The UAE's Jaywan card explained: benefits, banks, travel perks and how to apply

DUBAI — The UAE's national payment card, Jaywan, is steadily making its way into residents' wallets — often arriving automatically with a new or renewed debit card. Built to handle everyday spending while strengthening the country's own payments infrastructure, the scheme is designed to be quick, secure and locally processed.

Jaywan is operated by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE. Cards can be used for ATM cash withdrawals, in-store purchases and online shopping, and support contactless payments, with an expansion into digital wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay expected. In practice, that means groceries, taxis, online orders and utility bills can all be settled much as with any other bank card.

What types of Jaywan card are available?

The scheme currently offers debit and prepaid cards, with credit cards planned. Variants differ by issuer: an exchange house may offer a salary card, while a bank may issue a debit card with added benefits. Residents apply through their own participating bank or financial institution.

Travel and lifestyle perks

The premium tier carries the most attractive extras. Premium Jaywan cardholders can access:

●    Airport lounge access via Priority Pass
●    Travel insurance
●    Purchase protection
●    Jaywan Entertainer membership
●    Careem+ discounts
●    Reel Cinemas offers
●    Airline-related benefits

Cardholders also get offers at more than 150 stores and service providers spanning travel, hotels, retail, entertainment, dining, and health and wellness.

How secure is it?

Jaywan uses established international security standards, including EMV chip technology, contactless PIN payments and 3D Secure authentication for online transactions. Because payment data is processed and stored within the UAE rather than on overseas systems, the scheme also keeps transaction information onshore.

Can you use Jaywan abroad?

Yes — the card is designed for both domestic and international use, with acceptance planned in more than 100 countries as the rollout progresses. That should allow residents to use a single card at home and while travelling. Because acceptance is still expanding, travellers should check the logos on their card and confirm overseas acceptance, foreign transaction fees, ATM charges and currency-conversion costs with their bank before flying.

Which banks issue Jaywan cards?

The Central Bank says eleven financial institutions are ready to issue Jaywan cards:

●    First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
●    Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
●    Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB)
●    Emirates NBD
●    Bank of Baroda
●    Citi
●    Emirates Islamic
●    Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)
●    Botim
●    MBank
●    Al Ansari Exchange

Further banks, exchange houses and fintech firms are expected to join in phases.

How to apply

Eligibility is straightforward: applicants generally need to be UAE residents aged 18 or over, holding a valid Emirates ID and an account with a licensed financial institution. Applications are made directly through the issuing bank or exchange house — in many cases through its mobile app, where customers can request a virtual card first and a physical one after — or at a branch.

Many banks are now issuing Jaywan cards automatically when accounts are opened or salary cards renewed, so some residents may find they already have one.

Why it matters

Beyond individual perks, the scheme is intended to reduce reliance on international card networks, lowering processing costs for merchants and financial institutions and keeping payment data within the country. As more institutions join and features are added, Jaywan is expected to become a routine part of everyday spending in the UAE.