Carrefour, Equity Bank, and American Express Unveil Retail Payment Revolution in Kenya

Kenya’s retail and financial sectors are set for a digital transformation as Equity Bank, American Express (AmEx), and Carrefour Kenya announce a groundbreaking partnership aimed at streamlining payments and expanding access to financial services.

The strategic alliance sees Equity Bank—the exclusive issuer and acquirer of AmEx cards in Kenya—join forces with Majid Al Futtaim’s Carrefour, integrating Green and Gold American Express cards into one of the country’s largest supermarket chains.

With enhanced features such as loyalty rewards, travel protection, and global spending power, the AmEx cards now offer Kenyan shoppers a secure, seamless, and globally recognized payment option right at the checkout.

“This is more than a payment solution—it’s about bringing the global experience to local consumers while supporting financial inclusion,” said an Equity Bank representative.

The move is expected to accelerate cashless adoption in retail, making shopping at Carrefour more convenient while encouraging broader use of formal banking tools. At the heart of the rollout is a revamped Membership Rewards program, giving users a smoother interface to redeem points for everything from electronics to airfare.

This initiative not only empowers consumers with greater financial flexibility but also sets a new benchmark for how banking and retail can innovate together.

Industry watchers see this as a trailblazing model for public-private collaboration, one that can drive economic participation, promote digital finance, and support Kenya’s vision for a modern, inclusive economy.