NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya Airways, Absa Bank Kenya and Visa have launched a new premium co-branded credit card that allows customers to turn everyday spending into airline rewards and travel benefits.
The Asante Global Card, available to eligible customers from Tuesday, brings together Kenya’s national carrier, one of the country’s leading banks and a global payments network in what the partners describe as the first arrangement of its kind in Kenya.
The card targets frequent travellers and premium banking customers, allowing cardholders to earn Asante Rewards Points when they make purchases using the card.
The partnership is designed to connect routine consumer spending — from groceries and fuel to dining and international purchases — with travel rewards.
Visa provides the payments infrastructure and international acceptance, while Kenya Airways and Absa are responsible for the airline rewards and banking elements of the product.
Two card variants
The Asante Global Card will be available in Signature and Platinum variants, with different welcome rewards for new cardholders.
Signature cardholders will receive 10,000 Asante Rewards Points as a welcome bonus, while Platinum cardholders will receive 5,000 points.
Customers will be able to accumulate points through eligible purchases made using their cards, creating a rewards pathway from everyday spending to future travel.
The product is aimed particularly at customers who spend regularly on travel, dining, fuel, shopping and other categories where card payments can generate rewards.
Travel benefits beyond flights
The card’s benefits extend beyond the accumulation of airline points.
Cardholders will have access to airport lounges, travel and medical insurance, additional baggage allowance and SkyPriority services.
The package also includes discounts and invitations to selected shopping, dining and lifestyle experiences.
These benefits include access to activities such as golf tournaments and wine tastings, adding a lifestyle component to the travel-focused product.
The partners say the combination is intended to give premium customers benefits throughout their journey rather than only when they purchase a flight.
Kenya Airways expands customer rewards
Kenya Airways said the new card forms part of its strategy to make travel more rewarding for its customers while creating additional ways for travellers to accumulate benefits.
Julius Thairu, Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, said the airline was seeking to connect travel rewards with customers’ everyday spending.
“We are constantly designing solutions that make travel more rewarding and accessible for our customers. This co-branded card is a natural extension of that commitment, allowing customers to earn travel rewards through their everyday spending,” Thairu said.
The airline’s involvement also strengthens the connection between its Asante Rewards programme and consumer banking, potentially allowing frequent travellers to accumulate points without relying solely on air travel.
Absa targets premium customers
For Absa Bank Kenya, the card forms part of its broader effort to provide financial products linked to customers’ lifestyles and aspirations.
Moses Muthui, Absa Bank Kenya’s Consumer Banking Director, said partnerships were important in developing products designed around customers’ individual needs.
“Every customer has a unique journey, and personal aspirations that extend beyond borders,” Muthui said.
He said partnerships such as the new card were intended to help customers access opportunities and experiences while connecting them to destinations around the world.
Visa provides global payment network
Visa’s role in the partnership is to provide the payments infrastructure supporting the card and its use across international markets.
The global acceptance of Visa cards means customers can use the product for purchases beyond Kenya while continuing to earn eligible rewards.
For the three partners, the arrangement combines banking, airline loyalty and global payments in a single consumer product.
The launch also reflects the growing competition among financial institutions and airlines to build loyalty programmes around everyday consumer spending rather than relying exclusively on traditional travel purchases.
