Checkout.com gears up to launch card issuing in the UAE

Checkout.com has announced plans to launch domestic card issuing capabilities in the UAE by 2026, pending regulatory approval, which would make it the first global digital payment service provider to offer card issuance in the market.

The service will enable businesses to launch branded virtual and physical payment cards through Checkout.com's platform, adding issuing to the company's existing acquiring and payment processing capabilities in the UAE. Businesses will be able to create custom card programmes for use cases including employee expense management, customer rewards, and embedded finance products.

Card issuing represents a significant expansion of Checkout.com's business model in the region. The company has established itself primarily as a payment processor and acquirer, handling incoming payments for merchants. Adding issuing capabilities creates a two-sided platform that handles both the acceptance and distribution of payment instruments.

The UAE market is attractive for card issuing because of its large expatriate population, high digital payment adoption, and growing demand for embedded finance products. Businesses across fintech, e-commerce, and corporate services have been seeking flexible card issuing solutions that allow them to create branded payment products without partnering with traditional banks.

Checkout.com said it is working with UAE regulators to obtain the necessary approvals for domestic card issuance. The regulatory process reflects the importance that the Central Bank of the UAE places on maintaining oversight of all payment instrument issuers operating in the country.

The planned launch adds to Checkout.com's expanding UAE presence, which already includes payment processing, acquiring, and fraud prevention services.