First Gulf Bank launches Chip Debit MasterCard

The new card is compliant with EMV (Europay, MasterCard, Visa) - the global standard for chip based card payments.

'Once again, with the launch of this more secure card, we are delivering continuous service distinction to all our customers, ensuring their banking experience is safer, utilising the very latest in technology solutions to enhance our product offerings,' said Amit Wanchoo, Head of Retail Banking Group, First Gulf Bank.

'The new FGB Chip Debit MasterCard is secured by state-of-the-art chip technology that reduces the risk of fraud, thanks to its embedded microprocessor, to provide highly secure memory and processing capabilities for increased security in usage, added Wanchoo.

FGB's new Chip Debit MasterCard replaces the bank's existing ATM cards and is offered free-of-charge to all its customers.

'Globally accepted at over 25 million locations, FGB's new Chip Debit MasterCard will make shopping more convenient. In addition, customers can use the card to withdraw money at over a million ATMs around the world anytime, making it the perfect travel companion,' concluded Wanchoo.

Eyad Al Kourdi, Country Manager, UAE, MasterCard Worldwide, said, 'MasterCard is pleased to have cooperated with FGB to develop the FGB Chip Debit MasterCard, offering cardholders the ease and convenience of chip-enabled debit MasterCard,'.

'MasterCard has rolled out more than 295 million MasterCard branded EMV chip enabled cards globally to make the payments process easier, faster, more secure, and more valuable to everyone involved. MasterCard's knowledge and expertise in advanced payment solutions around the world has facilitated the development of this payment card. MasterCard will continue to work with FGB to develop innovative and flexible payment solutions programs that provide smarter methods of payment for an increasing array of transactions,' Al Kourdi added.