Barclays Launches Kenya’s First Vertical Card As Transition To Absa Gains Pace

Barclays Kenya, soon to be Absa, has unveiled a new range of vertical debit and credit cards as part of new innovative propositions the bank is introducing to the market as it transitions to Absa.

Speaking during the launch, Barclays Kenya Managing Director Jeremy Awori said the vertical cards will allow customers to transact more conveniently as well as offer them a wide range of benefits including cashback rewards for all transactions and discounts in shopping outlets across the world.

“This transition is exciting for us because it has been much more than just changing colors. We have spent a lot of time with our customers to understand not just their needs but also their tastes and preferences. The Absa vertical cards are enabled with the tap-and-go technology which makes them future-fit and a distinguishing feature for our customers. What’s more, the Signature Cardholders will enjoy free access to over 1 100 airport lounges around the world,” Mr. Awori said.

The new cards are being rolled out on a pilot base and will be available for all customers upon the official launch of Absa in the country.

“We are now at the tail end of this transition program, and we are confident that we shall complete the change in the not-so-distant future. We are proud of the milestones we have achieved in this journey so far and are now working with the regulator to align on the date when we will officially change our name to Absa,” Mr. Awori said.

In addition to the new cards, the bank said it would also be rolling out the Absa ChatBot, a virtual assistant that allows customers to get answers to their frequently asked banking questions via WhatsApp. Also earmarked for launch is the MySMETool that allows business owners to perform important functions like planning and cashflow management online.

Additionally, the bank will also be launching the revamped Absa Mobile Banking app which, apart from allowing customers to pay bills, transact and airtime buying, will also allow them to use their fingerprint or facial recognition to unlock and gain access.

“Ultimately, this transition has enabled us to create new propositions and solutions as well as offer differentiated services and products to our customers, redefining their banking experience with us,” Mr. Awori said.