Linda Elueme
2 March 2009
Lagos — Access Bank has again recorded another major milestone by issuing Africa's first Black Card.
The Black Card - Visa Infinite, which is the highest card level in Visa's range of card products, was issued to the Chairman of THISDAY Group, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, at the weekend. Consequently, Obaigbena has become the first customer of an African Bank to be issued a Black Card.
Holders of the Black Card, which bears the unique Visa Infinite logo, are accorded special recognition wherever they present the card. They will also enjoy the exclusive benefit and infinite privileges accorded to Visa Infinite card holders.
The cards are issued by invitation only to high net worth clients who expect only the very best service.
Commenting on this rare feat, Access Bank Group Managing Director, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said: "To further strengthen our growing reputation as Africa's Bank of Best Practice, we have positioned the Black Card as the symbol of the highest level of service offered by an African bank to High Net worth clients. We give thanks to the Almighty that we are the first African Bank to issue the Visa Infinite card and join the elite league of global financial institutions with this premium card offering."
With higher acceptance than any other high - end premium cards at over a million locations around the world, the Black Card confers superior buying power on its holders.
It provides a world-class concierge service, which could cover very special requests like making travel arrangements to any part of the world, chartering a plane, getting tickets to a sold out event to sourcing for an exclusive gift. These services are covered by a dedicated and efficient team of relationship managers. Cardholders also enjoy uncommon benefits like Purchase Security and Guarantee Extension, which grants them indemnity from loss, damage or theft of goods purchased with the card. The Black Card also provides full insurance coverage when travelling, including emergency medical treatment and legal support, evacuation and repatriation, liability to third persons and loss of luggage or money on cardholders. The card offers holders rare privileges that validate the exclusivity of its membership.
About 18 months ago, Access Bank pioneered the introduction of VISA international credit card to the Nigerian market.
This initiative, which triggered the current development in the Nigerian e-payment system, has brought convenience to the Nigerian public. The Bank's cards products have been recognised as providing superior value and convenience to customers as evidenced by its conferment with the "Best Bank Payment System" Award at the 14th edition of the prestigious THISDAY Annual Awards for Excel-lence and Good Governance held last January 14, 2009.
Access Bank operates from eight countries including a 100 per cent owned banking subsidiary in the United Kingdom licensed to carry out full range of banking services and products.
The Bank had over N1 trillion in assets as at March 31st, 2008 and ranks amongst Africa's top 15 banks.
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