It has been an entire year since Airtel Kenya launched the Airtel Money VISA card – their own debit card that allows easy access to funds 24 hours a day and allows one to make transactions at points-of-sale and ATM money access options.
The Airtel Money VISA card was born as a result of a partnership between Airtel Kenya and Chase Bank Kenya and serves to link a user’s Airtel Money account to a VISA card that’s secured with a PIN code (just like a normal ATM card). This card allows a user to withdraw money from the over 2 million VISA and Kenswitch ATMs worldwide.
The charges will differ at various ATMs as follows:
- Chase Bank ATMS: KEs 30
- Kenswitch ATM’s: KES 50
- Other VISA ATM’s: KES 100
To withdraw cash at a VISA or Kenswitch ATM, one needs to do the following:
- Customer goes to a VISA accepted ATM
- Customer inserts the AM Debit card and enter their Airtel Money PIN> select withdrawal from Savings Account> Enter Amount to withdraw >Confirm
- The ATM will validate authenticity of the request and if successful dispense funds requested. Customers Airtel Money Account will be debited with equivalent amount disbursed by the ATM
- Customer will get a confirmation SMS from Airtel Money confirming the transaction.
The card also enables users to pay for goods at any VISA enabled outlet worldwide meaning it can be used in most supermarkets, petrol stations and restaurants both locally and internationally.
The Airtel Money VISA card is FREE as long as one is registered for Airtel Money and can be obtained by filling a form at any Chase Bank branch or Airtel Money outlet, and attaching a copy of one’s ID card or passport.
Alternatively, you can order for the Airtel VISA Card from your Airtel line via USSD by dialing *222*3#.
Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi notes that mobile technology is the single most significant driver of financial inclusion, and improving access to financial services is a critical building block to help more people improve their lives. The Airtel Money VISA card is convenient and offers an efficient payment mode to Airtel customers both in Kenya (especially important for the unbanked population) as well as those abroad.
This rides on yet another advantage that Airtel Money has in that is offers FREE cross-network money transfer meaning you can send money to M-PESA users at no cost.
You can also pay for your utilities e.g. electricity, water, and cable TV such as DSTV.
