Africa Digest News

As Oman’s Vision 2040 blueprint pushes digital inclusion and innovation, Thawani Pay is turning policy into progress.

On October 27, 2025, the homegrown payments pioneer became Oman’s first fintech licensed by Visa to issue credit cards, a breakthrough that marks both a corporate victory and a national milestone in digital finance.

This is about modernising how Omanis access credit faster, safer, and without the old banking barriers. For consumers used to paperwork and long approvals, Thawani’s Visa credit cards promise something new: global reach in a few smartphone taps.

The Journey: From Wallet App to Credit Card Trailblazer

Founded more than a decade ago by Majid Al Amri, the company began as Oman’s first mobile wallet, challenging a culture still loyal to cash.

By 2020, it became the first non-banking financial entity licensed by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO), a major step that solidified its status as the Sultanate’s fintech frontrunner.

The climb toward credit card licensing was gradual but strategic. In 2024, Thawani teamed up with Visa to launch prepaid cards and microfinancing services, extending digital payments to underserved users.

Then came the Mojab Business Card, a smart expense solution that simplified financial management for Omani companies.

Each success built trust, and that trust eventually caught Visa’s attention. With PCI-DSS certification and a reputation for airtight security, Thawani proved it could deliver global-grade fintech from Omani soil.

Why Visa Picked Thawani

Visa doesn’t hand out issuing rights easily. The decision to partner with Thawani was rooted in shared goals: innovation, inclusion, and security.

Oman’s fintech ecosystem is heating up, driven by a young, mobile-first population and government initiatives under Vision 2040.

Thawani’s focus on digital-first, user-centric design aligned perfectly with Visa’s regional mission to expand secure digital payments across the Middle East.

“Thawani Pay’s milestone marks an exciting step forward for Oman’s fintech landscape,” said Nasser Bdeir, Visa’s Country Manager for Oman. “It reflects the country’s growing appetite for digital-first solutions and the strength of local innovation. We’re proud to help expand access to seamless, secure digital payments across the region.”

For Visa, this partnership offers a local innovator with proven reach of an innovative platform already serving businesses and consumers through payments, lending, and analytics. For Thawani, it’s validation from one of the world’s most trusted financial networks.

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What Omanis Can Expect: Credit Reimagined

Thawani’s upcoming Visa credit cards are designed for simplicity and speed. No paperwork, no waiting. Everything happens through the Thawani app, including application, verification, approval, and activation.

Key features include:

• Seamless digital onboarding: Apply and activate your card entirely online.
• Global acceptance: Use at over 100 million Visa merchants worldwide.
• Enhanced security: Advanced fraud protection and tokenisation.
• Smart integration: Track spending, rewards, and insights within the Thawani ecosystem.

Aligned with Oman Vision 2040

Thawani’s Visa partnership fits squarely into Oman Vision 2040, the national plan to diversify the economy and strengthen digital infrastructure.

By simplifying access to credit, Thawani is enabling financial literacy, SME growth, and broader economic participation, which are three key pillars of the Vision framework.

From telco-linked microloans to corporate card products, Thawani’s innovations echo Vision 2040’s goals: to make technology the foundation of everyday opportunity.

The Road Ahead

As Oman’s fintech scene continues to mature, Thawani’s Visa credit cards are likely to set new benchmarks for convenience and trust. They symbolise a shift from dependency on traditional banks toward a more open, tech-driven financial ecosystem.

For consumers, the impact is personal, whether it’s financing a new business idea or paying for family essentials abroad. For Oman’s economy, it’s strategic proof that local fintech can compete on a global stage.

For Oman’s economy, it’s strategic proof point that local fintech can compete on a global stage and drive innovation in the financial sector.

Thawani Pay Visa Services

Thawani Pay is a leading digital payment platform based in Oman, offering fast, secure, and cashless transactions for individuals and businesses.

It enables users to make payments, manage accounts, and access Visa card services conveniently through its web and mobile platforms.

Users can access their accounts via the Thawani Pay Visa login or the Thawani login portal to check balances, make payments, or manage transactions.

The Thawani Pay Visa app, available for both Android and iOS, allows customers to send money, pay bills, and shop using QR codes or their Thawani Pay Visa card.

Businesses can register as Thawani merchants, gaining access to digital payment tools that simplify transactions for retail, e-commerce, and service industries.

The Thawani Pay Visa application online and application form make it easy for customers to apply for a Visa-enabled account directly from their phone or computer.

When it comes to costs, Thawani Pay Visa charges and Thawani fees remain competitive, with transparent pricing for merchants and individual users alike.

For enquiries or support, customers can reach the Thawani Pay helpline number or contact customer service through the official website.

As a pioneer in Oman’s fintech landscape, Thawani Oman continues to innovate in mobile payments, supporting the country’s transition toward a cashless economy.

Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.