Al Ahli Strengthens Financial Literacy and Rights Protection
Kuwait National Bank continues its awareness initiatives as part of the “Let’s Be Aware” campaign, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Kuwait and the Kuwait Banks Association, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to enhancing financial literacy and protecting customer rights.
In this context, the bank provided customers traveling during the holiday season with essential guidelines and recommendations to equip them with the knowledge needed to manage their accounts and bank cards securely, and to avoid cyber risks or fraud that may occur abroad.
Customers are advised to ensure that SMS or app notification services are activated to monitor transactions in real time, and to never share their card PIN or One-Time Password (OTP) with any third party.
When making payments abroad, customers should opt to pay in the local currency of the country they are visiting, rather than Kuwaiti Dinars, to avoid potentially unfavorable exchange rates imposed by foreign point-of-sale terminals.
Additionally, customers should avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for any banking transactions, refrain from using ATMs located in dark streets or small shops, and rely instead on machines belonging to well-known banks, preferably those inside bank branches. They should also inspect these machines to ensure no skimming devices have been attached.
The bank emphasized that customer awareness is the first line of defense against fraud. It is committed to providing customers with the necessary tools to protect their funds worldwide. In case of a lost card or suspicion of unauthorized transactions, customers should immediately block the card via the bank’s mobile app or by contacting the “Ahlan Ahly” customer service center at 1899899, which operates around the clock.
Customers are urged not to interact with untrusted links and to visit only official websites and apps to process payments. The bank also encouraged everyone to visit their branches or use the mobile app before traveling to verify daily withdrawal and spending limits for their cards, to prevent them from being blocked while abroad.
When downloading local apps specific to the destination country—such as train inspection, food delivery, or taxi booking applications—customers should pay as guests and delete card details immediately after completing the transaction, avoiding the activation of auto-save options on untrusted platforms.
The bank also encouraged customers to issue digital cards through its app and use them for online shopping or for paying for tickets and events while traveling. These digital cards allow users to set a specific spending limit that expires once used, thereby protecting the customer’s main account.
The “Let’s Be Aware” campaign is a comprehensive awareness initiative aimed at highlighting customer rights and obligations, introducing banking services, and reinforcing financial security principles. Its goal is to achieve financial inclusion and enhance the capacity of all segments of Kuwaiti society to successfully manage their banking and financial affairs.
