On Wednesday Nation Launched the NationaHela card, a new international money transfer card. But how does it work?

After you buy the card, you will have to activate it by dialing *348# on your phone after which you should follow through the activation process. After your card has been activated you will receive a confirmation SMS. For your card’s safety, write your name and sign on the back of your card immediately after your card has been activated.

The mobile phone number used to activate the card will be set as the default account number, so when activating the card only use the mobile phone you want associated with your NationHela account. Your NationHela account will be linked to your phone number and will only be controlled through that phone number.

To enjoy the full benefits of the NationHela account and continue receiving money or topping up your account, you will be required to carry out a one-time card registration. To register, visit a NationHela registration outlet to fill in the card registration form and provide a copy of your Identification document.

Kenyans in the diaspora can send money to NationHela users in Kenya through any E-Press Money or Moneygram money transfer outlet through the NationHela webpage. The recipient will receive the money on their phone within minutes.

Recipients can withdraw the amount at a NationHela agent or at a Visa ATM. The also the option of transferring the funds to their M-Pesa account and then withdrawing at a M-Pesa agent.

Based on the fact that 32 per cent of those who receive money from the diaspora use it for basic expenses, your NationHela Visa card can be used to make purchases at Visa Merchant outlets, or settle utility bills such as water and electricity.

You can also transfer money to other NationHela account holders within Kenya using your mobile phone or the internet.

You can also transfer funds to your M-Pesa account by dialing *348# to access your mobile banking menu, select the ‘Send Money’ option, choose  ‘Transfer to Mobile Money Account’, enter the amount to be transferred.  You will then receive a confirmation that funds have been transferred to your M-Pesa account.

You can also access your NationHela account through the internet and check your current and previous statements, account balance, block or unblock your account among other functionalities.

When you misplace your HationHela Visa card, you can switch it off through your phone or over the internet while you are searching for it. This will prevent anyone from using it in case it lands in the wrong hands. When you are unable to locate it, you then have to buy a new one at KES 500, contact NationHela customer care and the you balance on your previous card will be transferred to your new card.