Bahrain gets first 32-currency Fintech card
TDT | Manama
BFC Payments has launched Bahrain's first prepaid card to support 32 global currencies in a single digital wallet, redefining travel and cross-border spending for residents and tourists alike.
The enhanced 'Travel Buddy' card, part of the BFC Pay platform, now includes 15 additional currencies, ranging from the Japanese Yen and Indian Rupee to the Egyptian Pound and Chinese Yuan. It is currently the only card in the Kingdom offering such a wide currency portfolio under one wallet.
Consumer focus Designed for digital-savvy users, the card supports seamless transactions across continents and offers up to 7 percent cashback on domestic purchases. 'We're reimagining everyday finance, whether you're a frequent flyer, a digital shopper or living life across borders. This card offers financial control right in your pocket,' said Vineet Karumat, General Manager of BFC Payments.
The upgraded card builds on BFC Pay's growing footprint in Bahrain's digital payments landscape, which includes features like stored value wallets with virtual IBANs, payroll accounts, international recharges, and real-time merchant offers.
National innovation
The move marks a significant step in Bahrain's fintech evolution. With financial platforms increasingly shifting toward integrated, borderless services, BFC Pay's initiative strengthens Bahrain's position as a hub for financial innovation in the Gulf. The Travel Buddy card is now available through the BFC Pay App, offering Bahrain-based users a smarter, globally connected way to spend and save.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Daily Tribune
Cash, celebration and a grand prize
TDT | Manama Al Baraka Islamic Bank marked Eid Al Adha with a celebration of loyalty and good fortune, awarding its June Grand Prize worth USD 120,000 and naming 50 additional winners of Eid cash rewards under its Al Barakat Investment Account programme. The headline prize, structured as a monthly salary of USD 10,000 for one full year, went to Mr. Sayed Hadi Mohsen Alawi. His name was drawn in a public raffle held at the bank's Bahrain Bay headquarters, where customers, auditors, and officials from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce were present. Branch visitors also took part in the process by helping randomly select winners. Banking with rewards Alongside the main winner, 50 Al Barakat customers received Eid Al Adha cash prizes of USD 500 each. The festive timing and scale of the draw underscored the Bank's message of inclusivity, customer appreciation, and community celebration. Chief Retail Officer Mazin Dhaif noted that the Al Barakat Account continues to turn clients' savings into opportunities. He described the prize scheme as more than a financial reward, calling it 'a life-enhancing tool' that reflects the Bank's commitment to rewarding loyalty through Shari'a-compliant savings. Largest prize pool With a total prize pool of USD 4 million in 2025, the Al Barakat scheme stands as the largest of its kind in Bahrain's Islamic banking sector. The bank said the programme is designed to strengthen customer trust by blending consistent saving habits with chances to win valuable rewards. The Al Barakat Investment Account is available via the Bank's mobile app with a minimum deposit of BD 50 or USD 135. Accounts can also be opened for minors through a legal guardian. All cash prizes are awarded under Shari'a guidelines, reinforcing Al Baraka's promise of ethical banking that uplifts its community.
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Daily Tribune
Endurance Tested, Spirit Unshaken
TDT | Manama Trail Runners Take on Alpine Test Backed by the Bahrain Olympic Committee, the Bahrain Ultra Trail Runners (BUTR) team is set to participate in the internationally renowned Mozart 100 by UTMB, a demanding mountain ultra-marathon held annually in Salzburg, Austria. The trail running event is part of the global UTMB World Series, which is the official pathway to the prestigious UTMB Mont-Blanc, and this year's edition will welcome over 2,500 runners from around the world across various distance categories. The standout challenge will be the punishing 120km course with over 5,800 metres of vertical ascent. Bahrain's Best on the Mountain Stage The Bahrain team is composed of some of the Kingdom's most passionate endurance athletes, who specialise in long-distance mountain and trail running. The core team includes Hamad Mattar, Ahmed Kamal, Mohammed Zaman, Jassim Al Bastaki, and Amer Ibrahim — all competing in the Mozart 100. They are joined by Riyadh Rafie and Adam Jamal in the Mozart Ultra, while Saad Al Thabit and Hassanain Marhoon will also race in their respective categories. These athletes form part of BUTR — a homegrown community of Bahraini runners united by a shared love for trail endurance sports. The group has proudly represented Bahrain in previous international ultra-trail events, including other races within the UTMB circuit. A Route Known for Pain and Prestige The course weaves through steep climbs, wooded trails, and rugged mountain paths that demand elite conditioning and precise pacing. Organised by the UTMB World Series — the same group behind some of the world's toughest trail events in regions like the Andes, the Alps, and the Himalayas — the Mozart 100 is a critical stop for runners hoping to qualify for the UTMB Mont-Blanc in Chamonix, France, widely considered the pinnacle of ultra-trail racing. Global Challenge, National Pride For Bahraini runners, this race is a chance to show national pride and highlight Gulf athletes' endurance in a sport still finding its foothold locally. The team's participation is made possible through the Bahrain Olympic Committee's active support, reinforcing the Kingdom's ambition to feature more prominently across a broader range of international sporting disciplines.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
From Passport to Phone: Bahrain Taps Finland's Expertise on e-Travel IDs
TDT | Manama As part of Bahrain's drive to modernize government services and fast-track its digital transformation, a high-level delegation led by His Excellency Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs, has completed an official visit to Finland – a global trailblazer in digital identity systems. The visit comes under the directives of His Excellency Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, and reflects Bahrain's commitment to staying ahead of the curve by aligning with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) vision to digitize travel documents. In a series of high-level meetings with Finnish officials, including Mr. Matti Sarasmaa, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior, and Mr. Ilkka Koskimäki, National Police Commissioner, both sides explored avenues for collaboration on digital travel identity projects. The talks centered on adopting international and European standards to ensure secure, seamless, and future-ready solutions for travelers. During the visit, Bahrain's delegation gained firsthand insights into Finland's cutting-edge approach to digital travel identity – from system architecture and security protocols to implementation roadmaps and operational benchmarks. These insights are expected to shape the rollout of Bahrain's own digital ID system. Shaikh Hisham praised Finland's innovation and reaffirmed Bahrain's determination to adopt global best practices in passport and identity management. 'This collaboration marks a significant leap forward in our digital transformation journey. By embracing digital travel identities, we aim to deliver smarter, faster, and more convenient services to citizens and residents alike,' he said. Looking ahead, the envisioned system would allow Bahraini citizens to travel using secure digital IDs stored on their smartphones – turning tedious airport procedures into smooth, tech-enabled experiences. The visit not only reflects Bahrain's ambitions to lead in smart governance but also lays the foundation for a digitally connected future – where travel is not only faster but smarter.
