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United Bank for Africa says eligible Visa and Mastercard holders in Nigeria can now use Google Pay for contactless payments. The bank said customers can pay in-store with compatible mobile devices at supported terminals, with local and international use available where merchants accept it.
United Bank for Africa announced on October 29, 2026, that eligible Visa and Mastercard holders can now use Google Pay for contactless payments in Nigeria.
According to the bank, the service allows customers to make in-store payments with compatible mobile devices at supported contactless terminals instead of carrying physical cards.
UBA said the payment option supports both local and international transactions, subject to merchant availability and acceptance. That means use will depend on whether a store has a supported contactless terminal and accepts the payment method.
The bank also positioned Google Pay as an addition to its existing digital banking channels. It said the service complements its mobile banking app, internet banking platform and LEO virtual banking assistant.
The development adds another payment option for UBA customers who already rely on digital tools for everyday banking and purchases. It also extends contactless payment access to customers whose eligible cards can be linked for use through Google Pay on compatible devices.
Why it matters
The announcement is significant because it widens the ways UBA customers can pay for goods and services without using cash or presenting a physical bank card. Contactless payment options can make in-store checkout faster and more convenient where the required terminals are available.
It also reflects the continued expansion of digital payment channels within Nigeria’s banking sector. By linking card payments to mobile devices, banks can offer customers more flexibility across domestic and international merchant locations that support the service.
What it means for your money
For customers, the direct impact is mainly convenience rather than a confirmed change in costs. Eligible UBA Visa and Mastercard holders can use a compatible mobile device to pay at supported contactless terminals, but actual usage will still depend on merchant acceptance in Nigeria and abroad.
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What matters next is how widely supported contactless terminals and merchant acceptance are across stores where customers want to use the service. Customers will also be watching how easily eligible cards can be used through Google Pay on compatible devices for everyday transactions. Wider merchant support could determine how useful the option becomes in practice.
UBA has introduced Google Pay contactless payments for eligible Visa and Mastercard holders in Nigeria, giving customers another digital way to pay in-store with compatible devices. The service broadens payment choice, though its practical reach will depend on supported terminals and merchant acceptance.
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