A total of 11 financial institutions have completed preparations to issue Jaywan cards, the UAE’s national card scheme developed and operated by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), marking a major step in the rollout of the country’s domestic payment network.
The remaining banks, exchange houses and fintech companies are expected to join the scheme in phases as the nationwide rollout continues.
Jaywan is designed to strengthen the UAE’s national payments ecosystem by enhancing the efficiency of financial transactions, advancing the country’s payments infrastructure and providing secure, fast and convenient payment solutions for individuals and businesses.
The first group of institutions ready to issue Jaywan cards includes First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB), Emirates NBD, Bank of Baroda, Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), Emirates Islamic, Mbank, Citi, Al Ansari Exchange and Botim Money.
Initially, Jaywan cards will be available in debit and prepaid formats, with credit cards set to be introduced in a later phase.
The cards offer fast and seamless payments, advanced security features, extensive local and international acceptance, contactless payment capability and a range of exclusive benefits and rewards. Customers will be able to use the cards for ATM cash withdrawals, point-of-sale transactions and online purchases.
Support for digital wallets—including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay—is expected to be added during a future phase of the rollout, further expanding payment options for cardholders.
Jaywan cardholders will also have access to a variety of premium lifestyle and travel benefits, including Priority Pass airport lounge access, travel insurance, purchase protection, complimentary Jaywan Entertainer membership, Careem+ discounts, Reel Cinemas offers and airline-related privileges.
In addition, the scheme offers discounts and promotions at more than 150 merchants and service providers across the UAE, spanning travel, hospitality, retail, entertainment, healthcare, wellness and dining.
As international acceptance expands, Jaywan cards will be usable in more than 100 countries, providing customers with greater convenience for cross-border payments and travel.
The national card scheme incorporates the latest global payment security standards, including EMV chip technology, contactless payment functionality, PIN authentication and 3D Secure, ensuring secure and reliable transactions across payment channels.
