eDirham

Ministry of Finance has introduced eDirham as a mode of payment. It is a card that looks like a regular bank debit or credit card and functions almost like them.

Users can load the cards with as much money as the type of card permits and use it to make payments. All eDirham can be used to pay for governmental and non-governmental services in the UAE. However, worldwide, only some cards can be used to pay for products and services; the card can be used while buying products and services from eDirham G2 merchants.

eDirham can be used to make payments over the counter and on the internet. It can also be used to withdraw cash.

eDirham is available in the following types: red, blue, green, silver and gold. Every card has distinct features. Some cards are co-branded with Visa, the payments technology company. All cards have the standard security features.

The federal government revenue collected through eDirham exceeded AED 22 billion in 2019.

You can obtain eDirham cards from through the official website of eDirham or through the branches of National Bank of Abu Dhabi.

The eDirham app is available on Apple and Android.

eDirham G3 cards

Ministry of Finance (MoF) in cooperation with several government entities and banks launched the third generation (G3) of eDirham cards in September 2020. The eDirham G3 cards will facilitate the collection of government fees and revenues and make paying government fees more convenient and safer.

The new generation of eDirham includes 3 cards with different benefits. Details are as follows:

• The 'Hala’ card is suitable for new customers who want to make one-time payments. This card does not require registration or documents and can be topped-up with a balance of up to AED 3,500.
• The 'Gold’ card is suitable for regular customers who make multiple transactions. It is pre-paid, with an option to top it multiple times. This card requires registration to provide an additional level of security.
• The ‘Premium’ card is suitable for individuals and corporates with high balances without a maximum recharge limit. It is a customisable pre-paid card that requires registration.

The eDirham G3 cards will gradually replace the second generation cards. Through its Twitter account, MoF requested customers of 14 participating entities to replace their G2 with the eDirham G3 cards and informed that payments through the old cards from the customers of these entities would be accepted until 24 September 2020.

Read related post on Twitter.

eDirham Instant app - transitioning from cashless to card-less transactions

In 2020, the UAE introduced the ‘eDirham Instant’ app. The app enables card-less and cashless payment for government transactions across the UAE, without the need for a physical card.

Through eDirham Instant app, you can make instant payments using a One Time Password (OTP) or a QR code, without exposing your bank account or eDirham card details. You can track your payments and manage your spending easily through the app. Individuals and businesses who have an eDirham card or an account with a bank that is participating in providing the eDirham service can use the eDirham Instant app.

Download the eDirham Instant app from the App Store or Google Play and follow the instructions for registration. To complete the registration process, you will need to link the app to your source of funds which can be an eDirham card or an account with a bank that is participating in providing the eDirham service.

Read FAQs about the eDirham Instant app’s installation and registration process.