Botim launches Jaywan prepaid card for digital payments

By Divya Shah

Why it matters: The launch strengthens the UAE’s domestic payments ecosystem, expands financial inclusion for underserved workers, and demonstrates how FinTechs can accelerate adoption of national payment schemes.

Botim, the UAE-based FinTech platform, launched the Botim One Jaywan Prepaid Card, becoming the first FinTech company in the country to issue a prepaid card under Jaywan, the UAE’s national card scheme. 

The launch is aimed at supporting wider adoption of Jaywan among workforce communities, leveraging Botim’s user base of more than 8.5 million people and its established payroll ecosystem. The initiative enables consumers to make secure everyday payments through the UAE’s domestic payments infrastructure.  

The scheme processes domestic card transactions within the UAE, strengthening national control over payment infrastructure while supporting the local handling of payment data.  

“Jaywan marks an important step in strengthening the country’s payments ecosystem, supporting financial inclusion and advancing the UAE’s digital transformation. Botim is proud to contribute to this national priority by supporting wider adoption of the scheme among workforce communities that are central to the UAE’s economy,” said H.E. Tariq BinHendi, CEO of Botim.   

The launch expands the value of digital payroll services beyond salary disbursement and cash withdrawals by providing workers with direct access to digital payment capabilities through the national card scheme. 

Cardholders will also gain access to Botim’s broader financial services ecosystem, including multilingual digital onboarding, international money transfers to more than 170 destinations, dining and travel offers, and investment options such as fractional gold and silver investments starting from AED 10. Eligible users can also access selected credit products.  

“The introduction of the first Jaywan prepaid card by Botim advances the expansion of the UAE’s domestic card scheme and is a testament of how Jaywan delivers on its commitment to enhance financial inclusion. This launch shows how prepaid products can extend secure digital payments to workforce communities and extends their participation in the UAE’s national payment strategy in adopting the UAE’s domestic card scheme,” said Andrea Cianchetti, Chief Products Officer of Al Etihad Payments.