Innovation

Enabling Financial Inclusion Through Innovative Credit Solutions

10/21/2024

Atinuke Onanuga

Allawee Credit Cards

Bridging the gap between people and access to financial services has always been at the core of our mission. We are focused on breaking barriers that limit access to financial products like bank accounts, credit, and savings—especially for underserved communities such as low-income individuals, rural populations, and niche sectors

In an exciting new development as a Fintech company, we have forged sustainable partnerships with Providus Bank, Mastercard, and Remita, and have launched the first non-bank credit card designed specifically in its initial stage for Federal Civil Servants and NYSC Corpers. This product aims to offer accessible, flexible, and user-friendly credit solutions, empowering Nigerian workers to better manage their finances, improve their creditworthiness, and enjoy seamless digital payments.

Aligning with Nigeria’s Consumer Credit Scheme

The launch comes at a pivotal time, aligning with the Nigerian government’s renewed focus on consumer credit access and the ambitious goals set by the Consumer Credit Scheme, which seeks to expand credit access to 50% of Nigeria’s workforce by 2030. As part of this initiative, CREDICORP, a government body, aims to break down structural, market, and policy barriers that prevent Nigerians from accessing credit, which is key to fostering long-term financial stability. The Allawee Credit Card plays a crucial role in furthering this mission by providing a practical solution tailored to the needs of federal employees and NYSC members.

What is the Allawee Credit Card?

At the heart of this credit card launch is Allawee’s dedication to financial inclusion, offering federal civil servants and NYSC Corpers access to a non-bank credit facility that brings long-term benefits, including:

1. Instant Access to Credit

Nigerians often face challenges in accessing traditional forms of credit. The Allawee Credit Card removes these barriers by offering instant credit to cardholders, allowing them to manage daily expenses, handle emergencies, and plan for the future.

2. Building Creditworthiness

For many Nigerians, building a strong credit profile has been a challenge due to the lack of reliable systems that report to credit bureaus. The Allawee Credit Card changes this by enabling users to build their credit profiles. Every transaction made with the card is reported to major credit bureaus, allowing users to improve their FICO credit scores over time, opening doors to larger loans and better financial opportunities.

3. Rewards and Incentives

Beyond credit access, the Allawee Credit Card is packed with perks. Cardholders can earn rewards for everyday transactions, including:

  • Cashback on purchases
  • Discounts at participating merchants
  • Exclusive deals across various sectors

This ensures that every transaction provides value, making financial management more rewarding.

4. Secure and Seamless Digital Transactions

In today’s rapidly digitizing world, secure and reliable payment solutions are essential. The Allawee Credit Card is built on Mastercard’s global network, ensuring secure, seamless, and frictionless transactions both locally and internationally.

Who Are Our Current Partners?

Allawee Credit Card Partners

(L-R: Lanre Ogundare - Head of Card Business at Providus Bank, Tolulope Adeyinka - Mastercard Fintech Business Head for West Africa, Ikenna Enenwali - Co-founder & CEO Allawee, Olalekan Aderonmu - Manager Card Business at Providus Bank, Chijoke Dozie - Co-founder & CEO at Carbon)

This product wouldn’t have been possible without the strategic collaboration between some of Nigeria’s and the world’s most prominent financial players:

Providus Bank

As the issuing bank, Providus Bank has played a key role in ensuring the security and efficiency of the Allawee Credit Card. The bank’s experience in managing credit products made it the ideal partner for Allawee in introducing this innovative non-bank credit card to the Nigerian market.

Mastercard

Mastercard’s global expertise in digital payments has been invaluable in ensuring the Allawee Credit Card meets international standards for security, ease of use, and financial accessibility. The Allawee Card can be used on all platforms that accept Mastercard and fits perfectly with our mission of connecting more people to the global digital economy, ensuring secure transactions.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Allawee on this innovative credit solution, which aligns perfectly with Mastercard’s commitment to bring one billion people into the digital economy by 2025. The Allawee Credit Card provides instant access to credit while also empowering civil servants and NYSC members in Nigeria to build their creditworthiness, further advancing financial inclusion across the country,” said Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager and Area Business Head for West Africa at Mastercard.

Remita

As the chosen payment processor for the Allawee Credit Card, Remita ensures real-time transaction processing, simplifying how federal civil servants manage their expenses and boosting efficiency for cardholders.

How to Apply for the Allawee Credit Card

1. Download the Allawee App:

Available on iOS and Android platforms via the App Store or Google Play.

2. Complete Registration:

The sign-up process takes just minutes, with no document uploads required. Applicants only need their Identity Verification Number and permission to access transactional banking details.

3. Instant Approval:

Once registered, applicants receive approval within minutes of completing their application.

4. Receive Your Card:

Users are issued an instant virtual card that can be used for online purchases immediately. The physical card is mailed to the user or can be picked up at partner locations.

This process ensures that cardholders can start benefiting from their Allawee Credit Card right away, with full control over their finances through the Allawee mobile app, where they can:

  • Monitor balances
  • Reload credit
  • Manage payments

Looking Ahead: A Stepping Stone for Financial Inclusion

Allawee Credit Card Partners

Ikenna Enenwali - Co-founder & CEO Allawee (middle) and Other Team members at Allawee

The Allawee Credit Card is more than just a financial tool for today—it is a stepping stone toward a brighter financial future for millions of Nigerians. By offering flexible credit options, rewarding transactions, and helping users build strong credit histories, Allawee is playing a vital role in reshaping the financial landscape of Nigeria.

Our target for the first year is to issue 5,000 credit cards. This aligns with our phased roll-out strategy, starting with Federal Civil Servants and NYSC Corpers. We believe that through strategic partnerships and a user-friendly application process, we can achieve this milestone while fostering financial inclusion and helping more Nigerians build their creditworthiness.

The initial success of this target will serve as a foundation for expanding to other sectors, ensuring a broader reach and impact.

As the card continues to roll out in phases, the Allawee team remains dedicated to its core mission of empowering individuals and underserved communities with financial tools that enhance well-being, stability, and economic growth.

Bank accounts are provided by Providus Bank PLC - licensed and regulated by the CBN & money is duly insured by NDIC.
Debit cards are issued by Providus Bank PLC pursuant to license from Verve & Mastercard International.
Credit lines are provided under state Money Lenders License.
Allawee is not a bank but provides a spend management technology platform.