Oman will Now See the Card Tokenization Service Boost Contactless Payments

On Sunday, the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) released directives and guidance for banks and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) regarding the implementation of the Card Tokenization Service (CTS).

This service enables the activation of both local and international electronic payment applications on smart devices within the Sultanate of Oman.

The CBO utilized X (formerly known as Twitter) to communicate these guidelines, emphasizing their goal of enhancing the safety of online and mobile payment environments.

The CTS will substitute the original card number with a unique 'token,' which will be employed on smart devices to securely carry out payment transactions.

The objective is to promote innovation in electronic payments and reduce reliance on physical currency while introducing a seamless payment experience.

Furthermore, this initiative will bolster the security of card payment transactions. The new endeavor aligns with the national digital transformation program and e-commerce strategy.

With the implementation of the CTS, customers can link their payment cards to smart devices and conduct contactless payment transactions.

Local and international electronic payment applications, such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, will have the opportunity to offer their services in Oman, as per the Central Bank of Oman.

Additionally, CBO clarified in a statement that customers will not incur any charges for activating and utilizing this service.

The timeline for service activation is estimated to range from six to nine months, contingent on the preparedness of banks and payment service providers.

Source: Zawya