Al-Rafidain Bank denies suspension of Mastercard, Visa services

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s state-owned Al-Rafidain Bank on Monday denied reports that its payment cards had been suspended, saying Mastercard and Visa cards issued by the bank remain fully operational both inside and outside the country.

“Al-Rafidain Bank denies what is being circulated regarding the suspension of payment card services,” the bank said in a statement carried by the Iraqi News Agency. “The Mastercard and Visa cards issued by the bank are functioning normally within Iraq and abroad, and no decision has been issued by Mastercard or any relevant authorities to stop them.”

The clarification came after several Iraqi news outlets reported that the Central Bank of Iraq had notified local banks of a suspension affecting Mastercard transactions, both domestically and internationally.