Wegagen Bank and Ethiopian Airlines’ ShebaMiles loyalty programme have launched a co-branded payment card that allows customers to earn travel reward points through everyday purchases at the bank’s point-of-sale (POS) terminals.
The Wegagen ShebaMiles Payment Card enables cardholders to accumulate ShebaMiles points when making qualifying payments at shopping centres and service establishments using the bank’s POS terminals.
The accumulated points can be redeemed for various travel benefits, including complimentary flights, additional baggage allowances, airport lounge access and priority check-in services.
The service was officially launched on Thursday at Wegagen Bank’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, with the participation of senior bank officials, Ethiopian Airlines representatives and invited guests.
Speaking at the launch, Wegagen Bank Chief Information Officer Goitom Gebretsadkan said the partnership would allow customers to earn ShebaMiles points through their everyday transactions.
He added that customers registering for the service and obtaining the co-branded card would receive 50 ShebaMiles points as a welcome bonus.
Customers with active bank accounts can apply for the card through the Wegagen Mobile Banking application and collect it from their nearest branch. Applications are also available directly at the bank’s branches.
Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines Manager of Customer Loyalty Solomon Mekonnen said the partnership would expand the benefits available to ShebaMiles members by allowing them to earn and redeem rewards through regular financial transactions.
He said the collaboration was part of the airline’s efforts to improve passenger satisfaction and provide additional value through partnerships with other service providers.
Established by 16 founding shareholders, Wegagen Bank began operations with an initial paid-up capital of 30 million birr. As it approaches its 30th anniversary in June 2027, the bank’s paid-up capital has exceeded 10 billion birr, while its total capital has reached 15.8 billion birr.
The bank currently operates 457 branches, 400 ATMs, 726 POS terminals and 13,157 agents nationwide, alongside its internet and mobile banking services.
