Network International Launches ‘Slice’ Instant Instalments for Emirates NBD Cardholders

Network International has launched its 'Slice' instant instalment solution for Emirates NBD credit cardholders, marking a significant shift in how point-of-sale credit is distributed in the UAE. For fintech professionals, this integration signals a move toward embedded finance where traditional banking credit lines are repurposed into flexible, real-time consumer lending products at the merchant checkout.

What was announced

The rollout of 'Slice' allows Emirates NBD credit cardholders to convert their retail purchases into monthly instalments instantly during the checkout process. Rather than requiring customers to contact their bank after a transaction or use a third-party Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) provider, the technology integrates the credit conversion directly into the existing payment ecosystem at participating retail outlets across the United Arab Emirates.

The solution is designed to provide immediate financial flexibility, allowing consumers to manage high-value expenses more effectively by spreading costs over a defined period. By leveraging Network International’s extensive merchant network, the 'Slice' product aims to increase average transaction values for retailers while offering a seamless digital experience for cardholders. The integration focuses on the evolving needs of the modern consumer who demands instant gratification and transparent payment terms without the friction of traditional loan applications.

This initiative specifically targets the UAE retail sector, providing a bridge between traditional credit card usage and the rising demand for instalment-based payments. The service is available at the point of sale, ensuring that the decision to finance a purchase is made at the moment of intent, thereby supporting retail growth and driving the broader adoption of digital payment solutions in the Middle East and Africa region.

"The ‘Slice’ solution allows Emirates NBD credit cardholders to convert their purchases into easy monthly instalments instantly at the time of checkout. This service is designed to provide greater financial flexibility and convenience to consumers, enabling them to manage their expenses more effectively while shopping at participating retail outlets across the UAE."

Network International

The companies involved

Network International is a dominant force in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) digital commerce landscape. As a leading enabler of digital payments, the company provides a full suite of technology-enabled payment solutions to merchants and financial institutions. Its operations span the entire payments value chain, including acquirer processing, issuer processing, and merchant acquiring. The firm has established itself as a critical infrastructure provider, facilitating the transition from cash to digital payments across diverse markets in the region.

Emirates NBD is one of the largest banking groups in the Middle East by assets and a major player in the UAE’s financial services sector. The bank has a significant presence in retail banking, particularly in the credit card market, where it has consistently focused on digital transformation and customer-centric innovation. By partnering with Network International, Emirates NBD is reinforcing its position as a digitally-forward institution, seeking to retain cardholder loyalty in an increasingly competitive lending environment where non-bank fintechs are vying for consumer attention at the point of sale.

What FF News has reported before

FF News has closely followed Network International’s aggressive expansion and infrastructure plays within the UAE. In June 2026, we reported that Network International Secures Major In-Store Acquiring Partnership with Majid Al Futtaim, a move that solidified its retail footprint. This was followed by a strategic collaboration where American Express Middle East and Network International Partner to Boost UAE Merchant Acceptance.

More recently, the company has been at the forefront of local card scheme adoption. We covered how Network International Expands UAE Jaywan Card Acceptance to Online E-commerce Merchants, shortly after Majid Al Futtaim Becomes First Major UAE Retailer to Enable Jaywan Card Acceptance. These reports highlight a consistent strategy of deepening merchant integration and expanding the utility of digital payment methods across the Emirates.

What this means

This move is a direct defensive and offensive play against the rise of pure-play BNPL providers like Tabby and Tamara. By enabling Emirates NBD to offer 'Slice' at the terminal, Network International is helping traditional banks reclaim the point-of-sale financing space. It places significant pressure on standalone instalment apps that do not have the benefit of an existing, massive credit card base. For the industry, this confirms that the future of POS lending isn't just about new apps, but about the "BNPL-isation" of traditional credit cards. Watch for other major UAE lenders to follow suit quickly to avoid losing transaction volume to this more flexible model.