UAE's first national payment card Jaywan goes online
Cardholders can make secure transactions without extra merchant processing charges
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially begun the nationwide rollout of Jaywan, the country's first national payment card, marking a major milestone in the evolution of its digital payments ecosystem.
Banks, licensed financial institutions and exchange houses have started issuing Jaywan cards, while Network International has expanded online acceptance, allowing cardholders to make purchases across thousands of merchants in the UAE.
The rollout follows the official inauguration of Jaywan by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chief of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of the UAE. The domestic card scheme is expected to strengthen the country's payment infrastructure while supporting its broader ambitions of financial inclusion, digital transformation and a cashless economy.
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Initially, banks and licensed institutions will introduce Jaywan cards in phases over the coming months. First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has already launched a Jaywan debit card, Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) is introducing prepaid cards, while Network International has enabled online payments through its extensive e-commerce merchant network.
National scheme
Jaywan is operated by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE. It serves as the country's domestic card scheme, allowing payment transactions to be routed, authorised and processed through a locally governed network rather than relying primarily on international payment systems.
The initiative forms part of the UAE's digital transformation strategy, designed to strengthen national payment infrastructure, promote innovation and enhance global interoperability while reinforcing the country's position as a leading international hub for digital payments.
International payment networks have traditionally handled much of the transaction processing within the UAE. Jaywan introduces a domestic alternative intended to increase national control over payment processing while helping retain domestic payment data within the country.
Speaking during the launch, Sheikh Mansour described the nationwide issuance as a strategic milestone that strengthens the UAE's sovereignty over its financial infrastructure.
He said the achievement reflects the country's commitment to developing a more efficient, resilient and competitive financial sector that unlocks wider opportunities for innovation, promotes financial inclusion and further strengthens the UAE's standing as a global financial centre.
Growing network
The latest announcement also marks a significant expansion of Jaywan's acceptance network.
Network International, one of the leading fintech companies across the Middle East and Africa, has integrated Jaywan acceptance into its e-commerce payment gateway, enabling secure, fast and seamless online transactions. Cardholders can now use Jaywan cards across thousands of merchants connected to the company's online payment platform.
The company said merchants processing Jaywan transactions through its gateway will not incur additional merchant processing fees, making it easier for businesses to adopt the domestic payment scheme. This applies to merchant charges only and does not necessarily mean individual cardholders will avoid fees imposed by their issuing banks.
Pinar Alpay, Group Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Network International, said extending Jaywan acceptance to online payments was the natural next step in the company's partnership with Al Etihad Payments.
She said the company had already enabled Jaywan for in-person transactions across its merchant network and was now bringing the same security, interoperability and user experience to online commerce, supporting businesses while strengthening the UAE's digital payments infrastructure.
Andrea Cianchetti, Chief Products Officer at Al Etihad Payments, said Jaywan's continued growth depends on participation across the payments industry.
"Every issuer, acquirer, and payment service provider that enables the scheme expands where customers can use their cards, whether in-store, online or through mobile wallets," he said.
Bank launches
FAB's Jaywan debit card is now available for customers holding eligible accounts. Existing customers can apply through the FAB Mobile app or at a branch, while Elite and Private Banking customers may also apply through their relationship managers. New customers must first open an eligible account before requesting the card.
As a debit card, purchases and ATM withdrawals are deducted directly from the linked bank account. The card supports transactions at merchant outlets across the UAE, payments on UAE-based online platforms and cash withdrawals from ATMs nationwide. It also features Chip and PIN technology, 3D Secure authentication for online purchases and compatibility with supported digital wallets. FAB has not yet disclosed card fees, eligible account categories or reward programmes.
Commercial Bank of Dubai is launching Jaywan prepaid cards under a corporate arrangement for retail customers. Unlike debit cards, prepaid cards require funds to be loaded before use, with spending limited to the available balance.
CBD said the cards will support in-store purchases, online shopping, ATM withdrawals, contactless payments and tokenisation, allowing card details to be replaced by secure digital identifiers when added to compatible mobile wallets. The bank has yet to announce public application procedures, loading limits or applicable fees.
Ali Al Najjar, Chief Executive Officer of Al Ansari Exchange, described Jaywan as a comprehensive national payment scheme that provides a secure and reliable payment option across point-of-sale terminals, e-commerce platforms, ATMs and digital wallets. He said the integrated ecosystem would improve customer experience, promote financial inclusion and create new opportunities for innovative financial products and services.
International access
The Central Bank said Jaywan cards are capable of supporting both domestic and international transactions, although overseas use will depend on the specific card issued and applicable rules.
Jaywan-only cards are primarily designed for domestic transactions. However, co-badged cards combine Jaywan with international payment networks, allowing eligible customers to make purchases overseas and on international online platforms.
To support international acceptance, Al Etihad Payments has established partnerships with Visa, Mastercard, Discover and UnionPay for co-badged products.
FAB has stated that its newly launched Jaywan debit card is currently available for domestic use. Customers intending to travel are advised to check the logos displayed on their card and confirm overseas acceptance, foreign transaction fees, ATM charges and currency conversion costs with their issuing bank before departure.
The Central Bank has also said Jaywan cardholders will have access to benefits and offers through partners in travel, shopping, hospitality and lifestyle, although details of the programmes and eligibility requirements will be determined by individual banks.
For most residents, using Jaywan will be no different from using any other payment card. They will be able to tap or insert the card at payment terminals, use it for online purchases or add eligible cards to supported digital wallets. Behind the transaction, however, payments will increasingly be processed through the UAE's own national payment infrastructure as the country expands its locally operated card network.