The NTB KOKO partnership introduces greater shopping convenience for American Express cardmembers, as Nations Trust Bank enables seamless access to flexible payment options across a rapidly expanding merchant network in Sri Lanka.
NTB KOKO partnership enhances flexibility for Amex cardmembers
Nations Trust Bank PLC has announced a strategic collaboration with KOKO, one of Sri Lanka’s leading buy now, pay later solution providers, aimed at enhancing payment flexibility for American Express cardmembers. As the issuer and sole acquirer of American Express Cards in Sri Lanka, NTB’s integration with KOKO reflects its continued focus on delivering digitally enabled, customer-centric payment experiences.
Through the NTB KOKO partnership, American Express cardmembers can now use their cards as a payment method on the KOKO application, allowing them to shop across a significantly broader range of merchants. This development enables cardmembers to access flexible payment options while maintaining the benefits associated with their American Express cards, including rewards and exclusive offers.
The collaboration provides access to more than 6,000 KOKO-partnered online and physical merchants across the country. Many of these merchants previously did not offer instalment-based payment solutions directly on American Express cards, making the integration a notable expansion in acceptance and usability. As a result, cardmembers now enjoy increased choice and flexibility when making everyday purchases.
In addition to expanded merchant access, eligible transactions completed via the KOKO platform using an NTB-issued American Express card will continue to earn Membership Rewards points. Cardmembers will also gain access to a range of special promotions, discounts, and benefits offered throughout KOKO’s extensive partner ecosystem, further enhancing value across routine spending.
Commenting on the collaboration, KOKO Regional Chief Executive Officer Michael Sathasivam said the partnership enables more shoppers to benefit from flexible payment alternatives across thousands of merchants. He noted that welcoming NTB American Express cardmembers onto the KOKO platform represents an important step in expanding access to responsible payment solutions, while strengthening the overall customer experience. He added that KOKO looks forward to deepening the partnership to deliver greater long-term value to shared customers.
NTB Executive Vice President – Consumer Banking Sheahan Daniel stated that the bank is pleased to work with KOKO to enhance the everyday payment experience of its American Express cardmembers. He highlighted that the integration provides cardmembers with broader access, increased flexibility, and more choice when shopping within KOKO’s merchant network. According to him, NTB remains committed to developing meaningful partnerships that support customer convenience and financial progress.
The NTB KOKO partnership also aligns with the bank’s broader strategy of enabling seamless digital payments while ensuring customers continue to benefit from rewards and value-added services. By integrating with innovative payment platforms, NTB aims to keep pace with evolving consumer preferences and the growing demand for alternative payment methods.
Digital payment solutions have become increasingly important as consumers seek convenience, transparency, and flexibility in managing their finances. The collaboration between NTB and KOKO responds to these expectations by combining the global acceptance and rewards framework of American Express with KOKO’s locally embedded merchant network and deferred payment options.
For NTB, the initiative reinforces its position as a leader in digital payments and consumer banking innovation in Sri Lanka. The bank has consistently prioritised secure, efficient, and customer-focused payment solutions, ensuring its cardmembers can transact confidently across a wide range of platforms and channels.
As the buy now, pay later segment continues to gain traction, partnerships such as this are expected to play a central role in shaping the future of retail payments. The NTB KOKO partnership represents a practical step toward expanding access, improving convenience, and delivering enhanced value to American Express cardmembers across Sri Lanka.