In a move set to redefine Nigeria’s digital banking landscape, Smartcash Payment Service Bank (Smartcash PSB), a subsidiary of Airtel Nigeria, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative tagged “Zero-Charges”, eliminating all transaction fees on interbank transfers, bill payments, and SMS alerts across its platforms.
The innovation, launched at an event in Lagos, is aimed at deepening financial inclusion and making digital banking more affordable and accessible to millions of Nigerians, particularly those without traditional bank accounts.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Tunde Kuponiyi, Chief Executive Officer of Smartcash PSB, described the initiative as “a revolution in how Nigerians experience digital banking.”
“This is more than just a pricing adjustment; it is a revolution in how Nigerians experience digital banking,” Kuponiyi said.
“By removing fees across transfers, bill payments, and SMS alerts, we are putting customers at the centre of financial innovation and inclusiveness.”
He added that the move would ease financial pressures on households and small businesses while empowering millions of unbanked Nigerians to embrace digital finance confidently, without fear of hidden charges.
In a statement signed by Director of Corporate Communications and CSR at Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Femi Adeniran, the company reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and customer-first innovation, noting that the Zero-Charges model reflects Smartcash’s long-term vision of promoting financial freedom through technology
Kuponiyi emphasized that the initiative aligns with Airtel’s broader mission to “transform lives through innovation and connectivity,” stressing that the removal of transaction costs will enhance affordability and financial empowerment across both urban and rural communities.
“At Smartcash, we believe technology and financial services should empower, not limit,” he said.
“The launch of Zero-Charges underscores our commitment to enabling a more inclusive, accessible, and affordable financial ecosystem for Nigerians.”
Industry analysts have hailed the Zero-Charges initiative as a potential game-changer in Nigeria’s financial services sector, predicting it could set a new benchmark for cost transparency and reshape customer expectations in the increasingly competitive fintech and mobile banking landscape.