This week, NIC Bank launched a platinum credit card and Equity Bank formally announced their expanded impressive card portfolio that now includes American Express.
The NIC Bank Visa Platinum credit will be offered to a select few clients like professionals, senior government employees, business leaders, and entrepreneurs. The card comes with a variety of privileges in terms of shopping discounts, priority pass access to 600 VIP airport lounges in 100 countries (with complimentary snacks, free internet at many, and cardholders can bring in companions), a portfolio relationship manager, and purchase protection for 90 days.
For frequent travelers around the world, it also provides useful facilitation in emergencies like payment of hospital deposits of up to $2500 and arranges for emergency evacuation, legal advice, transport of companions or children.The annual fee is Kshs 6,000 (~$70) and there is no joining fee. NIC will also have a rights issue and a bond issue that shareholders will kick-off next week at an EGM.
Equity Bank is signing up merchants to accept American Express cards – for which they are the exclusive card issuer in Kenya. They have already signed on Nakumatt, ArtCaffé, Heritage Hotels, Best Western, Laico Regency, Leopard Beach, Boma and some other hotels.
Speaking when he confirmed the development, Equity Bank Managing Director, James Mwangi, said “the bank is now a partner for American Express, Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Google, China Union Pay, SWIFT, JCB, VFX (Equity Direct) and Diners Club.” As per Central Bank stats, Kenya had about 162,000 locally issued credit cards as at February 2014, compared to 114,000, three years ago.