Coopbank, Visa Bring three New Card Services to Customers After Staff Testing Phase

#EBR_News Mar 21, 2026

Cooperative Bank of Oromia and Visa have officially launched three new card services alongside a high-capacity card personalization machine, marking the bank's transition from internal testing to full customer delivery of digital payment products.

The launch introduces Visa classic debit cards (available in both standard and interest-free Alhuda versions), Visa classic prepaid cards designed for travelers, and Visa platinum prepaid cards for premium customers. The bank also unveiled a card personalization machine capable of printing 2,000 cards per hour, with additional modules planned to increase capacity and satellite machines in various locations able to print urgent cards within five minutes.

"What makes this campaign unique is that, until now, our partnership with Coopbank had not yet delivered these Visa card products to customers. They had been prepared and tested internally by staff, but today marks the moment they become available to the public. Starting now, customers can finally access and use them." said Yared Endale, Cluster Head for Eastern Africa at Visa.

As part of the launch, Coopbank simultaneously unveiled the "Journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026" campaign, offering customers the chance to win tickets to the tournament in North America. Two lucky customers will each receive a full package that includes round-trip air tickets, hotel accommodations, meals, and game tickets.

Each winner will also have the opportunity to bring one companion, meaning a total of four people will travel to the World Cup, two winners and two guests, making the experience not only personal but shared.

"Through this partnership with Coopbank, we are taking something global the FIFA World Cup and making it locally relevant and accessible," said Yared

"By simply using their Visa cards for everyday transactions, customers have the chance to be part of one of the world's most iconic sporting moments. It's a powerful reminder that digital payments are not abstract technologies, they are enablers of real experiences."

CEO Derbe Asfaw detailed the card infrastructure now in place, noting the personalization machine located in the capital can not only print Coopbank's cards but also serve other banks.

''It is worth noting that our bank has successfully obtained international certifications in a short period of time. Our card printing machines meet global standards, enhancing our capacity to deliver quality services. These achievements include certification under the International Payment Security Standard PCI DSS Volume 4.0.1 and the Customer Information Security Standard ISO 27001."

The Visa classic debit card connects directly to customer accounts for daily payments at POS machines, ATM deposits and withdrawals, and access to other banks' ATM networks. The Visa classic prepaid card enables travelers to use multiple currencies without carrying cash, while the platinum prepaid option offers VIP customers similar functionality for international ATM and POS transactions.

"Our support for sport is also global and local," Yared added, noting Visa's long history with major tournaments including the Africa Cup of Nations. "By supporting these platforms, we're able to engage fans in ways that feel relevant, authentic, and meaningful across the continent."

The promotional campaign runs from March 21 to April 17, 2026, with qualifying transactions including domestic POS and e-commerce payments, international online payments, premium international transactions, and contactless payments across all categories.

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