Jaywan cardholders unlock savings across travel, dining and entertainment in UAE
UAE's national payment card scheme offers cardholders access to over 150 benefits including flight discounts, airport lounge access, dining offers and entertainment perks across multiple tiers.
How Jaywan cardholders can save on travel, dining, shopping, entertainment
Cardholders using Jaywan, the UAE's domestic payment scheme, can access more than 150 offers spanning travel, hotels, shopping, dining, entertainment, health and wellness. The benefits vary by card tier and issuing bank, with the most substantial advantages currently appearing on Prestige and Royal debit cards.
Launched in 2024 and officially rolled out to banks and financial institutions on July 20, 2026, Jaywan was inaugurated by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Central Bank of the UAE. The scheme is managed by Al Etihad Payments, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Central Bank that operates the UAE's national card switch.
Eleven financial institutions now issue Jaywan cards, including First Abu Dhabi Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Emirates NBD, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Sharjah Islamic Bank, Bank of Baroda, Emirates Islamic, Mbank, Citi, Al Ansari Exchange and Botim Money. Residents can use these cards for daily purchases, online shopping and ATM withdrawals, with the scheme processing and storing all payment data domestically within the UAE.
Flight and hotel discounts
Prestige and Royal cardholders receive a 7% discount on eligible flight tickets and hotel reservations booked through Trip.com. Air Arabia passengers can save up to 10% on Ultimate fares, while Etihad Airways offers up to 10% off selected Comfort and Deluxe fare categories.
These discounts apply only to specified fare types, so cardholders should verify eligibility before booking. The final price remains more important than the headline reduction, and travellers should compare baggage allowances, seat selection fees, cancellation policies, loyalty programme benefits and taxes across options.
Jaywan has signed co-badging partnerships with Mastercard, Visa, UnionPay and Discover to enable international acceptance. Co-badged cards function both locally and abroad, while mono-badged Jaywan cards work within the UAE and GCC countries, making them suitable for regional travel.
Airport lounges and travel protection
Eligible Royal cardholders gain access to more than 1,800 airport lounges and travel experiences through Priority Pass. When purchased directly, Priority Pass Prestige membership typically costs $469 annually, representing significant value for frequent travellers. Cardholders should confirm the number of complimentary visits, guest charges and any spending requirements with their issuing bank.
Jaywan also offers travel insurance through Sukoon. Coverage details matter: cardholders should check whether they must pay for the entire trip using the card and whether the policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, delayed baggage or other events. Shopper protection and extended warranty benefits may cover qualifying purchases against specified risks or extend manufacturer warranties, subject to policy terms, exclusions and maximum claim amounts.
Entertainment and dining benefits
The Reel Cinemas offer includes buy-one-get-one-free tickets and a 20% discount on food and beverages. Users should verify eligible days, cinema formats, ticket limits and whether online booking fees apply.
The Jaywan Entertainer app provides buy-one-get-one-free offers across dining, hotels, entertainment, retail, health and beauty. Cardholders may need to register their card or activate membership before accessing these benefits.
A separate Royal-card offer provides 12 months of Careem+ membership from Dh149. Before subscribing, users should assess whether the membership cost aligns with the value they expect from delivery, transport or other services.
Digital wallet integration and acceptance
Jaywan cards support integration with Apple Wallet, Samsung Wallet and Google Pay, enabling contactless and tokenised payments. This digital wallet compatibility enhances convenience for everyday transactions and online purchases.
The payment scheme aims to reduce transaction costs and boost financial inclusion while strengthening the UAE's sovereignty over its financial infrastructure. Jaywan represents the first significant domestic alternative to Visa and Mastercard, which collectively account for more than 90% of card payment transactions in the UAE.
Cardholders should check the offer platform before making sizeable bookings or purchases, save the terms, pay with the correct card and retain receipts in case discount verification or protection claims become necessary. Residents considering Prestige or Royal cards should compare the likely annual value of benefits against any account fees, card charges or membership costs imposed by their bank.
