UAE residents planning international trips will soon have a new payment option in their wallets. Starting in the second half of 2025, Jaywan debit cards will enable seamless transactions overseas, marking a significant step in the UAE’s push toward a robust digital economy. This development, announced recently by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), promises to simplify cross-border payments for travelers while boosting the global reach of the UAE’s first domestic card scheme.
A New Era for UAE Payments
Jaywan cards, introduced as the UAE’s national payment solution, aim to modernize how residents handle transactions. Initially launched for local use, these debit and prepaid cards have gained traction for their security and ease of use within the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Now, with international acceptance on the horizon, Jaywan is set to become a go-to choice for UAE travelers.
Al Etihad Payments has partnered with global payment giants like Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and UnionPay to make this possible. These collaborations ensure that Jaywan cards carry co-badged logos, allowing cardholders to tap into extensive merchant networks worldwide. “We want UAE residents to travel with confidence, knowing their Jaywan cards work seamlessly abroad,” said Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Al Etihad Payments.
From July 2025, UAE banks will roll out these co-badged cards to account holders. The cards will support everyday purchases, online shopping, and even salary disbursements, making them versatile for both domestic and international needs. This move aligns with the UAE’s vision to strengthen its financial infrastructure and promote cashless transactions globally.
Why Jaywan Cards Matter for Travelers
Traveling abroad often comes with payment challenges—currency conversions, high fees, or cards not being accepted at certain outlets. Jaywan’s expansion addresses these pain points head-on. The co-badged cards will function at over 150 million merchant locations across 200 countries, thanks to partnerships with Visa and Mastercard. Whether dining in Paris, shopping in New York, or booking a hotel in Tokyo, UAE residents can rely on their Jaywan cards for hassle-free payments.
“Jaywan co-badge cards will provide international acceptance, ensuring travel and cross-border payments remain seamless,” Al Etihad Payments stated. This is a game-changer for frequent travelers who want a single, reliable card for both local and global transactions. Unlike traditional cards that might incur hefty foreign transaction fees, Jaywan aims to keep costs low by leveraging the UAE’s UAESWITCH network for domestic processing and global networks like VisaNet for overseas use.
For UAE residents, the convenience doesn’t stop at payments. The cards will also support ATM withdrawals and e-commerce, making them a one-stop solution for travel needs. Imagine landing in London, withdrawing pounds from a local ATM, and later booking a tour online—all with the same Jaywan card. This level of flexibility positions Jaywan as a strong contender in the global payment space.
Boosting Financial Inclusion
Jaywan’s journey began with a clear goal: to make payments accessible to all UAE residents, including those without traditional banking access. The card scheme, launched in late 2024, has already made strides in this direction. Emirates NBD, Mbank, and other financial institutions have issued Jaywan cards to millions, with plans to distribute over 10 million debit cards in the next two years.
The overseas expansion builds on this mission. By enabling cross-border payments, Jaywan ensures that UAE residents, including expatriates and small business owners, can participate in the global economy. For instance, the Indian expatriate community, one of the largest in the UAE, will benefit from Jaywan’s earlier collaboration with India’s RuPay network, allowing transactions in both dirhams and rupees.
“This is about empowering everyone, from salaried employees to entrepreneurs, to transact confidently anywhere in the world,” said Wassim Khayata, an executive at Mbank, which pioneered Jaywan card issuance during the UAE’s 53rd National Day celebrations. The cards’ integration with digital wallets like Samsung Wallet—and soon Apple Pay and Google Pay—further enhances accessibility, letting users pay via smartphones.
A Strategic Move for the UAE Economy
The UAE has long positioned itself as a global hub for finance and innovation. Jaywan’s international rollout supports this ambition by showcasing the country’s ability to compete in the fintech arena. Unlike foreign card schemes that charge higher transaction fees, Jaywan offers a cost-effective alternative, especially for local payments processed through UAESWITCH. Extending this efficiency to global markets could save UAE residents millions in fees annually.
The timing couldn’t be better. With over 28 million travelers passing through Abu Dhabi’s airports in 2024 and UAE residents increasingly exploring international destinations, demand for reliable payment solutions is soaring. The Jaywan card taps into this trend, catering to a travel-savvy population eager for convenience.
Moreover, the initiative strengthens the UAE’s digital transformation strategy. By localizing card operations and partnering with global players, the CBUAE ensures that Jaywan remains a homegrown solution with worldwide appeal. “Jaywan is a key step toward building a seamless, secure, and efficient payment ecosystem,” Al Dhaheri emphasized, highlighting its role in economic growth.
What’s Next for Jaywan?
As banks prepare to issue co-badged cards, excitement is building among UAE residents. Financial institutions like Emirates NBD and Ajman Bank, early adopters of Jaywan, are already upgrading their ATMs and merchant terminals to support the cards’ global capabilities. Network International, a leading payment processor, will ensure smooth transactions at over 60,000 merchant outlets in the UAE and beyond.
Looking ahead, Al Etihad Payments plans to expand Jaywan’s features. Credit card variants are in the pipeline, promising even more flexibility for users. Integration with additional digital wallets and partnerships with other countries, like India, will further broaden the card’s reach. By mid-2025, Jaywan could become a staple for UAE travelers, rivaling established players like Visa and Mastercard in popularity.
For now, residents can expect a phased rollout. Banks will prioritize existing account holders, offering them the option to upgrade to co-badged Jaywan cards. New customers can apply through participating banks or fintech platforms, with Mbank’s Wallet already leading the charge by offering zero-fee ATM withdrawals and digital vouchers.
A Bright Future for UAE Travelers
The ability to use Jaywan cards overseas is more than a convenience—it’s a milestone in the UAE’s financial evolution. For travelers, it means fewer worries about payment compatibility and more focus on enjoying their trips. For the UAE, it signals a bold step toward global fintech leadership, backed by innovation and strategic partnerships.
As the second half of 2025 approaches, UAE residents can look forward to packing lighter, knowing their Jaywan card has them covered from Dubai to destinations worldwide. Whether it’s a quick getaway to the Maldives or a business trip to Singapore, Jaywan promises to make payments simple, secure, and cost-effective. With this move, the UAE isn’t just keeping up with the world—it’s setting the pace.
