QNB Syria and Mastercard launch first locally issued international payment card

QNB Syria and Mastercard have launched Syria’s first locally issued electronic payment card that is accepted internationally. The launch event was attended by Mohammed Safwat Raslan, the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria.

This development marks a transition in the Syrian payment system from merely accepting foreign cards to issuing local cards connected to global networks. The initiative follows a May decision by the central bank allowing licensed financial institutions to work with international providers like Visa and Mastercard. This follows the country's reconnection to the Mastercard network earlier this year and the completion of its first international Mastercard transaction in over 15 years in August.

The new card allows eligible QNB Syria customers to make secure payments outside the country. The bank plans to roll out the card in phases, subject to operational readiness and regulatory requirements. The move is intended to expand access to digital banking services and support economic activity by integrating the Syrian banking sector with modern global payment tools.