I&M Bank Limited has launched the Mastercard World Elite metal credit card in Kenya, expanding its premium banking offering for high-value customers seeking global payment access, travel benefits and exclusive lifestyle services.

Developed in partnership with Mastercard, the new card adds World Elite status to I&M Bank's premium card portfolio, targeting affluent professionals, frequent travellers and executives who want greater convenience and access to premium experiences both locally and internationally.

Premium Card Targets Kenya's Affluent Customers

The launch comes as demand for premium financial services grows among Kenya's high-net-worth population, which increased by 14% between 2015 and 2025.

I&M Bank said the new card is designed around the needs of customers who increasingly expect their financial products to offer more than payment functionality, particularly as international travel and global mobility continue to increase.

"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 card is positioned to provide customers with global acceptance while combining payment convenience with travel, dining and entertainment benefits.

Card Offers Travel and Lifestyle Benefits

Eligible cardholders will have access to The Mastercard Collection, a suite of benefits available to World Elite customers.

These include priority dining reservations, exclusive entertainment access and travel services such as airport lounges and Fast Track lanes. Cardholders will also have access to Taste by Priceless dining experiences at selected international airports.

The card comes with no minimum spend requirement, allowing qualifying customers to access its benefits from the start. It also includes security and support features such as fraud monitoring, purchase protection, emergency assistance and a dedicated support line.

Mastercard and I&M Bank Expand Premium Payments

For Mastercard, the launch reflects the growing demand for premium payment products among Kenya's increasingly mobile and internationally connected consumer segment.

"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," said Shehryar Ali, Country Manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, Mastercard.

The launch strengthens I&M Bank's premium card portfolio as competition among financial institutions grows around high-value customers. It also highlights the increasing role of payment cards as lifestyle and travel products, alongside their traditional function as tools for everyday transactions.