Absa Bank partners with Visa to launch superior card payment offering for Travel Agents and Businesses
By Our Writer
ABSA Bank Kenya, in collaboration with Visa, a world leader in digital payments, has introduced the Visa Commercial Choice Programme, a new Corporate Card solution targeting members affiliated with the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), allowing them the benefits of automation, flexibility and better cash flow management.
Under this partnership, travel agents under KATA – the umbrella body for Travel Agents representing over 300 travel agencies, will enjoy the ease of smarter payment solutions for business to business (B2B) transactions, managing working capital, achieving operational efficiency, and better supplier management. With the newly launched Visa Commercial Choice Travel Programme, Absa Bank can now support travel agents by offering them the convenience of payments in Kenyan Shillings or US Dollars, empowering them to manage cash flows efficiently and optimize working capital. In addition, members can leverage the Visa Commercial Pay Virtual Card Platform to automate booking processes and access better tools for managing data and reconciling tools, all with an intuitive, easy-to-use reporting feature.
As part of this, the Bank is also launching a revamped Absa Corporate Visa Card, developed with enhanced features and flexibility that aims at addressing challenges of businesses of all sizes. With this card and the new Visa Commercial Pay Virtual Card Platform, businesses can get more visibility and control over their employee-initiated expenses and payments.
The collaboration between Absa Bank Kenya, Visa, and the Kenya Association of Travel Agents marks a significant milestone in our efforts to empower businesses and accelerate digital inclusion in this space with smarter and integrated payment solutions. This solution will help the travel agents win business without the stress of losing a booking when a payment fails or the burden of managing working capital of paying suppliers upfront. We have been speaking to our clients and professionals from different sectors to understand their specific needs and this new solution is just one among many others that we are rolling out for our customers in various disciplines.
Absa Bank Consumer Banking Director, Moses Muthui
Eva Ngigi-Sarwari, Visa Kenya Country Manager, expressed her delight at the partnership with Absa Bank Kenya and KATA, stating that it signifies their shared commitment to innovation, convenience, and service excellence. She mentioned that by combining Visa’s global reach and advanced technology with Absa’s deep local market expertise, they are confident that the new payment solution will significantly enhance the way travel agents manage their transactions. She added that it would provide them with a seamless, efficient, and secure experience.
Nicanor Sabula, CEO of KATA, expressed enthusiasm regarding the strategic partnership between Absa Bank Kenya and Visa, describing it as a significant achievement for their members. He highlighted the introduction of the Absa Corporate Visa Card specifically designed for KATA members, emphasizing their dedication to offering financial solutions tailored to the industry’s needs. The card’s notable features include options for virtual and physical formats, allowing customers to choose based on their preferences for different payment situations. Additionally, it incorporates Visa Commercial Pay for seamless payments to travel suppliers like airlines and hotels, simplifying payment processes and supporting automated transaction reconciliation. Users of the Absa Corporate Visa Card will also benefit from access to other Absa Bank services such as asset finance, guarantees, and invoice discounting, enhancing their overall business management capabilities.
Muthui emphasized that the launch of the Absa Corporate Visa Card underscored Absa Bank Kenya’s commitment to innovation and excellence in serving its clients. He mentioned that by leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, Absa continued to deliver solutions that met the evolving needs of businesses in Kenya and beyond.
