It is now customary, world-wide to regard February as the ‘month of love’ as lovers, husbands, wives, families and friends celebrate Valentine Day on the 14th. Normally of course this is the time when flower shop shelves empty rapidly, and the sale of chocolate boxes reaches a peak. Amorous cards, sometimes anonymous, raise heartbeats and mystery.

The celebration this year with the dreaded Coronavirus, with its social distancing rules and restrictions on gathering may be downcast.

In a number of countries across Africa hotels, bars, night clubs and restaurants still remain closed or have restricted opening times There are curfews and lockdowns in place to limit people’s movements and activities, a necessary precaution given that Covid-19 numbers are on the rise on the continent with the second wave.

But as they say, when one door closes, another opens. Indeed, it is now more than ever perhaps the most important time to show love and affection for those who mean a lot to us. Physical or social distance should never be a barrier to sharing love.

One of the best and perhaps most useful ways to express your feelings to those you love is by embracing the rich possibilities that the ever-evolving digital payments platforms provides.

Say “I Love You” with a Virtual Card

Virtual cards are payment cards that can be used securely for making payments online. This is because the Virtual Card is pre-loaded with specific amounts of money for use as opposed to the physical card which may be linked to your bank account – and your lifetime savings. It also helps instill spending discipline since you can only spend what is on the card.

The Ecobank Virtual Card is an excellent gift to show love for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day. You just have to access the Ecobank Mobile App and create your virtual card easily, load it with money and share it as a gift to express your love. For added security, the card is not linked to your bank account hence giving you peace of mind.

Spoil your loved ones with Xpress Cash and enjoy seeing a smile on their faces.

With all the restrictions and for your own safety, some of you will certainly choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home with your loved ones. Some may also be far away from each other due to work, quarantine or for other reasons. So why not put a smile on their faces and help them enjoy Valentine’s Day by sending them an Xpress Cash using the Ecobank Mobile App.

Just use the Ecobank Mobile App and generate an e-token which you can then send via SMS, WhatsApp, email to the beneficiary who can collect the cash at the nearest Ecobank ATM or Xpress Point.

So, whatever you do this Valentine’s Day , digital payments and Ecobank will make life simple.

Don’t be limited, spread the love, no barriers, no borders.

Diana Orry, Ecobank Group Head of Cards