Flutterwave Launches Physical Naira Travel Card for Nigerians Returning from Diaspora
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Send App, the cross-border remittance service of Africa’s largest payments startup Flutterwave, has unveiled a physical Naira card for Nigerians returning home during the festive season. The Send App Travel Card, launched in partnership with business expense management company Odysy and Nigerian domestic card scheme AfriGO, aims to simplify spending for returning diaspora members.
“For years, we’ve helped Nigerians abroad support life at home through fast, reliable remittances,” said Harvey Bahia, Head of Send App Business at Flutterwave. “Now, for the first time, we’re giving them a physical way to spend with the same ease and control when they return.”
The initiative addresses challenges faced by Nigerians returning home in December, including limited cash access, unpredictable exchange rates, and issues with some foreign cards. According to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Nigerians living abroad spent at least ₦60 billion during their December homecoming visits in 2024 alone.
The Send App Travel Card allows users to access domestic ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, and contactless payment options. Users can fund the card with US, EU, or UK cards through the updated Send App platform and pre-order the card for delivery ahead of their arrival. Cards are typically available within 24 hours, with same-day delivery for Lagos and Abuja orders placed before 4 pm. Activation at an ATM is not required, and cards can be locked, frozen, or replaced via the app.
“Nigerians in the diaspora deserve a dependable way to spend locally, and together with AfriGO, we’ve built a product that works effortlessly across the country,” said Chinonso Nwosu, CEO of Odysy.
The launch follows Flutterwave’s multi-year partnership with blockchain company Polygon Labs, designed to enable instant and low-cost settlements across Africa.
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