, the card offers airport lounge access in several international locations, often with guest privileges, as well as purchase protection and insurance coverage for goods bought using the card. Concierge and travel support services are also included, helping cardholders with medical assistance, transportation, and other logistics while abroad.
Celestina Appeal, assistant general manager and head of card services at Zenith Bank, said the card is targeted at individuals with annual turnovers of about N25 million and above. “They value convenience and expect services that match their lifestyle,” she said. She added that the Visa Signature card complements the bank’s existing Visa Infinite “black card,” giving elite customers another premium option.
Visa described affluence as a spectrum, ranging from mass affluent to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, including executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners, who prioritize convenience, security, and timely access to services. A digital platform, the Visa Companion App, enables cardholders to track benefits such as merchant discounts and airport lounge access based on location.
Security remains a key feature, with immediate card blocking available through the bank or the mobile banking application in the event of loss or theft. Eligibility for the Visa Signature Card is determined by a holistic assessment of a customer’s financial profile and relationship with Zenith Bank, rather than a single account balance threshold.
The official launch of the Visa Signature Card is scheduled for later this month, accompanied by a broader awareness campaign by Zenith Bank and Visa to introduce the product to premium clients.