National Agency for Social Protection addresses inquiries on social cards

The NASP began distributing social cards at the end of last year. These cards are currently being tested in Tashkent city and the Yangiyul district of the Tashkent region.

It is reported that nine types of social payments are currently available through the card. Starting on April 1, 2025, two additional social payments will be added: maternity and childbirth allowances, as well as one-time material assistance from the “Kindness and Support,” “Women’s Register,” and “Youth Register” funds.

Kun.uz reached out to inquire about the reasons for selecting the Visa platform for the social cards, as well as the project's budget and operator. The agency provided additional information in response.

It was clarified that the commission fee for cashing out funds from a social card issued on the Visa platform will not exceed one percent.

“Since 2022, a one-percent additional fee has been applied when social payments are made through a bank card. However, citizens will incur no extra charges when withdrawing their pensions and allowances through ATMs. Additionally, commission fees for R2R (bank-to-bank) transfers are set at an average rate across the country. It should be noted that commission fees for UZS Visa cards issued by commercial banks in the republic, particularly for social cards, are different from those applied to foreign currency Visa cards. When making payments via social cards, the commission fees are not charged to the cardholder but instead collected from the seller (service provider),” the agency's explanation stated.

The agency stated the reasons for choosing the Visa payment system as follows:

• Visa cards are accepted by terminals of all national payment systems;
• The implementation of monitoring and control functions via Visa Flex technology, allowing management of multiple social payments with a single electronic wallet;
• Transaction security is guaranteed at a level no lower than that of national payment systems;
• There is a need for certain individuals receiving social protection to make expenditures abroad.

Under the current system, Visa cards can typically only be linked to the app of the issuing bank. According to the agency, however, the social card can be linked to the Payme mobile app, and transfers between cards will also be supported. In the future, additional payment functionalities will be available.

Project budget and operator

According to the agency, the project has secured a $3 million investment from Oxinus Holding Limited, based in Abu Dhabi, for its initial phase. The operator and other participants in the project will be selected based on the technical requirements developed by the project office. Currently, the social card is managed by JSC "Xalq Bank," and a mobile app is under development.