Visa, Naivas Launch Co-Branded Loyalty Card in Kenya

Visa is partnering with Naivas Supermarket, a leading retailer in Kenya, to launch a co-branded loyalty card. Visa says this is the first initiative of its kind in the region, aimed at revolutionizing both the shopping and payment experiences for customers. Announced yesterday, this collaboration combines Visa’s global digital payment capabilities with Naivas’ customer-focused loyalty program, setting a new standard in the retail industry.

The new loyalty card merges the strengths of both entities, providing a seamless integration of Visa’s robust digital payment systems with the customer-centric rewards program of Naivas.

Key Features of the Naivas-Visa Co-Branded Loyalty Card

The co-branded loyalty card, dubbed the “Reward Card,” is designed to enrich the shopping experience at Naivas Supermarkets by offering a range of benefits that extend beyond simple transactions. Cardholders will be entitled to accrue loyalty points with every purchase made at Naivas Supermarkets and other participating partners. These points can be redeemed for future discounts and exclusive offers, adding a layer of value to every transaction. This reminds many of the Nakumatt Global Card.

“Our new Reward Card is our token of appreciation to our customers. It’s about saying ‘asante’ (thank you) for their loyalty and patronage,” said Andreas von Paleske, Chief of Strategy at Naivas. “With the added global reach that Visa offers, our customers can now enjoy these benefits not just locally but also worldwide.”

The card also introduces several modern payment conveniences, including:

• Installment Payments: Enabling customers to “Buy Now, Pay Later,” easing the burden of immediate payments.
• Contactless Payments: Offering a safer and quicker checkout process, which is essential in today’s health-conscious world.
• Global Acceptance: The Visa co-branded card will be accepted at countless locations around the globe, both in-store and online.
• Secure Transactions: Equipped with Visa’s latest security technologies to ensure peace of mind for all users.

Broader Implications for Kenya’s Economy

This strategic partnership is seen as a forward leap in fostering inclusive financial services in Kenya. Chad Pollock, Vice President and General Manager at Visa East Africa, emphasized the broader mission of the initiative. “By making digital payments more accessible, we are not only simplifying transactions but also helping to bridge the financial divide, paving the way for a more inclusive financial ecosystem in Kenya and beyond.”

The availability of the co-branded loyalty card across all Naivas outlets nationwide is poised for the coming months, promising a significant impact on how Kenyans engage with retail and digital finance.