Emirates NBD enables money transfers via alias after Visa+ tie-up

By Gloria Methri

Emirates NBD  has partnered with Visa to become the first bank in the UAE to roll out Visa+ (Visa Direct Alias Directory). The move aims to simplify cross-border remittances, enabling faster, more secure, and transparent international money transfers for customers across the GCC.

With Visa+, Emirates NBD customers can send funds to Visa cardholders in other GCC countries using just an alias — either the recipient’s mobile number or 16-digit debit card number. The service aims to revolutionise digital remittances and address key challenges such as hidden fees and processing delays.

According to Visa’s 2024 Digital Remittances Adoption study, 50% of UAE users have reported encountering hidden fees when sending money through traditional methods, such as cash or cheques. Visa+ offers a more transparent and cost-effective alternative, in line with rising consumer expectations for digital payment solutions.

The initial phase of the Visa+ partnership will support money transfers between:

• Emirates NBD (UAE)
• Qatar Islamic Bank (Qatar)
• Bahrain Islamic Bank and Khaleeji Bank customers via BenefitPay (Bahrain)

This collaboration lays the groundwork for a broader regional remittance network, with plans to expand into Pakistan and European markets in the future, extending the ecosystem to more banks, senders and recipients worldwide.

Speaking on the partnership, Deepak Chandran, Group Head of Retail Products at Emirates NBD, said, “We are excited to be at the forefront of bringing Visa+ to the UAE, offering our customers a seamless and secure way to send money across the GCC. This launch reaffirms our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance convenience, security, and flexibility for our customers. By continuously evolving our offerings, we reinforce our leadership position in the UAE banking sector and set new benchmarks in digital payments.”

Salima Gutieva, Visa’s VP and Country Manager for UAE, said, “At Visa, we are committed to enhancing the remittance experience for senders in the UAE. The launch of Visa+ with Emirates NBD will transform the way people send money and help reshape the entire remittance landscape in the region. This innovative service benefits not only the senders, but also the families, communities, and economies worldwide that rely on these vital funds.”