^{Protect your family financially} Empower family spending with supplementary cards

In the past, families relied heavily on cash allowances or bank transfers. Today, families need digital solutions that are instant, secure and trackable. To fill this gap, banks have developed supplementary cards that provide financial independence to family members. For the main card holder, it makes budgeting, saving, and rewards redemption far more efficient by consolidating all family spending into one ecosystem that is accessible, trackable and manageable.

What is a supplementary card?

It is an additional debit or credit card that is linked to your main account, designed for dependents such as family members (or in some cases domestic staff). It allows its users to spend while the main owner of the account retains full control, set limits, and monitor transactions.

To whom can a supplementary card be issued?

Supplementary cards can be issued for the following:

• Teenagers: Provide safe access to funds and manage their allowances.
• Spouses: To support and manage household expenses
• Elderly parents: To provide them with access to cashless payments safely.
• Domestic staff: To enable supervised access to funds.

Note: Supplementary cards can be issued by any eligible cardholder to a trusted individual. For example, siblings may apply for supplementary cards for each other, subject to the bank’s approval and eligibility criteria.

How to Apply for a supplementary card?

If you are an existing Debit or Credit Cardholder within a bank, you can easily apply for a new supplementary card through the Mobile Banking App.

Application steps:

1. Login to your Mobile Banking App and navigate to your primary credit or debit card page.
2. Tap on ‘Apply for a supplementary card’ and fill in the supplementary cardholder details.
3. Scan or upload the identification document of the supplementary cardholder (e.g. Emirates ID for UAE residents or Passport for non-UAE residents)
4. Review and submit your application and get notified about your card’s issuance status.

Eligibility criteria

When applying for minors, the minimum age requirement for debit cards is 12 and for credit cards 14.

Features and benefits of a supplementary card

• Rewards:
  All spending on supplementary cards contribute to the same rewards program, helping you earn and redeem points faster.
• Control and limit set up:
  The primary cardholder can set spending limits for each supplementary cardholder directly through the Mobile App ensuring responsible usage.
• Oversight and monitoring:
  Every transaction triggers an SMS alert and appears in the primary cardholder’s statement. Balances and activity can be monitored anytime via the Mobile App.
• Security features:
  Supplementary cards come with the same security features as the primary card.
• Global usage:
  These cards can be used internationally for purchases and ATM withdrawals. However, foreign transaction fees may apply, including bank and currency conversion charges.
  Tip: To avoid extra charges, always choose to pay in the local currency when abroad.
• Digital access:
  Supplementary cardholders do not have access to the primary cardholder’s Mobile Banking App or account balance. All controls, Including PIN setup and transaction monitoring remain with the primary cardholder.

Tips for families using supplementary cards:

If you’re incorporating a supplementary card to manage your family’s finances, consider the following:

1. Set limits wisely: Use supplementary cards as a tool to teach children about living within a budget.
2. Review together: Sit with your spouse or child monthly to review spending.
3. Distinguish needs vs. wants: Encourage dependents to think before they swipe.
4. Reward good habits: Use cashback or loyalty points earned as a family treat.
5. Practice safety: Remind all users to protect their PIN, avoid suspicious links, and report lost cards immediately.

Supplementary cards are typically issued free of charge, with no additional annual fees. They offer a safer alternative to carrying large sums of cash and provide a smart and a secure way to manage shared family finances. Whether you’re budgeting household expenses, teaching teens financial responsibility, or supporting elderly parents, supplementary cards provide convenience and control – all within one banking ecosystem.