How EDC Delivers End-to-End Card Issuance Without the Headaches

Issuing a payment or ID card might seem straightforward but Industry professionals in the region know that it's anything but. With more than 220 million credit, debit, and prepaid cards issued across the Middle East and Africa each year, the scale and complexity of card operations in the region is enormous.

Card programs involve many moving parts: design, chip encoding, personalization, PIN delivery, packaging, logistics, and return handling. When each step is handled by a different vendor, the levels of complexity rise, and so do the risks.

For banks, insurance companies, and government entities, managing that complexity takes time, coordination, and oversight that few teams can spare.

EDC offers a better approach. We bring all steps of the card issuance process under one roof. Our clients don’t have to manage multiple providers or chase down fragmented workflows. They work with one partner who handles it all, from initial design to final delivery.

EDC Adds Value at Every Step

1. Card Design and Print

   We help clients create secure, brand-aligned card designs. These may include security features such as holograms and UV print elements.

   Our team manages the entire printing process in our UAE-based production facility. This setup reduces delays, maintains quality, and removes the need ot rely on third-party printers.

2. Chip Profiling and Data Preparation

   EDC manages chip encoding and software configuration internally. We handle sensitive data securely and prepare it for use on the card.

   Our infrastructure supports cryptographic key assignment and embeds the required software applications. This is especially important for financial, identity, or insurance use cases.

   Because we keep this process entirely in-house, we reduce third-party exposure and maintain compliance with regional data protection requirements.

3. Personalization

   We personalize each card with the client’s data. This includes names, card numbers, expiry dates, and other relevant fields.

   Our process supports both embossing and indent printing and we apply strict quality control at every stage. All work is completed in a secure environment to protect client and customer information.

4. PIN Mailers and ePINs

   EDC offers printed PIN mailers sent to customers in tamper-evident packaging. We can also support ePINs if required, sent via secure, encrypted channels to protect sensitive information.

5. Fulfillment, Packaging, and Dispatch

   Our team assembles the full card package, including the card, letters, and envelopes. Each item is matched and packaged in-house to avoid misplacement or delays.

   We support multiple delivery options, such as direct-to-branch, bulk shipments, or last-mile customer delivery through logistics partners. For added security, EDC also offers assisted delivery with ID verification at the doorstep, powered by our digital onboarding and Assisted KYC solutions.

6. Return Mail Management

   Undelivered cards are tracked and returned through our managed workflow. Each returned item is logged, secured, and either stored or reissued based on the client’s instructions. This ensures that no asset goes unaccounted for and no risk is left unmanaged.

Why It Matters

Multiple vendors mean more work, slower resolutions, and a higher chance of mistakes being made. EDC solves this by providing an end-to-end service through one single provider. All production, personalization, fulfillment, and delivery are managed from a central operation. This gives our clients more visibility, better timelines, and stronger compliance.

A Partner in Program Delivery

EDC doesn’t just supply card components. We help clients manage entire card programs.

We support some of the region’s most secure and high-volume card issuances. As a semi-government company operating in the UAE, we offer the infrastructure, reliability, and governance our clients need to run mission-critical operations.

Simplify Your Card Operations

Managing a card program doesn’t need to be complex. With EDC, you get one provider, one process, and one clear line of accountability.

If you're ready to improve how your organization delivers cards, we’re ready to help. Talk to our team today.