United Bank for Africa (UBA) is expanding its digital payment services with Google Pay, giving eligible Visa and Mastercard holders a new way to pay for purchases using compatible mobile devices.
The bank announced the integration ahead of Google Pay’s launch in Nigeria on October 27, 2026. The move is intended to make everyday transactions more convenient by allowing customers to pay at supported contactless terminals without presenting a physical bank card.
According to UBA, the service will support local and international transactions wherever Google Pay is accepted, subject to eligibility and merchant support.
How UBA customers can use Google Pay
Google Pay is a digital payment service that enables users to make contactless payments with compatible devices at supported payment terminals.
For eligible UBA cardholders, the integration adds another payment option alongside the bank’s existing cards and digital banking platforms. Customers can use compatible phones to pay for in-store purchases rather than carrying their physical cards.
UBA’s Directorate Head of Cards, Orry Seem, said the service reflects the bank’s focus on making payments simpler for customers who increasingly rely on their phones for everyday activities.
She added that the integration would allow customers to transact locally and internationally at locations where Google Pay is accepted.
UBA expands its digital banking services
The Google Pay integration builds on UBA’s existing digital offerings, which include its mobile banking application, internet banking, payment cards and LEO, its AI-powered virtual banking assistant.
Alero Ladipo, UBA’s Group Head of Brands, Marketing and Corporate Communications, said the bank was responding to growing demand for more convenient digital payment options.
She noted that giving Visa and Mastercard users access to Google Pay would provide another way to make everyday purchases, supported by their UBA cards.
The bank also said it plans to continue working with global technology and payment companies to introduce additional digital banking services.
What the development means for customers
The integration gives eligible UBA cardholders another way to pay for in-store purchases without relying on a physical card. However, access depends on card eligibility, compatible devices, and payment terminals that support Google Pay.
UBA described the launch as part of its broader effort to expand technology-driven banking services across its markets.
The bank serves more than 45 million customers globally and operates in 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, United States, France and the United Arab Emirates. It provides retail, commercial, and institutional banking services across these markets.
Source: Techpoint Africa