What is Meeza?
Meeza is Egypt's national prepaid payment card, launched by the Central Bank of Egypt in 2019. It's accepted at over 60 million merchants globally (anywhere Visa is accepted) and works for online shopping, ATM withdrawals, and in-store purchases - at a fraction of the cost of traditional bank cards.
Think of Meeza as your personal spending card that you control completely. It's a prepaid card, which means you load it with only the amount you want to spend - perfect for budgeting and avoiding overspending. Unlike credit cards, there's no interest, no debt, and no hidden fees.
Whether you're shopping online on international websites, buying groceries at your local supermarket, withdrawing cash from an ATM, or paying for a meal at a restaurant, Meeza works everywhere. It's especially popular among young Egyptians, students, and anyone who wants a simple, affordable way to make digital payments without a traditional bank account.
Main Features
Global Acceptance
Accepted at 60+ million locations worldwide anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted - online and offline.
No Credit Checks
Prepaid card with no credit history required. Load only what you need - no debt, no interest charges.
Low Annual Fees
Minimal annual fees (typically EGP 10–30) with no hidden charges or transaction fees for Egyptian merchants.
Contactless Payments
Tap to pay at supported terminals. Also works with Apple Pay and Google Pay on many Egyptian banks.
How It Works
Meeza is a prepaid card issued by your bank and linked to either your existing bank account or a standalone prepaid account. You load money onto the card through your bank's app, ATM, or branch, and then use it just like any debit or credit card. The key difference is that you can only spend what you've loaded - there's no credit line or overdraft. When you make a purchase, the amount is instantly deducted from your card balance. You can check your balance anytime through your bank's mobile app or at any ATM. It's simple, secure, and gives you complete control over your spending.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Visit your bank branch
Most Egyptian banks issue Meeza cards, including National Bank of Egypt (NBE), Banque Misr, CIB, QNB, ALEXBANK, and many others. Visit your nearest branch with your National ID.
If you already have a bank account, simply request a Meeza card to be linked to it. If not, you can open a new prepaid account specifically for the Meeza card.
💡 Opening a prepaid Meeza account is easier than a regular bank account and usually requires minimal documentation.
Request your Meeza card
Tell the bank representative you want a Meeza prepaid card. Some banks offer instant card issuance (you walk out with the card the same day), while others may take 3–7 business days to deliver it to your home or the branch.
The card typically costs between EGP 10–30 per year, depending on your bank. This is the only fee you'll pay in most cases.
💡 Ask about instant issuance - many banks now offer same-day Meeza cards at their main branches.
Activate your card
Once you receive your card, you'll need to activate it. This is usually done through:
- • Your bank's mobile app (most convenient method)
- • Any ATM by inserting the card and following the activation prompts
- • Calling your bank's customer service hotline
During activation, you'll set a 4-digit PIN code. Choose something you'll remember but others can't guess.
💡 Never write your PIN on the card or share it with anyone, including bank staff.
Load money onto your card
To add funds to your Meeza card, you have several options:
- • Bank app: Transfer from your main account to your Meeza account instantly
- • ATM: Deposit cash directly or transfer between accounts
- • Bank branch: Visit the counter and deposit cash or transfer funds
- • Online banking: Use your bank's website to load the card
Funds appear on your card instantly or within a few minutes, depending on the method used.
💡 Load only what you plan to spend for better budget control. You can always add more later.
Start using your Meeza card
Now you're ready to use your card! You can:
- • In-store: Swipe, insert, or tap at any POS terminal that accepts Visa/Mastercard
- • Online: Enter your card number, expiry date, and CVV code for internet purchases
- • ATM: Withdraw cash at any ATM in Egypt or abroad
- • Mobile wallets: Add to Apple Pay or Google Pay if your bank supports it
For POS transactions, you'll enter your 4-digit PIN. For online purchases, you may receive an OTP (one-time password) via SMS for security.
💡 Check your balance before making large purchases to ensure you have enough funds loaded.
Pro Tips
Important Warning
Never share your card PIN with anyone. If you lose your card, report it to your bank immediately to block it and prevent unauthorized use.