Neobank, Carbon, Shuts Down Debit Card Operations in Nigeria

Nigerian fintech company, Carbon, has announced the cessation of its debit card operations in Nigeria, two years after their initial launch. This decision was disclosed by Carbon’s co-founder and CEO, Ngozi Dozie, via a Substack post on Wednesday.

Although Dozie did not explicitly detail the reasons behind discontinuing the card service, his post suggested that the introduction of the cards might have been a strategic misstep. Additionally, the current forex challenges, which increased the operational costs due to the dollar-denominated card expenses, likely played a significant role in this decision.

“When I take a step back with the benefit of hindsight (and a card operation bill denominated in USD$), I question why practically all neobanks are pushing cards or even getting into it. Was this the right strategy for ALL of us, or was Carbon just unlucky?” Dozie wrote.

Founders’ Errors

Dozie reflected on common mistakes made by founders, including making decisions based on insufficient information without proper analysis. He admitted that if he had thoroughly analyzed the industry, he might have avoided launching the card operations.

“Nigerians already have many debit cards,” he acknowledged. “If I had done the analysis…and truly evaluated the opportunity, I don’t think I would have been that gung-ho about pushing a strategy to provide consumers with their fifth debit card. The decision might have been the same, but perhaps with more respect for the potential risks.”

Dozie also noted that he might have believed that offering a debit card would increase customer trust in Carbon, akin to traditional banks. He advised fintech startups to critically analyze the industry before venturing into debit card offerings.

Context and Comparison

Several other fintech companies like Kuda, Moniepoint, and OPay have rolled out debit cards for their customers. Unlike Carbon, which partnered with the international card provider Visa, these companies have opted for Verve cards, providing them with a local advantage amidst the current forex issues.

When Carbon launched its debit cards in August 2021, it marked a significant step in transitioning from Nigeria’s biggest digital lender to a microfinance bank licensed by the CBN. The debit card allowed Carbon bank account holders to access funds via online and offline channels like ATMs and POS machines. Carbon aimed to enhance user experience, a common issue among customers of financial institutions, and build on its customer base of 3 million users by offering a more comprehensive banking experience.

Carbon’s decision to discontinue its debit card operations underscores the complex challenges fintech companies face in balancing innovative services with operational realities. This move serves as a cautionary tale for other fintech startups considering similar ventures, highlighting the importance of thorough market analysis and strategic planning.