UBA breaks new ground with Google Pay for Visa and Mastercard users

Africa’s global bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has set new standards in digital banking by being the first to enable Google Pay for eligible Visa and Mastercard users, reinforcing its commitment to providing innovative, secure and convenient payment solutions.

Thanks to this development, eligible customers can now make fast and convenient digital payments using compatible devices, further enhancing their banking experience and expanding access to modern payment technologies.

Google Pay, which launches in Nigeria on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, is a digital payment service that allows eligible users to make contactless payments at supported payment terminals using compatible devices.

The service offers customers greater flexibility, allowing them to pay for in-store purchases with their compatible phones without carrying physical cards, and allows for both local and international transactions

The head of the Cards Directorate at UBA, Orry Seem, underlined the importance of making banking and everyday payments easier for customers.

“Our customers live busy lives and how they pay should make their lives easier. For many of them, their phone is the first thing they pick up, so it makes sense that it becomes their wallet too,” he said.

He added: “Being the first bank in the country to be Google Pay-enabled reflects our commitment to enabling customers to transact locally and internationally, wherever Google Pay is accepted. At UBA, putting the customer first means bringing home the best of global innovation.”

The introduction of Google Pay complements the Bank’s existing digital banking services, including payment cards, mobile banking app, internet banking platform and LEO, its AI-powered virtual banking assistant, with further innovations to come as UBA continues to expand its digital offering for customers.

UBA Group Head of Brands, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, said the move reflects the Bank’s broader ambition to drive the adoption of innovative digital payment solutions and deliver greater value to customers.

“Digital payments in Nigeria are growing rapidly and customers expect more ways to pay. Making Google Pay available to our Visa and Mastercard cardholders gives them a quick and easy option for everyday purchases, supported by the security of their UBA cards,” Ladipo said.

He noted that the early adoption of global payment platforms offers customers greater choice, while strengthening UBA’s position as a leader in digital banking in its markets.

“We will continue to work with global payment and technology partners so that UBA customers are the first to enjoy new ways of banking and payments,” he added.

UBA’s Google Pay integration further demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to providing accessible, secure and convenient banking experiences through technology.