Sharq Yemeni Bank review
Updated September 28, 2026 · SumCue Editorial Team · Facts checked September 26, 2026
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Our verdict
Sharq Yemeni Bank charges monthly fees of YER 0 on a Mastercard debit card, which suits everyday spending in Yemen without a recurring charge. It also fits anyone who wants a virtual card alongside a physical one, and it holds a Central Bank of Yemen licence.
Key facts
Credit cards
- Card kind
- Credit↗
Facts checked September 26, 2026, 4 sources
Pros and cons
Pros
- Monthly fees of YER 0 apply to the debit card, so holding it and spending on it costs nothing recurring.
- A virtual card is part of the range, so a card for online payments is available without waiting for plastic.
- The card runs on the mastercard network and is supervised by the Central Bank of Yemen under licence 842/CBY/2023.
Cons
- Support runs on email only, so anyone who needs a phone answer has to write instead.
- The bank dates from 2023, which is a short track record next to long established rivals.
- A free monthly fee is common here: bunq charges €0 and Wise charges £0, so the saving is not a reason on its own.
Ready to try Sharq Yemeni Bank?
Scored 8.1 / 10 by SumCue.
Who it suits
- People living in YE who want a Mastercard debit card with no monthly charge.
- Customers who want a virtual card for online spending and a locally licensed bank behind it.
- Anyone comfortable handling support by email and open to a young institution.
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone who wants a secured credit card rather than a debit card: Varo Believe Secured Credit Card is built for that.
- People who want to hold and convert money in several currencies: Wise serves that need, while this card is built for spending in Yemen.
- Customers who need a phone line or live chat, since support runs on email only here, so bunq or Wise may suit you better for everyday help.
The company behind it
Sharq Yemeni Bank trades as SHARQ Yemeni Bank for Islamic Microfinance and is based in Yemen. It was founded in 2023, so it is a recent arrival among the country's banks. It holds a Central Bank of Yemen licence, 842/CBY/2023. Support runs on email only, which keeps running costs low but leaves phone and chat callers without a route.
How Sharq Yemeni Bank compares
8.1 vs 9.4
8.1 vs 9.0
8.1 vs 8.9
8.1 vs 9.4
8.1 vs 8.7
8.1 vs 9.2
8.1 vs 9.4
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8.1 vs 9.0
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8.1 vs 9.4
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8.1 vs 9.1
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8.1 vs 9.0
8.1 vs 9.0
8.1 vs 8.9
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8.1 vs 8.0- 8.1 vs 8.0
Where Sharq Yemeni Bank is available
- Available
- Yemen
- Licence in Yemen
- Central Bank of Yemen (842/CBY/2023), checked September 26, 2026
Countries from the brand (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Does Sharq Yemeni Bank charge a monthly fee?+
The monthly fee is YER 0, so holding the card and spending on it costs nothing recurring on the account side. The card is a debit card from SHARQ Yemeni Bank for Islamic Microfinance, and spends come straight from the balance you hold.
What kind of card is it?+
It is a debit card, and the range also lists a credit option plus a virtual card. A debit card spends the balance in the account, while a credit card borrows against a limit that you repay.
Which network does the card run on?+
The card runs on mastercard, so it works at any machine or till that accepts the network in YE and abroad. Combined with a monthly fee of YER 0, it is a simple everyday spending card rather than a travel money product.
How do I get help if something goes wrong?+
Support runs on email only, so email is the route for account questions, card problems and disputes. There is no phone line or live chat listed, which leaves written replies carrying anything urgent.
Is the bank regulated?+
Yes. SHARQ Yemeni Bank for Islamic Microfinance holds a Central Bank of Yemen licence, 842/CBY/2023, and its base is YE. Money sits with a Yemeni bank rather than a foreign one, which shapes how far your balance travels if the bank's position changes.
How new is the bank?+
It was founded in 2023, making it a recent arrival among banks in Yemen. Newer institutions often adjust terms as they grow, so read the fee schedule at the time you open rather than assuming an earlier quote holds.
How does it compare with bunq, Wise and Varo on fees?+
On the monthly charge there is nothing to separate them: YER 0 here, €0 at bunq, £0 at Wise and $0 at Varo Believe Secured Credit Card. The choice rests on where you bank and which network you want.
Can I get a card without plastic?+
Yes, a virtual card is part of the offering, so you can hold a card for online payments without waiting for a physical one. The main debit card runs on mastercard, which keeps a physical option open if you prefer one.
Sources
- syibank.com/en checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Card network
“Alsharq International Card (Mastercard Global)”
- syibank.com/en/about-us-page checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Founded, Legal entity, Licences
“established in 2023 based on the license issued by the Central Bank of Yemen (No. 842/CBY/2023)”
- syibank.com/en/contact-us checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Headquarters, Support channels
“Yemen - Marib Governorate - Al-Mujamma City - Saba Street”
- syibank.com/en/services/sadad-service checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Card kind, Card type, Features, Monthly fee
“Obtain ATM cards and other credit cards, such as the Mastercard”
Compiled from 4 source pages, checked September 26, 2026. We did not open an account.
Not confirmed yet: Currency conversion fee, Free ATM withdrawals, Protection.