Discover Increases Acceptance in Oman

National Bank of Oman Helps Grow Discover Global Network Acceptance at Key Merchants

RIVERWOODS, Ill. & MUSCAT, Oman--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Discover Global Network, the payments brand of Discover, has signed a deal with the National Bank of Oman (NBO) to increase acceptance for Discover, Diners Club International and affiliate network cards.

While Discover has been accepted at merchants across the region for several years, the relationship with NBO will grow the number of places Discover Global Network cards are accepted with a focus on travel and entertainment merchants.

“Oman is a key market for Discover because we see a lot of tourists traveling from Europe and Russia and we want to be able to provide our cardholders with a great shopping experience,” said Ricardo Leite, senior vice president of international markets at Discover. “Through working with the National Bank of Oman, we have already seen an increase in merchant acceptance at retailers where we know travelers are spending.”

Abdul Karim Al Hinai – Deputy General Manager - Alternative Channels - Retail Banking at NBO, said, “We’re delighted to be offering our merchants the ability to accept Discover and Diners Club International cards and as the only bank in Oman to do so, we are adding to our growing portfolio of international partnerships and reinforcing our commitment to offering solutions that make people’s lives easier. It gives visitors to Oman another option to shop at Duty Free stores as well as several leading hotels. In the coming period we will be expanding the number of terminals that accept the cards to prominent retail establishments as well.”

One of the leading banks in Oman, NBO has established itself as a solid business and financial partner driven by innovation. Through its digital transformation strategy, it strives to develop compelling solutions that meet and exceed the ever-evolving needs of its customers.

Discover Global Network has more than 44 million merchant acceptance locations and 2 million ATM and cash access locations around the world. The Discover Global Network includes Discover Network, Diners Club International, PULSE and more than 15 alliance partner networks across the globe, including relationships in China, Japan, Korea, India, Brazil, Turkey, and Nigeria.

About Discover

Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans, checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit through its direct banking business. It operates the Discover Global Network comprised of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance around the world. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company.

About National Bank of Oman:

NBO, the first local commercial bank in the Sultanate of Oman, was founded in 1973 and is today one of the leading banks in Oman. The Bank serves its customers in Oman through 60 Branches, more than 180 ATM/FFM/CCDMs as well as two Branches in U.A.E.

The Bank is committed to community improvement through its corporate citizenship programs and is an active supporter of a range of worthy causes in Oman, with emphasis on health and human services, civic, education, environment, youth, women, arts and culture.