FCMB, 247 Travels unveil N10m ticket financing scheme

First City Monument Bank and 247 Travels have launched Book Now, Fly Later, a financing programme that allows eligible customers to borrow up to N10m to purchase international flight tickets and repay over three to nine months.

The programme is designed to help Nigerians spread travel costs for business, education, healthcare, tourism and family commitments, according to a statement from the partners on Monday.

The facility, powered by FCMB Premium Banking, is available exclusively for airline tickets purchased through 247 Travels.

According to the partners, salaried and self-employed FCMB customers who meet the bank’s eligibility requirements can apply for the facility, with successful applicants expected to receive approval and disbursement within 24 working hours.

The partnership combines FCMB’s lending capabilities with 247 Travels’ booking services to provide customers with an instalment-based payment option for international travel.

Commenting on the initiative, the Managing Director of FCMB, Yemisi Edun, said the product was designed to make travel financing more flexible for customers.

“At FCMB, we believe banking should empower people to pursue their goals without unnecessary financial strain,” Edun said.

“Our Book Now, Fly Later solution makes travel more accessible and affordable while giving customers flexibility to manage their finances responsibly,” she added.

Edun said the initiative aligns with the bank’s strategy of promoting growth through innovation and partnerships. “We will continue to develop products and partnerships that simplify financial decisions and create value for our customers,” she said.

The Managing Director of 247 Travels, Tunji Adeyemi, said the programme addresses the challenge of paying the full cost of airline tickets upfront.

“Travellers increasingly want flexibility and convenience. Our partnership with FCMB enables customers to secure flights and spread payments over time,” Adeyemi said.

Also speaking, FCMB’s Group Head of Premium Banking, Opeyemi Makinwa, said the product reflects the bank’s focus on expanding lifestyle-focused financial offerings.

“Customers expect financial services that fit naturally into their lives. Book Now, Fly Later provides greater flexibility and financial control,” Makinwa said.

Customers can apply through FCMB’s Book Now, Fly Later platform or the 247 Travels website by selecting a preferred flight and completing a financing request. Once approved, the loan is disbursed and the ticket is issued through 247 Travels.

The programme extends the “Book Now, Fly Later” financing model to international air travel, providing customers with an additional option for financing personal and business trips.