Astra Tech debuts new Botim prepaid debit card

Astra Tech’s Botim has unveiled its new multi-currency prepaid debit card, giving its users in the UAE who do not meet banks’ minimum income requirements access to digital payments and banking services.

Botim prepaid card users will have access to a wide range of integrated financial services conveniently and securely, enabling digital and offline transactions and allowing for efficient budgeting, while eliminating the need to carry cash.

The Botim prepaid debit card is accepted in more than 200 countries, offers UAE dirham and the US dollar, and the company plans to additional currencies in the future.

The cards require a single upfront payment and come in two variants – the Standard Card, which goes for Dhs25 and the Metal Card, a premium option available for Dhs200.

“With the increased adoption of emerging payment methods, this step supports the UAE’s vision of building a cashless economy,” Astra Tech said in a statement.

“We are extremely glad to foster meaningful connections among a global network of over 150 million users. Our ongoing mission is to further fortify our dedication to inclusivity and equity, with a specific focus on promoting financial inclusion,” said Abdallah Abu Sheikh, founder of Astra Tech and CEO of Botim.

“We aim to empower individuals in the region to access financial services without the burden of traditional constraints, enabling them to feel within reach of financial independence. We will continue to engage in efforts that simplify users’ everyday lives – and always for the better.”

With more than 100 million registered users and an 80 per cent market penetration rate in the UAE, Botim can become the biggest card-issuing fintech in the Middle East enabling millions of users to access financial services on top of their communication platforms.

Earlier in March, Astra launched international money transfers on top of Botim.

Astra Tech’s financial ecosystem

Meanwhile, Astra’s PayBy achieved a significant milestone earlier in the year by becoming one of the first fintech players in the Middle East fintech ecosystem to obtain a Mastercard principal membership licence.

The partnership with Mastercard allows Astra to launch branded Mastercard digital and physical cards to millions of users on top of its platforms Botim and Payby, providing authorisation services and prepaid multi-currency cards.

This also elevated Astra’s ecosystem, which is now enabled to provide users with the full spectrum of financial services.

Furthermore, Astra is also licenced as an acquirer, leveraging Mastercard’s suite of products, including Payment Gateway, Tap on Phone, and Fraud and Cyber Security.

Read: Etihad Airways, Astra Tech partner to allow bookings on BOTIM