Kenya Airways, Visa and Absa have introduced the Asante Global Card, a co-branded credit card built around the airline’s Asante Rewards programme and positioned as the first travel-lifestyle card of its kind on the continent.
The Asante Global Card is designed to turn everyday spending into travel and lifestyle rewards, rather than functioning as a standard points-on-a-statement product. It is built on a partnership structure in which Visa provides the payment network, Kenya Airways contributes its rewards programme and route network, and Absa serves as the issuing bank managing applications and account relationships.
The card comes in two tiers. The Asante Global Signature Card is aimed at premium travellers, offering a higher points-earning rate, airport lounge access, priority travel benefits and additional lifestyle privileges. The Asante Global Platinum Card is positioned for more regular travellers, offering points on everyday spend, access to travel-related benefits and bonus point structures, without the same premium overlay as the Signature tier.
Cardholders earn points, branded Asante Points, on both everyday purchases and Kenya Airways flight bookings, with the airline offering double points on its own flights. The card gives access to more than 100 destinations through Kenya Airways’ network and more than 50 partner offers across travel and lifestyle categories, according to the card’s promotional material. Visa’s global payment infrastructure extends acceptance to merchants in more than 200 countries, positioning the card for use beyond the domestic market.
The application process follows a four-step structure. Applicants apply online through Absa’s portal, receive approval and card activation, begin earning Asante Points on eligible transactions, and redeem accumulated points for flights, upgrades, baggage allowance or other travel-related rewards.
The card is being marketed as a Kenyan-born product designed for a more mobile, internationally engaged customer base, reflecting the growing travel footprint of Kenyan professionals and frequent flyers. Kenya Airways, Visa and Absa have described the launch as a new chapter in loyalty, one that ties rewards to broader spending and lifestyle patterns rather than air miles alone.
Further details on eligibility requirements, fees and the specific redemption value of Asante Points have not yet been published, with the three partners indicating that a dedicated FAQ and support channel will address applicant queries as the card rolls out.
Real ESG impact doesn’t happen in panels alone, it happens in the rooms where financiers, operators, and policymakers actually align. Our GreenShift Forum 2026 cuts the noise, bringing together the people rewiring Africa’s sustainability and energy frameworks for one focused day in Nairobi. Secure your seat.
Go to TECHTRENDSKE.co.ke for more tech and business news from the African continent and across the world.
Follow us on WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter, and Facebook, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any future updates. Send tips to editorial@techtrendsmedia.co.ke
