Manama, Bahrain – Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has introduced its innovative Visa+ service in Bahrain, allowing users to send money to Visa cardholders across GCC countries using only the recipient’s mobile number. The service is initially available to customers of Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) and Khaleeji Bank. This marks Bahrain as one of the first global markets to offer Visa+, highlighting its readiness for next-generation financial solutions and digital-first experiences.
Visa+ enables customers of BisB and Khaleeji Bank to transfer funds to Visa debit and prepaid cardholders in other GCC countries by simply using the recipient’s mobile number, removing the need to share sensitive details like a 16-digit debit card number (Primary Account Number – PAN) or IBAN. This makes the transfer process faster, more secure, and more convenient.
The initial phase of Visa+ focuses on facilitating cross-border transfers from Bahrain to the UAE and Qatar. This launch is the first step in creating a larger network that will eventually connect multiple banks across the GCC, Pakistan, and the EU, enabling more people globally to send and receive remittances securely.
Abdulwahed AlJanahi, CEO of BENEFIT, commented, “The launch of this service through our strong partnership with Visa is a significant step forward in enhancing innovation within the financial technology sector. We thank Visa, Bahrain Islamic Bank, and Khaleeji Bank for their early support, and we look forward to including more banks in the future.”
Visa’s Country Manager for Bahrain, Ahmed ElKaffass, added, “The introduction of Visa+ marks a significant transformation in remittances, making money transfers faster, simpler, and more secure. This will greatly benefit families, communities, and economies globally by providing a seamless experience.”
For financial institutions, Visa+ enhances the money movement experience and improves privacy protection for both senders and recipients. The service allows Visa’s partners to extend their reach, providing access to secure networks for a variety of use cases, including peer-to-peer payments, financing disbursements, and cross-border remittances.
About Visa Inc.
Visa (NYSE: V) is a global leader in digital payments, connecting consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and governments across over 200 countries and territories. Visa’s mission is to provide secure, reliable, and innovative payments, helping individuals, businesses, and economies thrive.
About BENEFIT
BENEFIT, established in 1997, is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) as an ancillary service provider to Bahrain’s financial sector. Owned by banks in Bahrain, BENEFIT offers innovative payment capabilities, information management solutions, and business process outsourcing services across the region.
