Several Equity Bank customers have reported unexpected deductions from their accounts, raising concerns over transparency and charges.
One customer, Kilonzi (Mia_Toa_Mia), questioned the bank on social media after noticing that a fee had been deducted even though they had paid for each transaction individually.
“@KeEquityBank, let’s respect each other. No way you’re deducting money from the account in the name of a fee. I pay for every transaction I make,” he posted,
The deducted amount was KSh 120, listed as an “Annual Debit Card Fee” on the account statement.
This transaction occurred on 16 February 2026, and the customer publicly shared evidence of the deduction.
“Txn: A fee has been deducted from your account, Acct: 0580XXXXXX9245 Amt: KES 120.00 Desc: Annual Debit Card Fee Date: 16-02-2026 16:39:26 Use Equity USSD on Any Telco. Transaction Desc: An… – KES 120 Account xx…,” it read.
Equity Bank Responds to the Deductions
In response, Equity Bank explained that the fee applies to all active debit cards.
The charge is billed annually and continues to accrue until the card expires.
It clarified that this annual fee applies to all cardholders and is not tied to individual transactions, reassuring customers that the deduction is part of the bank’s standard account maintenance policy.
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Additionally, the customers were encouraged to use Equity USSD on any telco to review transaction details, monitor account activity, and confirm recurring charges such as the annual debit card fee.
“We take note of your concern. The charge in question is the annual debit card fee, which applies to all active cards. This fee is billed once every year and will continue to accrue until the card expires,” the bank stated.
Annual Debit Card Fee Across Different Banks
An Annual Debit Card Fee is a fixed charge levied by a bank on a debit card each year to maintain the card. It is separate from transaction fees, ATM withdrawal charges, or other service costs associated with the account.
Major banks in Kenya, including Equity Bank and NCBA, charge an annual debit card fee of KES 100 to KES 500 for card renewals. These charges are typically applied once per year for maintaining the card.
Some banks waive the annual fee for customers with high-balance accounts or those receiving salary deposits, offering relief for premium account holders.
Customers are advised to check their official tariff guides, which are updated regularly between February 2025 and February 2026, to confirm current fees and any exemptions.
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Banks and Annual Debit Card Fees 2026
As of February 2026, banks that have publicly shared their updated fees include:
Equity Bank charges KES 200 for scheme debit cards annually and KES 100 for proprietary cards. Card issuance costs KES 600.
NCBA Bank applies a KES 400 renewal fee every two years, with card issuance at KES 500.
KCB Bank does not specify an annual fee. Issuance or replacement costs range from KES 430 to KES 515, and POS transactions are free.
Stanbic Bank provides one free primary local debit card per account. Supplementary cards incur annual fees ranging from KES 1,000 to KES 2,000.
Co-operative Bank charges KES 200–500 for maintenance, which is often waived for qualifying accounts.
Access Bank charges KES 600 for card issuance or replacement, with no specified annual fee.
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) issues gold debit cards at KES 600; annual fees are not detailed.
I&M Bank generally does not charge an annual fee, and issuance fees range from free to KES 500, depending on the card type.
Standard Chartered Bank varies its debit card renewal fees; some accounts receive the first card for free.
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