What started as a one-day shopping spree known as Black Friday has evolved into an extended month-long consumer appreciation opportunity, Black November. This period has become a global phenomenon, morphing into one of the busiest retail periods, from household upgrades to international travel plans. 

During this period, banks play a key role in shaping consumer experiences during this season through informing them about possible digital fraud, driving spending convenience, and solidifying brand loyalty by offering incentives.

As retailers incentivize retailers with major discounts, financial institutions are stepping up to complement these deals with convenient payment options. This year, Absa Bank Kenya is among the institutions rolling out several offers during the Black November season. 

Notably among these offers is Absa Bank’s partnership with the national courier, Kenya Airways, allowing cardholders access up to 25% discount off flights tickets, coupled with the exciting chance to win a free ticket to any African country during the holiday season. 

This reflects a growing trend of banks and financial institutions stepping into the affordable travel space by offering discounted fares and card-linked incentives. Absa Bank is integrating its cards directly into the customer’s aspirational lifestyle by deliberately focusing on partnerships that address key desires, particularly travel and home comfort, to ensure that consumers get the most rewards out of their cards.

Most people save up for Black November deals to buy appliances and upgrade their home electronics at discounted prices. 

While retailers like HotPoint will give discounts of up to 50% for appliances, financial institutions like Absa Bank will partner with them to allow Credit Card users who cannot pay the full price upfront the option of converting these large purchases into interest-free instalments through Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) agreements. 

This strategic financial support effectively removes the immediate cost barrier to owning new appliances, driving both Credit Card sign-ups and increased average transaction value among existing cardholders. These instalment plans are a lifeline and a practical tool for managing expenses during the festive and back-to-school seasons.

Beyond these big-ticket aspirations, banks like Absa are ensuring that card products remain relevant for everyday and online use by pursuing a dual-focus strategy by waiving several fees on the credit card, allowing for cheaper till transactions, bill payments and routine purchases. 

This is in line with a growing trend among banks looking to broaden digital payments adoption, reducing the burden of credit card acquisition for first time users and incentivizing consumers to embed the card into their daily spending routines.

Absa’s multi-currency card is designed to hold up to 14 currencies while eliminating unpredictable conversion costs for international purchases, Absa is conveniently addressing the global shopping trend and surge in cross border e-commerce with payment tools that minimize foreign exchange losses.

Additionally, as more people become health and wellness conscious, financial institutions are exploring partnerships in lifestyle and wellness categories. For the frequent online shopper, the collaboration with JUMIA offers a simple but effective reward: free delivery for up to two orders. 

Furthermore, partnerships with home improvement retailers like PG Bison and wellness brands like Bandari Beauty provide consistent value. These 10% discounts ensure that whether a customer is renovating their home or splurging on self-care, the Absa card is strategically positioned as the financially superior and most rewarding choice.

Overall, Black November is a chance for financial institutions to step up and shape consumer behaviour through incentives, flexible payment options that allow consumers to maximize on value during a high-spend period. As households navigate tighter budgets, financial institutions like Absa have become essential in enhancing a better shopping experience for consumers during the Black November season.