◆ Olim & foreign residents
Credit cards in Israel for foreigners & new immigrants
The Israeli credit system works differently from what most newcomers expect: there is no monthly rewards cycle like in
the US, your credit rating starts from zero, and your bank does not have to be your card issuer. This page covers what
you need to pick a first card without paying avoidable fees.
How Israeli credit differs from what you know
- No "rewards cycle": with an Israeli credit card the bank pays the merchant immediately and you settle on the payment date of your billing cycle — usually a few weeks after the purchase, interest-free if you pay in full. There are also immediate-debit cards (Visa Debit) that work like a debit card elsewhere.
- A local credit rating (BDI): your financial history abroad does not count. The rating is built from regular account and card use and on-time repayment.
- Bank and card are separate: you can take a card from Isracard, Cal or MAX without moving your bank account — relevant if your employer already pays your salary into a specific bank.
- Payment networks: Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in Israel and worldwide. American Express is accepted by fewer small businesses; if Amex is your main card, carry a Visa or Mastercard too.
Bank card vs card-company card
The largest non-bank issuers — Isracard, Cal and MAX — issue a card without you opening a bank account with them, and
their sign-up process is simpler than a bank's. A bank card usually requires an active current account, which makes it
a natural option only after you have opened one.
Our catalogue covers 126 cards, of which 40 are issued by non-bank companies (Isracard, Cal, MAX) —
usually the easiest entry point into the Israeli credit market.
Cards worth knowing
Examples from the catalogue (updated 20 October 2026). Cards with a full page on this site link directly; the rest are
in the full catalogue.
| Card |
Issuer |
Why it's relevant |
| FlyAll |
Cal |
Flight points without a bank account |
| CashCal Pro |
Cal |
Cashback and fee waivers in the Cal club |
| MAX Back Total |
MAX |
Simple refund on every purchase |
| Cal Fly Card |
Cal |
Flight points on the Cal infrastructure |
| Amex FLY CARD |
Bank Hapoalim |
For bank customers who prefer a bank card |
| Fly Card |
Bank Leumi |
A flight card from the bank you already use |
The table is not a ranking. See the full catalogue →
Fees to know about
- Annual fee: varies by issuer and card type; always check what actually applies to you and what changes in year two.
- Foreign-currency purchase fee: buying in a non-shekel currency usually adds a fee on top of the exchange rate. If you shop online from abroad or travel often, this is the main fee to compare.
- Cash withdrawals: ATM or "cash at counter" withdrawals count as a loan and are usually charged immediate interest — avoid them.
- Instalments: convenient, but the commitments hang on your statement for months; make sure you can meet the monthly obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a credit card without Israeli citizenship?
A foreign resident with an Israeli identification number (an ID card or a temporary resident number) and a valid registration can usually get a card, particularly through non-bank card companies. Exact conditions vary by issuer and visa type — check directly with the issuer.
Does an Israeli card work abroad?
Yes. Visa and Mastercard cards work on their global networks worldwide. Watch the foreign-currency purchase fee and the exchange rate the issuer charges.
Is a Visa Debit card enough?
Depends on your needs. Debit gives full budget control and involves no credit, but it does not build a credit history and usually offers no instalments or benefits. Many olim start with debit and add a credit card after opening a proper bank account.
What happens to my credit history from abroad?
The Israeli credit rating (BDI) is entirely separate. It is built from how you manage accounts and credit in Israel — regular use and on-time repayment improve it over time.