Is DTB the New Benchmark in Kenya’s Consumer Credit Space?
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Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Kenya has received recognition from Mastercard for achieving the highest credit card spend growth in Kenya in 2025, following a strong performance in the first quarter.
The recognition positions DTB Kenya as a key player in expanding credit card usage in Kenya, supported by product innovation, digital adoption, and a wide range of consumer-focused benefits.
Strong Momentum Backed by Mastercard Partnership
A major factor behind DTB’s credit card usage growth in Kenya has been its evolving partnership with Mastercard. In November 2024, DTB and Mastercard entered a 10-year agreement to boost digital payments across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
This collaboration introduced enhanced payment solutions across peer-to-peer (P2P), business-to-business (B2B), and person-to-business (P2B) channels, including wearable technology powered by tokenization from Tappy Technologies.
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These tokenization-based passive payment wearables allow users to make secure, contactless payments by replacing card data with encrypted tokens. The shift toward wearables aligns with global fintech trends and has likely driven greater consumer engagement, especially among younger, tech-savvy users in urban areas.
Additionally, a March 2023 agreement enabled DTB to support fintechs, edutechs, and healthtechs in issuing Mastercard-enabled cards under a Cards-as-a-Service model. This helped DTB expand its footprint among digital service providers while improving the speed and efficiency of payment processing.
Credit Card Portfolio Drives Customer Spending
DTB’s credit card portfolio, especially the DTB Platinum Credit Card and the DTB World Credit Card, has been central to its growth. The bank’s credit cards target high-income and aspirational customers, providing a mix of lifestyle, travel, and e-commerce benefits.
Key Credit Card Offerings:
- DTB Platinum Credit Card:
- Cashback on dining and supermarket purchases.
- 10% off luxury fashion via Farfetch using the code ‘MASTERCARD10’.
- 25% off premium shipping via MyUS.
- Purchase protection and enhanced security through Mastercard’s tokenization technology.
- DTB World Credit Card:
- Airport lounge access, concierge services, and travel insurance.
- High-end retail and dining discounts.
- Seamless international use via Mastercard’s global network.
- Contactless payment security features for mobile and wearable payments.
DTB’s promotional offers during Q1 2025 targeted high-value spending categories. These included partnerships with retailers such as Sayonapps, which offered a 10% discount on energy-efficient appliances, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
Consumer Spending Trends Align with Product Strategy
Data from Q1 2025 suggests that 39% of credit card users in Kenya spent on dining, while 20% made travel-related purchases. Affluent consumers increased their shopping trips by 35% in Q1 of 2025, while slashing spend per visit by 13%. Young adults (18–34) also upped their frequency, especially for food and drinks.
DTB’s card offerings directly catered to these preferences, suggesting that the benefits offered played a role in encouraging card usage and transaction frequency.
Jefferson Wachira is a writer at Africa Digest News, specializing in banking and finance trends, and their impact on African economies.
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