Liv launches global-first Multicurrency Visa Card in UAE

Liv, the UAE's first and largest digital bank by Emirates NBD, has launched a Multicurrency Visa Card that automatically routes transactions across six major currencies. The card represents a global first for Visa Flex Credential technology in multicurrency cross-border payments, positioning UAE customers at the forefront of international banking innovation.

The competitive advantage

The Multicurrency Card solves a fundamental problem for UAE's internationally mobile population: managing multiple currencies without friction or excessive conversion costs. Previously, customers needed separate cards or manual currency switching for international spending. Liv has modularised this complexity into a single card experience.

This creates network effects for Liv's platform. The more currencies a customer uses, the more valuable the single-card solution becomes compared to traditional banking. The automatic fallback to AED ensures transactions complete even when foreign currency balances run low — removing the primary friction point of multicurrency management.

The technology

The card leverages Visa Flex Credential technology to intelligently select the most relevant currency account for each payment. Customers can hold and spend in AED, US dollars, British pounds, euros, Canadian dollars, and Australian dollars — all managed in real time within the Liv app.

"With this first-ever multicurrency enablement of Visa Flex Credentials for cross-border transactions, we are giving consumers more convenience, flexibility, and control over how they pay," said Salima Gutieva, Visa's VP & Country Manager for UAE.

Strategic significance

For Emirates NBD, this launch reinforces its digital leadership in the MENA region, where cross-border spending continues to grow. The multicurrency capability positions Liv to capture a disproportionate share of high-value international transactions from UAE customers.

"Liv Multicurrency proposition makes global spending effortless, helping our customers use multiple currencies seamlessly within a single, secure debit card, leading to lower transaction costs," said Rohit Garg, Group Head of Retail Products and Chief Digital Officer at Emirates NBD.

The timing capitalises on UAE's position as a regional hub. Customers who travel frequently or shop internationally represent higher-lifetime-value segments — exactly the demographic this product targets.

Looking forward

This launch suggests Emirates NBD is positioning Liv as more than a local digital bank — it's building infrastructure for globally mobile customers. The digital payments shift in the UAE creates an opportunity for banks that can seamlessly bridge local and international financial needs.

If this model succeeds, expect similar multicurrency solutions from regional competitors. The question becomes whether first-mover advantage in Visa Flex Credential technology creates sustainable differentiation or merely temporary positioning.

Availability

The Multicurrency Visa Card is available now through the Liv app for existing customers. The card targets frequent travellers, overseas shoppers, and customers with international financial needs across the UAE.

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