National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has become the first bank in the GCC and Middle East to introduce the innovative Tap-to-Add Card with PIN feature on Apple Pay, setting a new benchmark in digital banking services in the region.
The groundbreaking feature allows NBK customers to effortlessly add their NBK Mastercard cards to Apple Wallet by simply tapping their physical card on their iPhone and entering their PIN.
With this new functionality, users can enjoy a quicker, more secure way to start using their digital wallet. The Tap-to-Add feature is now available with the release of iOS 26, marking a significant milestone in NBK’s digital banking transformation.
The launch of Tap-to-Add Card marks another milestone in NBK’s digital transformation journey and reflects the Bank’s commitment to offering customers faster, simpler, and more secure digital banking experiences.
By eliminating the need for manual data entry, Tap-to-Add Card with PIN makes onboarding seamless and reinforces NBK’s strategy of delivering innovative, customer-first solutions. Aligned with its strategic digital agenda, NBK invests in next-generation technologies to strengthen its leadership in payments, security, and customer experience.
This move highlights NBK’s commitment to enhancing the digital banking experience by providing faster, more secure, and seamless payment solutions.
Mohammed Al-Othman CEO – Consumer and Digital Banking Group National Bank of Kuwait
“This achievement marks a significant step forward in our digital transformation journey. With Apple introducing this digital advancement first through NBK in the GCC and the Middle East. Tap-to-Add Card reinforces our position as a regional pioneer in delivering secure and streamlined digital banking experiences.”
Echoing this vision, Erdem Cakar, Country Manager, Qatar & Kuwait at Mastercard, said: “The collaboration with NBK on Tap-to-Add card pushes digital finance boundaries, demonstrating our commitment to intelligent, seamless payment experiences. With Apple’s technology, Mastercard’s network, and NBK’s forward-looking approach, we enhance seamless and secure payments for Kuwaitis.”
The Tap-to-Add launch complements NBK’s vision to accelerate the shift toward a cashless society, foster financial inclusion, and position Kuwait as a regional innovation hub. By embedding advanced digital capabilities in everyday banking, NBK aims to create long-term value for customers, shareholders, and the economy.
