UZCARD and Discover® Network Announce Strategic Alliance to Expand Global Payment Access in Uzbekistan
Jan 9, 2026 - UZCARD, Uzbekistan’s leading national payment system, has announced the launch of a strategic alliance with Discover® Network to extend global acceptance benefits to its cardholders. Together with Diners Club International®, Discover Network is part of a global payment network that connects 378+ million cards worldwide1 with acceptance in over 190 countries and territories2.
Through this collaboration, Discover Network gains access to the Uzbek market with the integration of UZCARD’s infrastructure. Cardholders of Discover Network and Diners Club International can now make purchases and withdraw cash across a broad network of POS terminals and ATMs throughout the country — opening new opportunities for international visitors, financial institutions, and local businesses.
“This strategic decision reflects UZCARD’s openness to international collaboration and its ongoing development of the national payment system within the global fintech ecosystem,” said David Melikidze, CEO of UCMG LLC. “We aim to enhance the country’s appeal by ensuring convenience and simplicity in payments for our guests while supporting the interests of local players.”
"Collaborations like these are the blueprint of our global payments network," said Matt Sloan, vice president of international markets at Discover®. "UZCARD provides access to merchants in the region through their extensive local reach. This agreement will benefit both merchants and cardholders that regularly spend in Uzbekistan."
The alliance with Discover Network marks a significant milestone in expanding the international presence of Uzbekistan’s payment systems and strengthening their position on the global financial map.
1Total cards include open cards on Discover Network, DCI and network alliances. Based on information provided by network participants, RBR Data Services published as of 2024.
2Internal Discover Transaction Data through 2024.