First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has partnered with 247 Travels to introduce ‘Book Now, Fly Later’, a new travel financing solution that allows eligible customers to borrow up to ₦10 million to pay for international flight tickets and repay the loan over a period of three to nine months.
The initiative is aimed at making international travel more affordable by allowing customers to spread the cost of airline tickets instead of making a one-time payment.
According to FCMB, the financing programme is designed to support Nigerians travelling for business, education, medical treatment, tourism, and family-related commitments.
Customers Can Borrow Up to ₦10 Million
Under the new scheme, qualified FCMB customers can access loans of up to ₦10 million to purchase international airline tickets.
The facility is available exclusively for tickets booked through 247 Travels, one of Nigeria’s leading travel agencies.
The bank said both salaried and self-employed customers who meet its lending requirements are eligible to apply.
Successful applicants are expected to receive loan approval and disbursement within 24 working hours, allowing them to complete their travel plans without lengthy delays.
Flexible Repayment Plan
One of the major attractions of the programme is its flexible repayment structure.
Instead of paying the full ticket cost upfront, customers can repay the loan over a period ranging from three to nine months.
The arrangement is expected to ease financial pressure on travellers while improving access to international travel for individuals who may not have immediate access to the full cost of airfare.
FCMB Says the Product Promotes Financial Flexibility
Speaking on the launch, FCMB Managing Director, Yemisi Edun, said the bank remains committed to providing financial solutions that help customers achieve their personal and professional goals.
According to her, the Book Now, Fly Later initiative is designed to make travel more accessible without placing unnecessary financial strain on customers.
She explained that the partnership reflects FCMB’s broader commitment to promoting financial inclusion through innovative products and strategic collaborations.
Edun added that the bank will continue introducing solutions that simplify financial decisions while creating long-term value for customers.
247 Travels Highlights Growing Demand
The Managing Director of 247 Travels, Tunji Adeyemi, said the partnership addresses one of the biggest challenges faced by many travellers—the need to pay the entire airfare before travelling.
He noted that more customers now prefer flexible payment options that allow them to spread travel costs over time.
According to Adeyemi, working with FCMB enables customers to secure their preferred flights immediately while paying in instalments over several months.
Lifestyle Banking Through Strategic Partnerships
FCMB’s Group Head of Premium Banking, Opeyemi Makinwa, described the product as part of the bank’s strategy to deliver lifestyle-focused financial services.
He said modern banking should fit naturally into customers’ everyday lives by offering practical solutions for major expenses.
According to Makinwa, the new financing option gives customers greater financial control while helping them manage travel expenses more conveniently.
How to Apply
Eligible customers can apply for the Book Now, Fly Later facility by following these steps:
- Visit the FCMB Book Now, Fly Later platform or the 247 Travels website.
- Search for and select a preferred international flight.
- Complete the loan application and financing request.
- Submit the required information for assessment.
- If approved, the loan will be disbursed.
- 247 Travels will issue the airline ticket once payment has been confirmed.
FCMB stated that qualified applicants can expect the entire approval and disbursement process to be completed within 24 working hours.
Growing Demand for Travel Financing
The launch comes as demand for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and instalment-based financing continues to grow across the world.
Flexible financing solutions have become increasingly popular in sectors such as retail, healthcare, education, and travel, allowing consumers to spread the cost of major purchases over time.
By introducing the Book Now, Fly Later programme, FCMB joins a growing number of financial institutions offering customers more flexible ways to manage large expenses while maintaining financial stability.
What This Means for Travellers
For many Nigerians, the rising cost of international airfare has made overseas travel increasingly expensive.
The new financing programme could provide a practical solution for travellers who need to book urgent flights but prefer to spread the payment over several months.
Whether travelling for business meetings, university admissions, medical appointments, holidays, or family events, eligible FCMB customers now have an additional financing option that could make international travel more accessible.