Commerzbank and Visa expand partnership to boost card business

By Gloria Methri

Commerzbank and Visa have entered a strategic partnership to enhance their collaboration in the card payments space. Under this long-term agreement, Commerzbank will prioritise issuing Visa debit and credit cards to its customers, strengthening its payment offerings with Visa’s global expertise. This partnership aligns with Commerzbank’s strategic focus on payments and ensures access to cutting-edge innovations in the evolving financial landscape.

As a first step, Commerzbank’s Girocards will be equipped with the Visa debit function. This will make shopping abroad and online even easier for the bank’s customers.

“We are very pleased to expand our partnership with Visa. Together, we will further develop our payment offerings as an important part of our growth trajectory,” said Thomas Schaufler, Chief Private and Business Clients Officer of Commerzbank. “Our customers can look forward to a strong offering with worldwide acceptance, secure online payments, and easy integration into mobile wallets.”

“We are taking our collaboration with Commerzbank to a new level with this forward-looking strategic partnership. Together, we aim to shape the future of payments,” said Albrecht Kiel, Regional Managing Director of Central Europe at Visa. “To this end, we will leverage our global network, our innovative strength, and our expertise in cybersecurity. With two strong brands in the retail banking sector and its leading position in the German SME sector, Commerzbank is an outstanding partner in a key market for Visa.”

In retail banking, Commerzbank customers are expected to receive new Visa debit and credit cards starting in 2026. The combination of the Commerzbank and Visa brands aims to expand the marketing of account and card offerings for private customers. The partners have also agreed on close cooperation in payment security. Gradually, tailored products for business and corporate clients will also be offered.

As part of the partnership, the Visa offering at comdirect will also be strengthened. Visa has been the preferred partner of Commerzbank’s comdirect brand since 2020.