UBA Mastercard prepaid card offers secure, flexible payments for unbanked Nigerians, gig workers, and youth to promote financial inclusion
UBA Mastercard prepaid card is the latest innovation from United Bank for Africa Plc and Mastercard, designed to promote financial inclusion by offering secure, flexible, and accessible digital payment options to underserved Nigerians.
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Launched Tuesday, the prepaid card does not require a traditional bank account and is aimed at young adults, freelancers, gig workers, and low-income earners — groups often excluded from formal financial systems.

With over 28.9 million Nigerian adults still unbanked, UBA says the product directly addresses a critical gap in the country’s financial ecosystem.
“This collaboration with Mastercard is yet another demonstration of our customer-first approach,” said Shamsideen Fashola, Group Head, Retail & Digital Banking at UBA.

“We are committed to providing practical solutions that meet the everyday needs of Nigerians.”
Users of the UBA Mastercard prepaid card can:
- Top up and reload funds easily
- Transact both locally and globally
- Use it as a budgeting and spending tool
- Enjoy enhanced security backed by Mastercard’s global network
The card also serves as a flexible expense solution for freelancers and a secure allowance tool for parents or employers managing stipends.
Dr. Folasade Femi-Lawal, Mastercard’s Country Manager for West Africa, emphasized the card’s broader goal:
“Together, we are empowering Nigerians with the tools they need to confidently participate in the global economy and shape a more inclusive digital future.”
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This product aligns with UBA’s broader digital strategy and Mastercard’s mission to drive financial equity, offering Nigerians across all income levels a dependable, bank-grade payment experience — without the barrier of needing a bank account.







