Absa has become the first bank to issue new-look vertical cards to student customers. As the academic year commences, students who bank with Absa will become the first to enjoy the benefits of the game-changing vertical card. 

From February 2019, the new card is being rolled-out to our future-forward and tech-savvy student debit and credit card customers, who have already shown appetite for the early adoption of these cards. 

The new vertical card design offers more than improved aesthetics, it is the culmination of practicality and functionality, optimizing the digital and physical card experience simultaneously. According to Cowyk Fox, Managing Executive: Everyday Banking, Retail and Business Bank SA at Absa, the new card is a direct response to the ever-evolving needs of customers.

“Think about how you use your card when you make purchases; when you hand over your card to a cashier, tap it to make Contactless payments or dip it into a point-of-sale machine, you’re likely holding it on the short end, vertically”.

“Having the agility to remain relevant to the changing needs of our customers is crucial. To this end, the nature of card usage has changed exponentially, from the way that we interact with websites, apps and phones, to shopping on-the-go. Simply stated, customers expect products and tools that make sense to them - the vertical bank card design is a prime example.

It symbolizes our commitment as Absa to design intuitive, innovative products that reflect the way our customers bank,” he added. 

Another small but impactful addition is the fact that Absa debit and credit cards are now easily differentiated by a practical new coloured indicator tab that sticks out whether the card is in a wallet or purse or dipped into a point-of-sale device – white for debit card and red for credit card.

Absa’s card continuum – a work of art in your wallet

The rollout of the vertical card is part of the bank’s wider effort to reinvigorate its Card bouquet, offering customers great functionality in an appealing package, across the entire card continuum. Unlike traditional card designs which simply use colour, Absa took the route of designing cards that have both context and meaning to our customers.

The imagery on the Absa student credit and debit card is inspired by the aerial view of a modern, electric urban street and buildings after-dark – the big city, full of possibility. It is a scene many of our students are introduced to when commencing with tertiary studies in busy cities throughout South Africa.

“Part of our strategic outlook places our customers and their needs, first and foremost. We’ve matched functionality with equally compelling designs, in fact, the cards are a work of art in your wallet,” explained Fox. 

Absa’s new range of business and corporate card designs represent our organisational direction of being customer-centric; designing and producing products that aim to help customers achieve their goals. 

The new, South African first, vertical Absa Student Credit Card is available in all branches.