The Central Bank of Kuwait has published an overview of how Kuwait’s payments landscape developed between 2010 and 2025, describing a shift toward digital payments supported by technical and regulatory developments that improved the efficiency of payments infrastructure and expanded the use of digital channels. The transition began with the gradual expansion of mobile digital banking services and accelerated with the introduction of near field communication contactless payments and the subsequent spread of digital wallet services including Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. The overview also points to the launch of the WAMD instant payment service in 2024, which created an immediate person-to-person digital payment channel and supported greater use of electronic payments in everyday transactions.
Central Bank of Kuwait 2026-05-12
Central Bank of Kuwait highlights shift toward digital payments driven by contactless tools wallets and 2024 WAMD instant payments
The Central Bank of Kuwait has published an overview of the evolution of Kuwait’s payments landscape between 2010 and 2025, highlighting a shift toward digital payments driven by technical and regulatory enhancements that improved infrastructure efficiency and expanded digital channels. The report traces the progression from expanded mobile digital banking to near field communication contactless payments and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, and notes the 2024 launch of the WAMD instant payment service enabling immediate person-to-person payments and wider use of electronic payments in everyday transactions.