Fintech partners Access Bank on WhatsApp-powered card

Mama Money Financial Services, a fintech specialising in cost-effective money transfers, has launched a new bank card that enables cardholders to manage their account and money through a custom-made WhatsApp solution.

In collaboration with Access Bank and Pick n Pay, the Mama Money Card aims to overcome the challenges faced by millions in the country where there are barriers to conventional banking services.

The firm explained in a statement on Tuesday that using WhatsApp, a Mama Money Card customer can easily manage their account.

It added that this includes buying airtime or electricity, depositing cash, checking account balances, and instantly freezing the card if it has been lost or stolen.

“Customers can also shop online or swipe in stores to buy goods, withdraw money from any ATM, and send money to over 70 countries worldwide using their Mama Money Card.”

The co-Founder of Mama Money, Mathieu Coquillon, stated, “The Mama Money Card is making it much easier for underserved communities to get their own bank service where all they need is proof of identity, such as a passport.

“Asylum document or South African ID to register for Mama Money on their phone. We’ve always sought ways to make financial services more accessible and tailored to the needs of our unique customer base.

“We’ve seen a big demand from employers who previously paid their staff in cash or via e-wallet or had issues with employees sharing bank account details. Each Mama Money Card comes with a unique account number that makes it simple to pay salaries and gives cardholders full control of their money,” added Coquillon.

The Mama Money Card offers more than just a banking service. “It provides security, supports employment, and promotes secure savings, improving the livelihoods of our customers,” Coquillon noted.

The Executive Head of Value-Added Services, Financial Services, and Mobile at Pick n Pay, Deven Moodley, stated, ““The Mama Money Card has big potential to reach South Africa’s unbanked population. With convenient access through WhatsApp, it removes barriers like physical bank branches or ATMs that often limit banking options.

“Given South Africa’s high cell phone and WhatsApp usage, this service is making essential banking and payment functions more accessible.

“Pick n Pay is proud to support this innovative, tailored solution through our extensive store network, bringing financial inclusion one step closer to everyone—something we have always promoted.”