Visa has introduced its Visa+ service in Bahrain, enabling users to send money to Visa cardholders across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region using only the recipient’s mobile number.
The service is currently available to customers of Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) and Khaleeji Bank.
Bahrain is among the first markets globally to adopt Visa+.
Through Visa+, customers of BisB and Khaleeji Bank can transfer funds to Visa debit and prepaid cardholders in other GCC countries using a mobile number instead of sharing more sensitive details such as a 16-digit debit card number or IBAN.
The initial rollout allows transfers from BisB and Khaleeji Bank customers in Bahrain to Visa cardholders at Emirates NBD in the UAE and Qatar Islamic Bank in Qatar.
Over time, the service aims to expand its network, connecting more banks within the GCC as well as in markets including Pakistan and European Union countries.
Abdulwahed AlJanahi, Chief Executive of BENEFIT, said:
“Launching this service through our strong partnership with Visa represents an important step in enhancing innovation in the financial technology sector by providing an important service for cross-border money transfers between the GCC countries in the first phase and the rest of the world in the future.”
Ahmed ElKaffass, Visa’s Country Manager for Bahrain, added:
“The introduction of Visa+ in collaboration with BenefitPay, Bahrain Islamic Bank and Khaleeji Bank marks a significant step in transforming remittances, simplifying money transfers, and reshaping the money movement landscape in Bahrain. This innovative service not only enhances convenience for senders but also benefits families, communities, and economies globally.”
Featured image credit: edited from freepik
