Sinder, a UAE-based travel fintech, today announced the launch of its staged beta for UAE residents.
The product combines an AED account with a local IBAN and a Mastercard Platinum debit card with app-based tools designed to make international spending easier to understand and manage.
Customers can open and manage their account through the Sinder mobile app, receive a virtual or physical card, fund their account, track spending and access practical travel tools.
Sinder’s Founder Card has no annual or monthly subscription fee. Customers spend internationally directly from their AED balance at the Mastercard Exchange Rate, with 0% Sinder FX markup within an AED 40,000 monthly worldwide allowance.
On spending above the allowance, Sinder applies a 0.5% weekday markup or 1.5% weekend markup to the excess amount only. Pricing and plan limits are disclosed clearly in the application and on Sinder’s website.
The launch follows a controlled production pilot that generated early demand without a formal public announcement or paid acquisition.
As at 20 July 2026, 173 accounts had been created and 62 customers had become active. Thirty-three customers had funded their accounts, while 11 early transacting customers had completed 106 card transactions totalling more than AED 8,400. Available customer balances had reached approximately AED 48,300.
“UAE residents travel frequently, but the cost of spending abroad is often obscured by exchange rates, card fees and complex rewards structures. Sinder is designed to make that experience easier to understand. The initial organic demand and repeat card usage give us a strong signal, and the beta will help us refine the experience before a broader rollout.”
Chris Hughes, Founder and CEO of Sinder.
The Sinder account and card are provided by Ruya Community Islamic Bank LLC, with Network International supporting the underlying card-processing infrastructure.
The card operates on the Mastercard network, providing international acceptance through an account designed around the needs of UAE-based travellers.
The beta will expand in stages as Sinder improves onboarding, funding, card delivery, international transactions and customer support.
Sinder was founded in Dubai by Chris Hughes and Artem Kuchumov, whose team brings fintech product, payments and operating experience from companies including Revolut and Tamara.
Beta access is available to eligible UAE residents through the Sinder applications on iOS and Android.
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News UAE, based on image by mrsiraphol via Magnific
