Nigeria: Skye Bank Releases Naira Credit Card

Frances OviaLagos

Skye Bank Plc has introduced a new credit card denominated in naira, into the banking industry for customers. The primary objective is to offer a differentiated card payment value propositions to the discerning target market that would address the specific needs of each market taking into cognizance its peculiarities. The scheme developed by e-Channels Group of the bank is targeted at customers and non-customers of the bank who have verifiable and regular sources of income.

The new product has two variants of Classic and Premium. The Skyecard credit Classic is targeted at the low income earners who form a sizable number of the bank's current customer base, it renders benefits derivable from carrying a debit card while Premium is targeted at a wide market, differentiated by income bracket and credit profile such as income, employment structure, credit history and so on. It provides both secured and unsecured finance for customers and non-customers of the bank. Mr. Adesola Akinfemiwa, Managing Director, Skye Bank who expressed delight at the acceptance rate and transaction volume of debit cards, which the bank has been a leading promoter in the banking industry, said the new credit card would be very useful to customers as it would save them stress of carrying cash around at the risk of armed robbery attack. He said the intention of the bank is to put the cards in the hands of people who want cash before their next pay day.

General Manager, Retail Banking, Skye Bank, Mr. Dotun Adeniyi, explained that the new credit card introduction is in furtherance of the bank's marke leadership in card business. "As we launch these two credit cards, those who buy into it will enjoy the good things that are happening here and we will continue to maintain market leadership," he said.

Mr. Chuma Ezirim, Assistant General Manager, e-Channels Group, Skye Bank said the card process comprising issuance, operations and management is fully automated and runs on a robust credit card management system and that credit scoring and assessment module makes it possible for applications to be processed on-the-spot while there are no restrictions on usage.






Relevant Links

He said the size of the market is very large but very challenging and this i formed the bank's reason taking its time to offer to the market a credit card scheme that runs on a well tested, best in class and robust credit card management system. He said the scheme is expected to receive the required support from the government and Central Bank as it will complement various federal government initiatives towards the promotion of customer credit policy as incorporated in the National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (NEEDS).

Ezirim who explained the features of the credit card said it is an electronic local card payment scheme which will be used to avail credit lines to individuals that has interest fee period of up to 30 days, interest rate of 18 per cent per annum on utilized credit only, flexible limit-based on income of cardholder; free internet and mobile banking services; SMS alerts on all transactions and two years validity period for the card, among others.

"A large proportion of Nigerians need extra cash outside monthly income to meet personal financial commitments, which they cannot easily obtain from friends and family members, and would like to pay back inn a convenient manner. "Skyecard credit avails the average Nigerian this opportunity," he added.