Himyan card: All you wanted to know

NT Bureau

Doha: Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has announced the official launch of Himyan Debit Card (Himyan). The launch marks a qualitative addition to e-payment solutions available in Qatar.

But what is a Himyan card and what are its features and how and where it can be used? How does it differ from the normal debit card issued by banks to their account holders? These are some of the questions readers have asked after the QCB announcement.

Here is all you wanted to know about a Himyan card.

What is a Himyan card?

This is a prepaid debit card meant for local spending. Himyan card is the first national prepaid card with a registered Qatari brand, enabling customers to transact safely and securely within Qatar at all points of sales, ATMs, and local shopping websites. It enables you to track and control all the local transactions.

Being a prepaid card, the customer has to at first load funds into the card and then use the card. The card helps customers to escape fraud because unlike the normal account, the amount available in the Himyan card will be limited, which the customer himself loads. After using the amount, the customer can reload more cash.

The Himyan card is especially useful for online transactions where the possibility of fraud is very high.

How can one apply and what are the charges?

Customers can apply for Himyan directly through their respective bank’s card issuing channels. The first-time issuance of the card to local bank customers is offered free of charge.

The card is linked to its holder’s personal accounts at local banks, with lower transaction costs for card issuers, collectors and merchants.

Can one withdraw money from ATMs using Himyan?

Using Himyan, local bank customers can also withdraw funds locally from all ATMs in the country, along with the possibility of depositing money through ATMs that support deposit services for cash and cheques.

Which are the banks issuing Himyan card?

According to a report by Qatar News Agency on Saturday, the following banks are currently issuing Himyan card free of cost: QNB, Doha Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, QIB, Dukhan Bank, QIIB, and Commercial Bank.

Other banks can soon follow.

What are the transaction limits?

There are limits. For example, Commercial Bank website says following are the limits set. Transaction Type Amount (in QAR): Cash withdrawal – Single/Daily Limit 5,000 and Purchase – instore / E-commerce – Single/Daily Limit 10,000.

Qatar Islamic Bank says there is flexibility to load any amount between QR 50 to QR 30,000 in the card (For Existing QIB Customers) and between QR 50 to QR 5,000 (Visitors) by visiting selected QIB branches (Mirqab Mall, Tawar Mall, Al Fanar Branch). This shows the card is useful for visitors also.

Can we use Himyan outside Qatar?

No, you can use it only within Qatar.