For many Nigerians relocating to the UK, the excitement of a new life is often tempered by an unexpected financial reset. Years of income, employment history, and responsible credit use back home suddenly count for little when applying for credit in the UK . This is the gap that London-headquartered fintech Maxim is determined to close.
Maxim, a credit platform focused on Africans, has officially launched its UK credit card programme, aimed at the Nigerian and African diaspora . The company has partnered with global issuer processor Paymentology to power the card, which helps users establish a UK financial footprint while earning rewards designed specifically for their lifestyles .
The problem is significant. Over five million people in the UK are classified as "credit invisible," according to Experian . For migrants, this is particularly acute. They may arrive with established careers, but UK lenders only look at domestic records. Without a local credit history, approval is almost always denied .
Maxim's solution is innovative. The platform verifies an applicant's Nigerian identity and financial history using their BVN and NIN (with explicit consent), combining this with their current UK position to make a single credit decision . It effectively allows users to carry their financial identity across borders.
“Moving to a new country should not mean leaving your financial identity behind,” said Ibrahim Oladele, CEO of Maxim .
The card also offers a rewards ecosystem that resonates with the diaspora. Cardholders earn points on everyday purchases and can redeem them at African restaurants, for music and entertainment, football tickets, and shipping between the UK and Nigeria . This is about more than just credit—it's about financial inclusion without starting from scratch.