Al Hilal Bank first in UAE to offer instant Visa debit cards

Al Hilal Bank, a progressive Islamic bank, announces the launch of a first of its kind instant issuance of Visa Debit Cards to their valuable customers in the UAE. Customers opening accounts at Al Hilal Bank branches now enjoy the facility of instantly receiving their debit cards along with a personalised account number chosen by the customer. 

Al Hilal Bank further disclosed that the debit card is available for personal and business accounts (sole proprietorship only). With conventional card processing procedures usually taking up to 10 business days, the new instant card issuance feature of Al Hilal Bank significantly reduces the waiting time for customers and eliminates potential security risks related to lost or tampered cards as customers will now receive their cards instantly at the branch. 

Mohamed Zaqout, Head of Personal Banking Group at Al Hilal Bank, said: “Al Hilal Bank has established itself as a leading innovator in the banking sector by becoming the first card issuer in the region to offer personalized account numbers. We are proud to announce that Al Hilal Bank has once again pioneered a new value-added service that reaffirms our commitment to deliver enhanced customer experience. Customers will not be required to wait for days as their debit cards can be issued immediately upon opening an account at our branches. Customers could also choose their secret PIN at the branch enabling the card to be ready for use instantly. Moreover, Card security has always been a top priority for Al Hilal Bank and we believe that the instant debit card issuance feature will help eliminate security issues generally associated with conventional card processing procedures. Al Hilal Bank will continue to introduce innovative services and financial solutions that add value to the customer experience and ultimately redefine the concept of modern Islamic banking globally”. 

Kamran Siddiqi, General Manager Visa Middle East, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Al Hilal Bank to launch this unique service to customers in the UAE. Visa prides itself on delivering cutting edge payment solutions that meet cardholders’ ever-changing needs, and the introduction of instant debit card issuance is a great example of this in action. Al Hilal Bank has shown great commitment and creativity over the years to delivering innovative services and financial solutions as part of its product suite, and we are proud to be working with them to offer this enhanced customer experience for its Visa cardholders.” 

Al Hilal Bank is fully owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, the investment body of the Abu Dhabi Government Currently one of the progressive and fast growing Islamic banks in the UAE, Al Hilal Bank serves customers through 19 branches and over 100 ATMs spread across the UAE and two branches in Kazakhstan. It manages the Al Hilal GCC Equity Fund.