The UAE has introduced the Jaywan card to facilitate daily transactions for residents. This national payment scheme provides customized solutions and benefits tailored to domestic needs, while simultaneously strengthening the UAE's payment infrastructure and international connectivity.

Managed by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, the card is set to become a widely used payment method for in-person shopping, online purchases, and travel expenses. However, the main question for consumers is: what are the benefits of this card?

Jaywan cards can be used for cash withdrawals from ATMs, retail shopping, and online purchases, making them a suitable option for daily expenses. The scheme supports contactless payments and is expected to integrate with digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

UAE residents can use the Jaywan card to pay for daily purchases, book taxis, shop online, or pay utility bills, just like other existing bank cards in the country.

Jaywan: More Than Just a Debit Card
Currently, the scheme includes debit and prepaid cards, with credit cards planned for the future. Applicants can contact member banks to receive their card. The primary goal is to provide a fast, secure, and easy payment solution that contributes to the development of the national payment ecosystem in the UAE.

Travel and Lifestyle Benefits with Jaywan Card
One of the main attractions of this card is the benefits allocated to premium cardholders. Jaywan Premium cardholders enjoy the following features:

- Access to airport lounges via Priority Pass
- Travel insurance
- Purchase protection and guarantee
- Membership in the Jaywan Entertainer discount system
- Special discounts on Careem+ services
- Offers and discounts at Reel Cinemas
- Airline-related benefits

Cardholders will have access to discounts and special offers at more than 150 stores and service centers across various sectors, including travel, hospitality, shopping, entertainment, dining, and health and spas.

Advanced Security
Security is a key component of the Jaywan scheme. Designed security measures ensure user safety during in-store payments or online shopping. The Jaywan card utilizes globally recognized security technologies, including:

- EMV chip technology
- Encrypted contactless payments
- 3D Secure authentication for online transactions

Can the Jaywan card be used abroad?
Yes. The Jaywan card is designed for both domestic and international use, and as the rollout continues, it is planned to be accepted in more than 100 countries worldwide.

This means UAE residents can use a single card for both domestic purchases and travel expenses during foreign holidays, eliminating the need to carry multiple payment tools.

Which banks issue the Jaywan card?
According to information released by the Central Bank of the UAE, 11 financial institutions have currently announced their readiness 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

Other banks, exchange houses, and fintech companies are expected to join the network gradually in subsequent phases.

Conclusion
By combining daily utility, high security, and diverse rewards, the Jaywan card creates excellent added value for most UAE residents. The card supports current expenses, online shopping, and international travel, while premium users benefit from additional perks such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and retail discounts. Furthermore, the Jaywan scheme will significantly contribute to achieving the UAE's goal of strengthening national payment infrastructure and developing local solutions.

As more banks join the network and new features are introduced, the Jaywan card is expected to become a common and popular choice among UAE residents.