ProvidusUnity Bank Pioneers Mastercard Payments on Google Pay, Builds on 2021 Tokenisation Milestone

ProvidusUnity Bank has launched support for Mastercard payments on Google Pay, expanding its digital payment options for eligible customers. This move enhances the Bank’s commitment to secure, convenient digital transactions and follows its early investment in tokenisation technology in 2021.

In 2021, ProvidusBank partnered with Mastercard and Thales to introduce Mastercard Digital Enablement Service (MDES) tokenisation in Nigeria. The following year, the Bank advanced this initiative through a Tap-to-Pay program with Mastercard, Interswitch and Thales. Now, Google Pay marks the next phase of this evolution. Eligible ProvidusUnity Bank Mastercard cardholders can add their cards to Google Pay and utilize compatible devices at contactless terminals and participating online merchants, depending on device, market, and merchant availability.

Tokenisation substitutes sensitive card information with a distinct digital token, minimizing exposure to underlying card details. On supported platforms, this method streamlines checkout by allowing customers to pay using digital wallets without repeatedly inputting full card information.

Deoye Ojuroye, ProvidusUnity Bank’s Executive Director/CFO, emphasized the significance of the new addition, stating that it reflects the Bank’s continuous investment in payment infrastructure. He highlighted the Bank’s long-term approach to digital finance by prioritizing secure transactions and scalable capabilities to meet changing payment behaviors.

Elliott Sangoleye, Divisional Head of Digital Bank at ProvidusUnity Bank, noted that the capability aligns with customers’ expectations for seamless digital payments. He explained that enabling eligible Mastercard holders to use Google Pay adds convenience to online and contactless transactions while reducing exposure to sensitive card details through tokenisation. This step enhances digital banking by making it more intuitive and responsive to customer needs.

The Bank’s merchant payment gateway also supports tokenisation, laying the groundwork for supported digital wallet payments as necessary integrations become available. Additionally, its contactless-enabled point-of-sale (POS) terminals accommodate eligible physical cards, compatible mobile wallets, and payment-enabled wearables.

Lanre Ogundare, Group Head of Card Business and Solutions at ProvidusUnity Bank, underscored the Bank’s commitment to anticipating market demands and translating technology into practical value. He explained that the Bank’s tokenisation journey began in 2021, recognizing the growing importance of digital wallets, mobile payments, and payment-enabled devices.

By investing early in infrastructure and partnerships, ProvidusUnity Bank aimed to support the technological evolution. By integrating Google Pay, the Bank further connects payment capabilities across the ecosystem, benefiting customers and businesses while ensuring secure, convenient transactions.

ProvidusUnity Bank continues to develop an integrated payments ecosystem tailored to evolving customer expectations, supporting businesses and advancing secure digital payments.