Visa has officially rolled out its innovative Visa+ service in Bahrain, making it possible for users to send money across the GCC using only the recipient’s mobile number. No need for long card or account numbers.
The feature is being launched through BenefitPay, in partnership with Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) and Khaleeji Bank, and sets a new standard for secure, convenient digital payments in the region.
As one of the first global markets to offer Visa+, Bahrain is being positioned as a regional leader in next-gen financial innovation. With Visa+, customers of BisB and Khaleeji Bank can transfer funds to Visa debit and prepaid cardholders in GCC countries like the UAE and Qatar using just a mobile number, referred to as an “alias”, instead of sensitive account info like the PAN or IBAN.
“At Visa, we understand the crucial role that fast, secure, and easy payments play in people’s lives across the region,” said Ahmed ElKaffass, Visa’s Country Manager for Bahrain.
“This innovative service not only enhances convenience for senders but also benefits families, communities, and economies globally.”
Building a Regional and Global Payments Ecosystem
The initial phase of Visa+ includes connections between BisB and Khaleeji Bank in Bahrain, Emirates NBD in the UAE, and Qatar Islamic Bank. But this is just the beginning. Visa plans to expand the ecosystem across the GCC, eventually including banks in Pakistan and EU countries, offering broader access to seamless cross-border remittances.
“Launching this service through our strong partnership with Visa represents an important step in enhancing innovation in the financial technology sector. We thank Bahrain Islamic Bank and Khaleeji Bank for its early joining… and we are working to include the rest of the banks in the near future,” said Abdulwahed AlJanahi, CEO of Benefit.
For financial institutions, Visa+ offers more than just convenience. It enables peer-to-peer payments, financing disbursements, and global remittances, all while maintaining user privacy and reducing friction. The goal? A smarter, faster, and more inclusive money movement experience in the MENA region and beyond.
With Visa+ making a strong entrance in Bahrain, the future of money transfers in the Gulf just got a lot more mobile and a lot more personal.
