CITIZENS COMPASS—In a bold and unprecedented move, Smartcash Payment Service Bank (Smartcash PSB), a subsidiary of Airtel Nigeria, has announced Zero-Charges, a total removal of transaction fees across all interbank transfers, bill payments, and SMS notifications.
The Zer0-Charges innovation from Smartcash is designed to break down financial barriers and reduce costs for millions of Nigerians. It aims to drive the adoption of digital banking services, creating a more inclusive and affordable financial ecosystem that benefits both existing customers and new users, including those without a bank account.
At the unveiling of the service, Tunde Kuponiyi, CEO of Smartcash PSB, emphasized that the innovation will ease financial pressure on households and small businesses while accelerating broader financial inclusion across Nigeria.
He said, “This is more than just a pricing adjustment; it is a revolution in how Nigerians experience digital banking. By removing fees across transfers, bill payments, and even SMS alerts, we are putting the customers at the center of financial innovation and inclusiveness. This initiative not only reduces costs for families and businesses but also opens the door for millions of unbanked Nigerians to confidently embrace digital finance without the fear of hidden charges.”
Kuponiyi further reiterated how millions of Nigerians depend on mobile and digital platforms for their daily transactions, and with the removal of fees, Smartcash PSB is set to reinforce its position as a truly customer-first organization, one that prioritizes affordability and drives financial inclusion and accessibility, while aligning with Airtel’s broader commitment to transforming lives through innovation and connectivity.
The Smartcash Zero-Charges model is designed to foster a more inclusive financial ecosystem. It is expected to set a benchmark in Nigeria’s financial services industry, with a potential to reshape customer expectations and industry standards.
“At Smartcash, we believe technology and financial services should empower, not limit. The launch of Zero-Charges underscores our commitment to enabling a more inclusive, accessible, and affordable financial ecosystem for Nigerians. This is about more than convenience; it’s about empowerment, giving every customer, from urban centers to rural communities, the opportunity to transact seamlessly without worrying about cost,” Kuponiyi added.
By removing charges, Smartcash is demonstrating its commitment to trust, transparency, and customer-first innovation.
