The National Bank of Egypt (NBE) offers a variety of prepaid cards to meet different customer needs, among them the Meeza unified prepaid university card, which combines a bank card and a university ID in a single card. It lets students make electronic payments locally and use it for purchases and cash withdrawals, while also benefiting from a range of digital banking services, with high levels of security and flexibility.

Commercial International Bank (CIB) offers the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which combines proof of student status with the services of a prepaid card. It is an internationally recognised student ID card in more than 130 countries, can be used for purchases in Egypt and abroad, and gives access to offers and discounts from a large number of merchants around the world.

Comparison

Item Meeza unified prepaid university card – National Bank of Egypt International Student Identity Card (ISIC) – Commercial International Bank Issuance fee Free Free Maximum daily purchases in Egypt EGP 30,000 EGP 25,000 Maximum daily cash withdrawal in Egypt EGP 30,000 EGP 20,000 International use Not available Available Offers and discounts Various banking programmes and services Discounts of up to 50% at more than 125 thousand merchants in 130 countries

General features of the NBE Meeza unified prepaid university card

  • Combines a bank card and a university ID in a single card, giving students one way to prove their university identity and carry out their financial transactions.

  • Can be used in place of a university ID.

  • Electronic payments in Egypt, as well as purchases and cash withdrawals inside Egypt.

  • Receive domestic and international transfers and cash them in Egyptian pounds around the clock without visiting a branch.

  • Contactless payment support for quick and easy purchases.

  • Access to internet banking services.

  • Access to mobile wallet services to pay bills, top up mobile credit and more.

  • Free text messages to track all card activity.

  • High security for online shopping through the secure code service (OTP).

  • Funds are protected if the card is lost or stolen, as it can be blocked immediately.

  • The card can be topped up and used at the same time.

  • Student details are registered when applying for the card, and the card is collected from the university.

  • The card is activated via an SMS sent by the bank to the cardholder's phone.

  • The card PIN can be set at the nearest NBE ATM.

  • Maximum card balance: EGP 200 thousand.

  • Maximum daily domestic use: EGP 60 thousand, with up to EGP 30 thousand for purchases and EGP 30 thousand for cash withdrawals.

  • No commission on cash deposits or withdrawals at NBE ATM machines.

  • Cash withdrawals are available at ATM machines of other local banks for a commission of EGP 5.

General features of CIB's International Student Identity Card (ISIC)

  • The ISIC card is the first internationally recognised student ID card, accepted in more than 130 countries.

  • The card is recognised internationally by UNESCO, the European Cultural Centre and the Andean Community.

  • Can be used to manage spending and make purchases at more than 180 thousand merchants in Egypt and 36 million stores worldwide.

  • Offers and discounts worldwide of up to 50% at more than 125 thousand merchants in 130 countries.

  • Daily domestic purchase limit: up to EGP 25 thousand.

  • Daily domestic cash withdrawal limit: up to EGP 20 thousand.

  • Weekly domestic cash withdrawal limit: up to EGP 25 thousand.

  • Weekly domestic purchase limit: up to EGP 25 thousand.

  • High security through the smart chip and PIN entry for purchases.

  • Students over 12 can apply for the card; for those under 16, a parent's or guardian's signature and a copy of their valid national ID card are required.

  • Current-year enrolment can be proven with a student ID card, a tuition fee receipt or an enrolment certificate.

  • The card is issued free of charge.