Flutterwave’s cross-border remittance platform, Send App, has introduced a new physical Naira card designed for Nigerians returning home from the diaspora during the festive season, as the payments giant moves to simplify local spending for international visitors.
The new product, called the Send App Travel Card, was launched in partnership with business expense management firm Odysy and Nigeria’s domestic card network AfriGO. It allows users to make seamless in-country transactions without relying on cash or foreign bank cards, which often face acceptance issues.
“For years, we’ve helped Nigerians abroad support life at home through fast, reliable remittances,” said Harvey Bahia, Head of Send App Business at Flutterwave. “Now, for the first time, we’re giving them a physical way to spend with the same ease and control when they return.”
The launch targets a recurring challenge faced by diaspora Nigerians who travel home in December and struggle with limited cash access, fluctuating exchange rates, and declining acceptance of international cards. According to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Nigerians living abroad spent at least ₦60 billion during their 2024 festive homecoming visits.
With the new travel card, users can access point-of-sale terminals, ATMs, and contactless payment options nationwide. Customers can fund the card through the Send App using US, UK, or EU-issued cards, and pre-order it for delivery before arriving in Nigeria.
Flutterwave says most card orders are processed within 24 hours, with same-day delivery available in Lagos and Abuja for requests made before 4 p.m. The card does not require ATM activation and can be locked, frozen, or replaced directly through the app.
“Nigerians in the diaspora deserve a dependable way to spend locally, and together with AfriGO, we’ve built a product that works effortlessly across the country,” said Chinonso Nwosu, CEO of Odysy.
The launch follows Flutterwave’s recent multi-year partnership with Polygon Labs, aimed at enabling faster and lower-cost blockchain-based settlements across Africa, signaling the company’s broader push to expand digital payment infrastructure on the continent.
AI Engineer (Applied Generative AI), Web Developer, Growth Systems Builder and tech writer with a great passion for building AI-powered workflows, websites, and digital growth systems.
