NIGERIA – Nigeria-based fintech startup has partnered with American financial services to provide customers with Visa Cards for enhanced flexibility when making payments.

Under the strategic collaboration with Visa, Sparkle customers will be able to make in-app payments with the embedded Visa virtual card.

They will also be able to make e-commerce payments with the virtual card or with Visa-branded companion plastic cards attached to their Sparkle profile.

Sparkle customers will also benefit from a range of other digital payments initiatives from Visa which include scanning the interoperable EMVCo Quick Response (QR) code or just entering an Alias such as phone number or merchant till number to pay for goods at merchant outlets.

They will also be able to receive cross-border remittances from family and friends who are Visa cardholders into their Sparkle account.

The fintech startup which is the creation of former Diamond Bank chief executive officer (CEO) and tech entrepreneur Uzoma Dozie was launched in June this year with the aim of providing seamless solutions to Nigerian individuals, SMEs and retailers.

It was later granted a banking license by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), allowing it to offer comprehensive support for individuals, including flexible payments, savings and analytics.

Its mobile app gives customers full and free access to one account that offers multiple services and different wallets.

“We are excited to work with Visa as we strive to re-define e-commerce by removing barriers to business using technology and data. Working with a global partner like Visa allows us to deliver a bespoke and personalised service for our customers by tapping into large networks so they can fulfill their full potential.”

Uzoma Dozie- Founder Sparkle

The partnership between Visa and Sparkle follows a similar partnership forged between the American financial services giant and Paga, a Nigeria- based fintech startup has enables users transfer money, pay-bills and make online purchases.

Visa facilitates electronic funds transfers throughout the world and is the world’s second-largest card payment organization (debit and credit cards combined).

Its global reach and diverse payment option make it an attractive payment solutions partner for fintech startups seeking to scale up their operations and product offerings.

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