UAE Residents Can Now Use Jaywan Co-Badge Card for Payments in Over 200 Countries

Technology & Innovation

UAE Residents Can Now Use Jaywan Co-Badge Card for Payments in Over 200 Countries

UAE residents can now enjoy seamless international transactions with the newly introduced Jaywan - Visa co-badge debit and prepaid cards, allowing payments in over 200 foreign countries and territories. This initiative is a result of a strategic collaboration between Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), and Visa, aimed at enhancing cross-border payment convenience for UAE customers.

The co-badged cards, featuring both Jaywan and Visa logos, will enable cardholders to use their debit and prepaid cards for physical purchases, online shopping, and transactions during international travel. The new cards will provide access to over 150 million merchant partners across 200 countries and territories, ensuring a smooth and secure payment experience for UAE residents traveling abroad or making international online payments.

First Co-Badged Card for UAE Customers

This marks the first introduction of co-badged Jaywan cards in the UAE, allowing customers to make payments locally and internationally. While Jaywan cards were initially designed for local transactions within the UAE and GCC countries, the new co-badge cards will now enable global transactions through Visa’s global payment network (VisaNet), expanding accessibility for UAE consumers.

The co-badged Jaywan - Visa cards will act as a bridge for customers, ensuring a smooth cross-border payment experience. Whether traveling abroad, shopping online, or making in-store purchases in foreign countries, the card will facilitate seamless and cost-effective payment options for UAE residents.

Enhancing UAE's Payment Infrastructure

The introduction of Jaywan cards is part of Al Etihad Payments' mission to enhance the UAE’s financial infrastructure by offering affordable, secure, and digital payment solutions. Transactions made within the UAE and GCC region will continue to be processed through the UAESWITCH, the national card payment network, while cross-border transactions will be facilitated through Visa’s global network, ensuring reliable and secure payments worldwide.

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) had earlier announced in February 2025 that the Jaywan domestic card scheme was fully operational, allowing banks and financial institutions to offer both mono-badge (Jaywan) cards for local transactions and co-badge cards for global transactions. The co-badged cards will also contribute to reducing payment costs and increasing financial inclusion in the UAE.

Key Benefits of Jaywan - Visa Co-Badge Cards

The Jaywan - Visa co-badge cards come with several advantages for customers, including:

Global Acceptance: The cards can be used across 200 countries and territories at over 150 million merchant locations through Visa’s global payment network.
Online Payments: Customers can now make international online purchases using their Jaywan - Visa cards.
Local and International Usability: Payments made within the UAE and GCC countries will continue to be processed through the UAESWITCH, while international transactions will go through VisaNet.
Lower Transaction Costs: The introduction of Jaywan cards aims to reduce payment costs for both individuals and businesses, further supporting digital transformation in the UAE.
Secure Payment Network: The cards offer secure payment processing supported by Al Etihad Payments and Visa's international network.

Driving Digital Payment Transformation in the UAE

The launch of the co-badge Jaywan - Visa cards is seen as a major step toward reducing the reliance on cash in the UAE. According to Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Al Etihad Payments, approximately 30% of transactions in the UAE are still carried out in cash. However, with the launch of Jaywan - Visa cards, the UAE government aims to promote cashless transactions, enhancing financial inclusion and digital adoption.

He stated, “Jaywan is a key step toward strengthening the UAE’s financial infrastructure, offering a locally rooted payment solution that supports economic growth and digital transformation. Our collaboration with Visa will provide seamless, secure, and efficient card payment experiences for residents.”

Similarly, Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for the GCC at Visa, emphasized the potential of the co-badge cards in boosting digital payments in the UAE. She remarked, “We are excited to introduce the co-badged Jaywan - Visa cards, allowing UAE residents to experience seamless and secure international payments. This initiative will further enhance financial connectivity between the UAE and global economies.”

Reducing Payment Costs for Individuals and Businesses

The Central Bank of the UAE had earlier announced that the Jaywan card scheme would play a pivotal role in reducing payment costs for both individuals and businesses. The card is designed to offer lower processing fees, minimizing the cost of transactions and encouraging more customers to switch to digital payments.

Additionally, Al Etihad Payments aims to expand the Jaywan card network by collaborating with major global payment networks such as Discover, Mastercard, UnionPay, and Visa, allowing more international transaction capabilities. The launch of the co-badge Jaywan - Visa card is expected to further promote financial inclusion while streamlining cross-border payments for UAE residents.

Conclusion

The Jaywan - Visa co-badge cards have now redefined the payment landscape in the UAE, allowing residents to travel, shop online, and make international purchases with ease. The collaboration between Al Etihad Payments and Visa aims to foster a robust financial infrastructure, promoting cashless transactions and encouraging a digitally empowered economy. With the launch of co-badged Jaywan cards, the UAE has taken a significant step toward ensuring secure, efficient, and accessible global payment solutions for its residents.