PalmPay Unveils New Debit Card with Verve to Boost Financial Inclusion

Emma Okonji

PalmPay, one of Africa’s fastest-growing fintech platforms, has officially launched its new PalmPay debit card in partnership with Verve, Africa’s domestic card scheme.  

The partnership reflects PalmPay and Verve’s shared commitment to driving financial inclusion by expanding access and delivering greater value across the digital payments ecosystem.

With over 35 million users and a network of 1.1 million agents and merchants across Nigeria, PalmPay is building one of the continent’s most dynamic fintech ecosystems. The launch of its debit card represents a key milestone in PalmPay’s transformation from a mobile wallet and agent network into a comprehensive digital financial services provider – offering integrated solutions for payments, savings, credit, insurance, and now, card access.

The PalmPay debit card is seamlessly integrated with the PalmPay wallet,

combining the convenience of a traditional bank card with the speed and flexibility of a digital platform, and access to PalmPay’s unique financial ecosystem.

The PalmPay debit card was launched in Lagos during the Tech Unite Africa forum, which brought together, tech experts to discuss new trends in Generative AI Blockchain Technology and Decentralised Financing (DeFi).

Speaking at the launch, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria, Chika

Nwosu, said: “PalmPay is dedicated to using technology to broaden financial access. This collaboration enables us to offer secure, widely accepted payment cards integrated with the full power of PalmPay’s ecosystem. Together, we’re reshaping how Nigerians experience digital finance.”

According to him, “Our mission is clear, to define digital banking in Nigeria and across emerging markets. Not just with apps and features, but also with trust, reliability and the desire to help individuals and businesses thrive. From zero-fee transfers and high-yield savings to instant credit, insurance, and now

cards, PalmPay is building the financial infrastructure of the future – redefining digital banking to be more personalised, comprehensive and accessible to everyone.”   

Managing Director of Verve International, Vincent Ogbunude, said: “We are proud to partner with PalmPay on this important milestone. Our alliance with PalmPay reflects our shared mission of accelerating financial inclusion and delivering payment innovation that meets the needs of African consumers.”

Key features of the debit card include: Zero maintenance fees; Easy in-app application and nationwide delivery; Exclusive cashback and merchant rewards; Full wallet integration, including access to high-yield savings (up to 16 per cent

APR, paid daily); and Seamless offline and online payments across the Verve network.

The card is accepted at all major payment terminals within Nigeria, offering both debit and contactless options. 

Benefits of the card include: A dedicated PalmPay Premium Card; Priority customer support; Higher transaction cashbacks and savings interest rates; and Exclusive merchant rewards and advanced financial tools.

The premium service reinforces PalmPay’s commitment to empower users at every stage of their financial journey – from first-time account holders to high- earning professionals seeking more from their financial tools.