• Home
• Banks

hamdy Abdelrashid 

QNB Egypt has announced the lowest foreign exchange markup fee (markup fees) in the Egyptian banking sector at 2%. The strategic move is designed to boost the competitiveness of its credit card lineup and significantly reduce transaction costs for clients executing international purchases or withdrawals.

International Spending and Cash Withdrawal Limits

The bank outlined the monthly international purchase and cash withdrawal limits across its various credit card tiers, all subjected to the uniform 2% foreign exchange markup fee:

Credit Card TierMonthly International Purchase Limit (EGP)Monthly International Cash Withdrawal Limit (EGP)

Mastercard Standard125,0001,000

Visa Classic / Visa Gold / Mastercard Titanium200,0001,500

Visa Platinum350,0001,500

Note: Limits for higher premium card tiers scale upwards in accordance with each specific card's internal policy.

Activation and Compliance Guidelines

To leverage these international limits while traveling, QNB Egypt emphasized that clients must notify the bank in advance by visiting their nearest branch or contacting the customer care center. The bank retains the right to request supporting travel documentation to verify usage abroad.

Key regulatory and compliance mandates include:

Extended Stays: Customers residing or staying abroad for more than 90 days are required to submit official proof of residency through a physical branch or via the designated email channel, including their national ID details and the last four digits of the credit card.

Digital Travel Notices: Registering a travel notice via the mobile banking app or internet banking informs the bank of travel plans but does not automatically activate international spending limits; direct activation via a branch or call center remains mandatory.

Multi-Card Holders: For clients holding multiple credit cards issued by QNB Egypt, the international utilization limits will exclusively be activated on the highest-tier card.

New Cards Rule: Credit cards issued from March 14, 2024, onward cannot have their international limits activated until two full months have elapsed from their official date of issuance.

Risk Management and Restrictions

QNB Egypt warned that any violation of international usage regulations could result in the immediate suspension of the credit card. Non-compliant clients will be reported to the Egyptian Credit Bureau (I-Score) to be placed on negative lists—restricting them from securing new credit facilities—alongside the notification of competent authorities for further legal action.

Furthermore, the bank maintains the right to restrict or halt international spending at specific merchant categories in alignment with its risk management guidelines. Meanwhile, international usage limits remain completely suspended for all Egyptian Pound debit and prepaid cards. The bank urged customers to strictly adhere to the terms and conditions, warning against letting third parties utilize their cards domestically or internationally.