# Syrian payment ecosystem reintegration with Mastercard

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/syrian-payment-ecosystem-reintegration-with-mastercard
> Updated: 2026-09-14T02:20:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Syria’s payment ecosystem has begun reintegrating with the global digital economy through a partnership between Mastercard and QNB Group. In August 2026, the two entities completed the first international card transaction in Syria in over 15 years, which involved a point-of-sale sale at a local merchant using a Mastercard issued abroad.

Following this milestone, QNB Syria and Mastercard launched Syria’s first locally issued electronic payment card that is accepted internationally. This development marks a shift from the country merely accepting foreign cards to issuing local cards connected to global networks. The initiative follows a May decision by the Central Bank of Syria allowing licensed financial institutions to work with international providers such as Visa and Mastercard.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-14: 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 capable of international use, marking a significant step in reconnecting the country to global payment networks.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qnb-syria-and-mastercard-launch-first-locally-issued-international-payment-card

### 2026-08-29: Mastercard and QNB Group complete first international card transaction in Syria in 15 years

Mastercard and QNB Group have completed Syria’s first international card transaction in over 15 years, marking a major step in reconnecting the nation to the global digital payment network.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mastercard-and-qnb-group-complete-first-international-card-transaction-in-syria-in-15-years

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Cite as: Syrian payment ecosystem reintegration with Mastercard. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/syrian-payment-ecosystem-reintegration-with-mastercard