Oman’s financial landscape is undergoing a major shift with the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) officially introducing the Maal Card, the country’s first national payment card designed to make digital transactions more affordable, secure, and accessible.

While the card represents an important milestone for Oman’s payments ecosystem, it also brings clear and immediate benefits for individual users across the Sultanate.

The Maal Card is built on Oman’s national payments infrastructure and aims to reduce reliance on international card networks. With no issuance or annual fees and a simplified cost structure, it offers a consumer-friendly alternative that enhances convenience and financial inclusion.

What Are the Benefits for Individual Users?

• Zero issuance and annual fees
  You don’t pay anything to get the card, and there are no yearly maintenance charges, making it one of Oman’s most cost-effective cards.

• Lower transaction costs
  The regulated fee structure ensures you avoid hidden or unpredictable fees common with international cards, keeping more money in your account.

• Improved local acceptance
  The card is specifically optimised for payments within Oman, supporting smoother, faster transactions at shops, ATMs, online platforms, and government portals.

• Enhanced security and privacy
  Because the card operates within the OmanNet infrastructure, your transaction data stays within the country, reducing exposure to cross-border risks and improving cybersecurity oversight.

• Stronger consumer protection
  Disputes and payment issues are handled under the supervision of the Central Bank of Oman, creating a safer and more transparent experience for users.

• Supports the shift toward digital payments
  The Maal Card reduces barriers to digital payment adoption, giving individuals a simple, affordable way to move away from cash.

• Benefits local businesses and the wider economy
  Lower merchant service fees mean SMEs save money when you pay with this card, helping stabilise prices and encouraging broader acceptance of digital payments.

• Greater convenience for online services
  From e-commerce purchases to utility bills and government transactions, the Maal Card is engineered to work more reliably across Oman’s digital platforms.

With the introduction of the Maal Card, Oman takes a decisive step toward a more modern, inclusive, and efficient financial future. For consumers, the result is a safer, cheaper, and more convenient payment experience — one fully aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the country’s push toward a digitally empowered economy.