BDL integrates Visa and MasterCard cards for export services

The opening up of the Algerian economy to international standards through the acceleration of digital transformation is now a reality in the financial sector. In this context, the Local Development Bank (BDL) is strengthening its position with the launch of new electronic payment products. The integration of Visa and MasterCard solutions by the BDL is set to facilitate trade, support the export of Algerian services and consolidate financial inclusion, both nationally and internationally.

2 operational platforms

In this vein, the BDL's Director of Marketing and Communications highlighted Algeria's progress in electronic payments and integration into the global digital ecosystem during his appearance on Algerian television on Wednesday, emphasising the bank's key role in this dynamic. "Today, there are two operational platforms," said Abderaouf Chaouche, explaining that this approach is part of a broader vision to modernise financial services.

Firstly, he explains, an initial platform was launched in May, while a second platform, launched at the end of 2025, consolidated the system in partnership with the international Visa and MasterCard networks. According to him, these platforms enable online payments by interbank card, allowing online shoppers to pay for purchases or bills remotely via the Internet.

"It is a secure, reliable payment method that complies with international standards," he said, emphasising that this solution brings national practices closer to those in force globally. This development is a boon for the Algerian community abroad, who can now make online payments to Algeria via Visa and MasterCard, thereby helping to support the national economy.

Time-saving and instantaneous

In this regard, Chaouche points out that Algerian merchants wishing to export their services and products electronically can now accept payments by Visa and MasterCard cards issued abroad. He believes that this opening up of the market "benefits both Algerians living outside the country and foreign customers with international payment methods.

He points out that payment is made directly from the merchant's secure page, which saves online shoppers a trip to the bank. "The time savings are considerable," he emphasises, pointing out that "physically going to the branch is often a constraint for customers, whereas online payment offers them a simple and immediate solution. The transaction amount is automatically transferred into the merchant's account held at the BDL, most of the time in foreign currency.

Over one million euros injected into the banking system

"Cards are now the most widely used means of payment in the world," says Chaouche, who believes that BDL customers now enjoy the same level of modernity. For him, one of the major advantages of online payment is its 24/7 accessibility, which makes it easy for customers to carry out their transactions at any time.

On the economic front, the BDL's communications manager reports that the impact of these platforms is already measurable. "We have recorded a considerable number of operations and a significant volume of transactions," he said, revealing that more than €1 million from abroad has been injected into the national banking system thanks to this system. In the context of digital transformation, he believes that the BDL is actively contributing to strengthening Algeria's position in the global digital ecosystem.

"Electronic and online payments have become essential drivers of integration," he emphasises, pointing out that the country has taken "an important step forward" in terms of the digitalisation of financial services. What sets this strategy apart, he explains, is "the proliferation of e-commerce experiences and the emergence of numerous official websites for Algerian merchants capable of selling their products and services securely."

It is thanks to this strategy, he continues, that "key sectors are beginning to benefit from this openness, particularly tourism". Travel agencies, hotels and tourist establishments can now attract foreign customers who can pay for their expenses in Algeria in foreign currency, "while benefiting from a modern, secure and permanently available payment system, he adds.