Absa Bank Kenya, in collaboration with Visa, has introduced the Visa Commercial Choice Programme, a new Corporate Card solution targeting travel agents affiliated with the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) for smarter payment solutions for business to business (B2B) transactions, working capital, efficiency, and better supplier management.
KATA members, over 300 travel agencies, will enjoy the ease of new development offers travel agents the convenience of payments in Kenyan Shillings or US Dollars, empowering them to manage cash flows efficiently and optimize working capital. Members can also automate booking processes and access better tools for managing data and reconciling tools, all with an intuitive, easy-to-use reporting feature.
According to Absa Bank Consumer Banking Director, Moses Muthui said: “This solution will help the travel agents win business without the stress of losing a booking when a payment fails or the burden of managing working capital of paying suppliers upfront. We have been speaking to our clients and professionals from different sectors to understand their specific needs and this new solution is just one among many others that we are rolling out for our customers in various disciplines.”
The deal will see Absa launch a revamped Absa Corporate Visa Card and the new Visa Commercial Pay Virtual Card Platform to allow businesses get more visibility and control over their employee-initiated expenses and payments.
Speaking about the partnership, Eva Ngigi-Sarwari, Visa Kenya Country Manager said:
“We are delighted to partner with Absa Bank Kenya and KATA on this offering for travel agents which signifies our shared commitment to innovation, convenience, and service excellence. By combining Visa’s global reach and advanced technology with Absa’s deep local market expertise, we are confident that this new payment solution will significantly enhance the way travel agents manage their transactions, providing them with a seamless, efficient and secure experience.”
On their part, Nicanor Sabula KATA CEO said “Other key features and benefits of the card include a virtual and physical card option where customers have the flexibility to choose between virtual and physical card formats, providing convenience and accessibility for different payment scenarios. It also comes with a Visa Commercial Pay, enabling seamless payments to travel suppliers such as airlines and hotels. This integration streamlines payment processes and supports automated reconciliation of transactions, reducing manual efforts and enhancing efficiency.
Customers using the Absa Corporate Visa Card will also gain access to other Absa Bank offerings, including asset finance solutions and transactional product solutions such as guarantees and invoice discounting, further enhancing their business management capabilities.
The launch of the Absa Corporate Visa Card underscores Absa Bank Kenya’s commitment to innovation and excellence in serving its clients. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, Absa continues to deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses in Kenya and beyond, Muthui added.