MUSCAT : Reaffirming its commitment to promoting innovation, Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate of Oman, has announced the soft launch of the national payment card “Maal”, marking a significant step towards supporting the Sultanate’s vision of establishing a secure and efficient digital payments ecosystem operating within an integrated national framework.

“Maal” is a national payment card developed under the supervision of the Central Bank of Oman and issued by Omani banks. It is accepted by all licensed payment service providers across the Sultanate, enabling customers to carry out transactions easily and securely through a unified national system for card issuance, processing, and settlement.

The debit card provides customers with 24/7 access to their accounts, allowing them to perform cash withdrawals and make purchases at point-of-sale terminals across Oman. It also supports payments for local e-commerce platforms, bills, government services, and mobile applications. “Maal” features contactless payment capability and a One-Time Password (OTP) service for online transactions within Oman. The card also ensures faster transaction processing, greater efficiency, and reduced fees for merchants, as it operates through the local OmanNet network, providing enhanced data privacy and security. POS terminals, however, will be enabled gradually to enhance the customers’ experience.

Commenting on the launch, Abdullah Hamood Al Jufaili, Assistant General Manager Digital Banking, Bank Muscat, said: “We appreciate this pioneering step by the Central Bank of Oman in launching the national payment card ‘Maal’ which will contribute to strengthen the local digital payments ecosystem and build a robust and secure infrastructure that enhances financial inclusion. At Bank Muscat, we are proud to align with this unified national direction, which sets a clear and reliable roadmap for digital transformation. We encourage our valued customers to take advantage of this innovative card and enjoy its unique benefits.”

The “Maal” debit card is available to Bank Muscat customers free of charge and will be automatically issued to new customers upon opening an account. Existing customers will receive an SMS to inform them when their cards are ready for collection.

The launch of “Maal” underscores the Bank’s leadership in supporting the national digital payments infrastructure, driving innovation and financial inclusion, and contributing to the Sultanate’s sustainable economic development goals.

As a testament to its leadership in digital transformation, Bank Muscat has recently received several prestigious recognitions, including: Best Bank for Digital Solutions at the Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2025, Best Digital Bank in Oman at the Euromoney Excellence Awards 2025, Best Bank for Digital Communications and Marketing by The Banker, The Gold Award for Digital Channel Innovation from Infosys Finacle Innovation Awards 2025, and Best Brand for Customer Experience (Retail Banking) from Muscat Media Group.

For more information on the Maal debit card, please visit: https://www.bankmuscat.com/en/bm-cards/Pages/maal.aspx or call the Bank Muscat Contact Centre at 24795555, chat instantly via WhatsApp on the same number. The Bank’s staff are always ready to provide any assistance or respond to any inquiries regarding the card. Customers may also reach out through the bank’s official social media accounts on X and Facebook.