Visa launches flexible payments in UAE, US

Visa is launching a flexible payments feature in both the United Arab Emirates and the U.S., aiming to meet the increasing demand for versatile transaction options in an evolving digital economy.

Known as the "flexible credential," this feature enables customers to use a single card for multiple funding sources—a convenience already embraced in markets across Asia, including Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore.

In the UAE, Visa has partnered with Liv Bank to bring this innovative solution to a region that’s rapidly adopting digital payment methods, driven by the UAE’s commitment to becoming a smart, tech-driven economy.

This move taps into growing consumer preferences for seamless payment options, especially as e-commerce and digital banking grow in the UAE. A recent Visa survey revealed that 51% of card users prefer the convenience of accessing multiple accounts and funding sources from one card, underscoring the importance of flexibility in personal finance.

"Most people think of their finances on a month-to-month basis. Breaking down the cost of an item helps people with their financial decisions and allows retailers to sell more," said Odysseas Papadimitriou, CEO of personal finance firm WalletHub.

Visa plans to expand this feature into Europe, continuing its strategy of bringing convenience and flexibility to a global audience.

The UAE’s rollout of Visa’s flexible credential feature with Liv Bank marks another step toward the country’s vision of a highly interconnected and consumer-centric digital economy.