Syria records first international card transaction in over 15 years with Mastercard and QNB Group

Syria has processed its first international card payment in more than 15 years, marking a significant step in reconnecting the country's payments ecosystem with the global digital economy.

The milestone was achieved through collaboration between Mastercard and QNB Group, following the technical reconnection of Syria's payments infrastructure to Mastercard's global network.

QNB Syria processed the first point-of-sale (POS) transaction at an eligible approved local merchant using an internationally issued Mastercard card. The transaction establishes the foundation for broader acceptance of international cards in Syria.

Payments ecosystem enters new phase

The transaction is expected to improve connectivity between Syrian consumers, businesses and financial institutions and international payment networks. It also represents a step towards modernising the country's digital payments infrastructure and supporting longer-term economic activity.

Mohammed Safwat Raslan, Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, described the transaction as an important development in modernising the country's payments ecosystem.

He said the milestone demonstrated the value of cooperation between the public and private sectors in enabling secure international payment acceptance, facilitating commerce and supporting sustainable economic development.

Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Group Chief Business Officer at QNB Group, said the successful transaction represented an important step in the development of Syria's payments landscape.

According to Al-Neama, connecting merchants to international payment capabilities can provide customers with greater choice and convenience while supporting the transition towards a more modern and secure digital payments ecosystem.

Infrastructure enables international card acceptance

The successful POS payment also demonstrates the readiness of the infrastructure established to allow internationally issued Mastercard cards to be accepted by eligible merchants in Syria.

Adam Jones, Division President, West Arabia, Mastercard, said the transaction marked an important milestone in the evolution of Syria's payments ecosystem.

Mastercard said it will continue working with the Central Bank of Syria, financial institutions and other ecosystem partners to expand secure digital payment adoption and contribute to the modernisation of the country's financial infrastructure.

The development could pave the way for wider international card acceptance in Syria, providing businesses and consumers with increased access to global payment capabilities while strengthening the country's connection to the international digital economy.