I&M Bank introduces Mastercard World Elite Metal Card to Kenya’s premium banking segment
- Collaboration brings Mastercard's premium World Elite tier to Kenya's affluent and globally mobile clientele, with no minimum spend requirement
Nairobi, Kenya — July 3, 2026: I&M Bank Limited, a leading Tier 1 commercial bank in East Africa, has today announced the launch of the Mastercard World Elite Credit Card, marking a significant expansion of its premium card portfolio to date. The new card, developed in collaboration with Mastercard, positions I&M Bank as one of the newest issuers in the region to offer World Elite status on a metal card to the Bank’s high-value customer segment..
Joining the Bank's existing premium suite, the World Elite Metal card is the World Elite Metal Card is designed for clients seeking convenience, security, global acceptance, and access to exclusive lifestyle and travel benefits.
“Kenya's affluent professionals and global executives no longer measure prestige by what a card represents on paper, but by what it unlocks in the world,” said Kihara Maina, Regional Chief Executive Officer, I&M Bank. “The Mastercard World Elite Credit Card is our answer to that shift. It is engineered for those who travel often, entertain widely, and expect their bank to move at the same pace as their ambitions.”
Shehryar Ali, country manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands at Mastercard, said: “The Mastercard World Elite Credit Card represents the very pinnacle of our premium portfolio, and this collaboration with I&M Bank reflects the growing sophistication and global mobility of the clients we serve in Kenya. This is far more than a product launch. It is a commitment to connecting Kenya's most discerning consumers to their everyday passions, ensuring they have seamless, secure access to the same world-class privileges and priceless experiences available anywhere in the world.”
Cardholders will enjoy a range of premium travel and lifestyle benefits, including unlimited global airport lounge access for themselves and a guest, fast-track airport services at select locations, and access to a dedicated concierge for travel, dining, and lifestyle support.
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance provides added confidence when travelling, complemented by access to curated hotel partnerships and exclusive privileges that enhance each journey.
Beyond travel, cardholders can access curated experiences through Mastercard’s Priceless platform, including dining, sports, and cultural events, alongside offers from global partners across retail and hospitality.
The new World Elite Metal card also carries no minimum spend requirement, giving qualifying clients instant access to its full suite of benefits from day one.
The card is supported by advanced security features, including fraud monitoring, purchase protection, emergency services, and a dedicated support line for World Elite cardholders.
With no minimum spend requirement, eligible clients can access the full range of benefits from the outset.
With Kenya’s high-net-worth population having grown by 14% between 2015 and 2025, demand for premium financial solutions continues to rise alongside increasing global mobility. The growth of this segment is driving increased demand for financial products that combine seamless global acceptance with elevated lifestyle and travel benefits. The Mastercard World Elite Metal Card is designed to meet these evolving expectations.
ENDS
About I&M Group PLC
I&M Group has a long-standing presence in the Kenyan market with presence in banking, insurance and real estate. The Group offers a full range of banking and financial services covering corporate, business and personal banking, wealth management, bancassurance and advisory services with presence spanning across 5 countries in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and in Mauritius as Bank One.
I&M Group PLC is regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya, Capital Markets Authority of Kenya and the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
For more information visit www.imbankgroup.com
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
I&M Group Plc Media Contact:
Yvonne Nkirote
Senior Manager Communications & Corporate Affairs:
Email: [email protected]
Mastercard Communications Contact:
Kanyi Mwangi
Communications Director
Email: [email protected]