By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
O3 Capital (“O3”), a leading Nigerian fintech and the country’s first non-bank credit card issuer, has signed an agreement with American Express to issue four new American Express credit cards in the country.
The cards are, the O3 American Express Green Card, O3 American Express Gold Card, O3 American Express Platinum Card; and the O3 American Express Gold Business Card for Small- and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The company in a statement on Thursday said, with the cards, it would enhance its overall customer offering, providing American Express Card Members a range of travel and lifestyle benefits for use in Nigeria and when travelling overseas.
“These Cards will provide access to discounts at select businesses across Nigeria, cinema and dining perks, hotel and car rental benefits, and various insurances and protections.
“Additionally, the O3 American Express Platinum Card will provide access to a travel and lifestyle concierge service, a membership with a global hotel programme, and five complimentary visits per year to eligible local and international airport lounges.
“Cards will be able to be used at American Express accepting merchants across Nigeria and around the world”, it said.
According to the company, the O3 American Express Gold Business Card would be the first American Express card launched in Nigeria to specifically support the spending needs of businesses.
“This card will improve the day-to-day management of business transactions and cashflow with access to a credit facility, the ability to perform international transactions, and the inclusion of an extended repayment period of up to 45 days”, it added.
Speaking on the agreement, the Chief Executive Officer of O3 Capital, Abimbola Pinheiro said: “This agreement with American Express is a significant milestone, both for O3 Capital and for Nigerian businesses.
“We will provide solutions for a wide range of customers – from consumers looking for more value from their payment products to businesses who want to enjoy the benefits of a domestically issued card with the international reach of American Express.
“We are particularly proud to be the first who will issue an American Express Business card to the Nigerian business community and we look forward to working with American Express to fulfil our potential”, he said.
Also commenting, the President of Global Network Services at American Express, Mohammed Badi said, “With the O3 Capital American Express cards, consumers and businesses in Nigeria will have even more payment choice.
“American Express is excited to continue to strengthen its presence in Nigeria and expand its reach across Africa. The first-ever American Express Business Card in the most populous African country will give us another way to support local businesses with their growth aspirations”, he said.
