(Credit - WAM)
Jaywan Card: The UAE’s Domestic Card Scheme
Jaywan is the UAE’s first domestic card payment scheme. It is operated by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, and was launched in July 2026. It is a locally governed alternative to international networks such as Visa and Mastercard, and payment data is processed and stored within the UAE. Banks, financial institutions and exchange houses are rolling it out in phases, so not every bank offers it yet.
Card types and who issues them
| Card | Status |
|---|---|
| Jaywan Prestige Debit | Available through issuing institutions |
| Jaywan Royal Debit | Available through issuing institutions |
| Jaywan Prepaid | Available through issuing institutions |
| Jaywan credit card | Not a stand-alone Jaywan product at launch. A co-badged Jaywan-Mastercard credit card was announced, see below |
Eleven institutions were reported ready to issue at launch, including FAB, ADCB, Emirates Islamic, CBD and Mbank, and other banks have since announced rollouts. To get a card, ask your bank whether it offers Jaywan and read the terms. No specific fee figures were published at launch.
What can you do with it?
- Pay in store with chip and PIN or contactless.
- Pay online. Network International and Telr have enabled Jaywan across UAE merchants.
- Withdraw cash at ATMs.
- Pay some government fees. See Jaywan payments for Sharjah government fees.
- Book flights: see Etihad’s Jaywan payment option.
Security features include 3D Secure for online payments, EMV chip, contactless and PIN protection. Support for Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay was described as coming soon.
Can you use it abroad?
Use abroad is planned in phases, starting with more than 100 countries, and depends on the card and your bank’s terms. On 11 August 2026 Al Etihad Payments signed a memorandum of understanding with UnionPay International that would let Jaywan cards work at more than 100 million points of sale and 1.8 million ATMs in over 183 countries and regions. A separate agreement will cover settlement and foreign exchange. No date has been given for when this becomes available, so do not rely on Jaywan alone when you travel yet. Carry a second card.
For the Mastercard angle, see our guide to the Jaywan-Mastercard credit card.
Should you switch?
- Ask your bank which Jaywan card it offers and what it costs.
- Compare perks on premium tiers, which include lounge access, travel insurance and purchase protection.
- Keep your existing card for travel until your bank confirms where Jaywan works abroad.
