A successful international card transaction was processed in Syria for the first time in over 15 years through a partnership between Mastercard and QNB Group. The milestone follows the technical reconnection of the Syrian payments network to the global Mastercard system.
The initial point-of-sale operation occurred at an approved local merchant via QNB Syria using an internationally issued card. As a result, this development sets the groundwork for financial institutions to integrate Syrian commercial activity into the wider digital economy.
Reconnecting to the Global Payment System
Following comprehensive technical preparations, QNB Syria completed the first transaction successfully. Consequently, businesses across the country gain a path toward accepting foreign cards for retail transactions.
In addition, technical links to international networks allow local vendors to handle point-of-sale purchases directly. This step directly supports broader commercial connectivity across diverse telecom and financial infrastructures.
Statements from Banking Leadership
Officials from the regulatory and commercial banking sectors emphasized the structural impact of the restored payment link on local market capabilities.
“The completion of Syria’s first international card transaction in more than 15 years is an important step in modernizing the country’s payments ecosystem. This achievement demonstrates the value of collaboration between the public and private sectors in enabling secure international payment acceptance, facilitating commerce and supporting sustainable economic development.”
H.E. Mohammed Safwat Raslan, Governor of the Central Bank of Syria
“The successful completion of the first international card transaction represents an important step in the development of Syria’s payments landscape. By connecting merchants to international payment capabilities, we are enabling businesses to offer customers greater choice and convenience while supporting the transition towards a more modern and secure digital payments ecosystem.”
Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Group Chief Business Officer at QNB Group
Impact of the International Card Transaction
The return of global card processing provides significant practical utility for local merchants, travelers, and commercial entities operating within the region. Furthermore, verified infrastructure readiness ensures that secure financial exchanges comply with global standards, utilizing modern apps and banking portals.
“At Mastercard, we see this first transaction as an important milestone in the evolution of Syria’s payments ecosystem. By working closely with the Central Bank of Syria and QNB Group, we are helping advance a more connected, secure and inclusive payments environment.”
Adam Jones, Division President, West Arabia, Mastercard
Long-Term Outlook for Payment Systems
Mastercard and QNB Group confirmed plans to maintain ongoing collaboration with the Central Bank of Syria. Specifically, these entities will work to expand secure card acceptance points across local commerce.
Meanwhile, the integration supports broader financial modernization across retail sectors. As technical deployments expand, additional merchants are expected to receive approval for foreign card acceptance in the coming phases.
