Frequently asked questions
What is ila?
ila is a digital bank accessible from both Android or iOS. Simply download the application on your smart device, sign-up to register, and gain instant access to your bank account. With full app control over your account it means no branch-visits are required.
Why choose ila?
ila provides the fastest, most convenient way to open an account. With the app it means convenience, control, and up to date banking facilities are all to hand. And soon you’ll even be able to enjoy our ‘bill-splitting’ feature, where you can easily share the cost of dinner with friends.
Who can open an account with ila?
An ila account is open to any resident of Bahrain as long as they’re 18 years old or above.
How to open an account?
Simply download the app to your smart device, provide your name, email and mobile number. And make sure you have your ID and a proof of address ready to scan. Once all details are completed it means your new ila account is ready for use.
What documents do I need to open an account?
CPR
Bahraini driving license
Utility bill issued within last 3 months
Bank statement issued within last 3 months/tenancy agreement.
What is a referral code?
With a referral code you can invite friends & family members to open an account with ila. This way they too can enjoy the same benefits as you.
What type of accounts do you offer?
We provide current account in Bahraini Dinar plus foreign currency accounts if and when they’re required.
What foreign currency accounts can I open?
The Jordanian Dinar.
All GCC currencies (BHD, AED, OMR, QAR, SAR and KWD).
All G7 currencies (Euro, GBP, AUD, NZD, USD, CAD, CHF and JPY).
How can I link/unlink foreign currency accounts to my debit card?
You can link your debit card up to five foreign currency accounts through the app. You can also unlink an account to make space for a new one.
What types of cards do you offer?
We issue debit cards in two forms: virtual and account card. The account cards available are ‘Classic’, ‘World’, and ‘World Elite’ supported by MasterCard.
How do I apply for my World debit card?
Once you log in to your account, simply navigate to “My cards”, and click on the ‘+’ sign to the top right side of your screen. If you already have a classic card, you can request to upgrade this to a World card. And if not, you can request a World card anyway. (Subject to change).
Is there a fee for the World card?
By requesting for an upgrade to our World Card, you are subscribing to a more Premium service. This requires pre-payment with an annual subscription fee. These subscription fees are non-refundable.
What is a virtual card?
This is something that can only found on your app, and is issued immediately after your account is opened. The Virtual card can be used instantly after activation for e-commerce transactions. The Virtual Card contains everything you need to perform a digital transaction.
How do I request a Virtual card, and how much does it cost?
A Virtual Card is issued when you open an account, and is free of charge. Simply visit the card section on the ila app.
Can I use my virtual card on Benefit pay?
Yes, you can.
How do I request an account card?
Go to the card section in the app or press the ‘+’ button to the top right-hand corner.
How much does an account card cost?
The Classic Card is issued free of charge,
The world debit card is however fee-based.
Simply visit ‘Fees and Charges’ for more information.
When requesting an account card, how would I get the card delivered?
With the app you have two ways to request an account card. Once requested, you’ll be asked to select delivery via courier, or if you prefer, you can visit your nearest ila ATM to print the card on the spot.
How do I print the card from an ATM?
Login to your app and in the ‘card’ section simply select the account card of preference. Then make the request to receive it from an ATM. The app will then provide a code that you will use at the ATM along with your national ID number. And then the ATM machine will start printing…on the spot.
Can I swipe my card on a contactless terminal?
You can use your account card on all contactless terminals once your account card is activated.
Will I be able to make a contactless POS transaction without a PIN?
Yes, you can make up to three transactions per day without inserting your PIN (please refer to the limits page).
What is the limit for the usage of my card?
You can check the limits on your card by visiting the card section on the ila app. Should you require, you can always set limits on the app for cash withdrawal, purchases, and e-commerce - in an instant.
How do I activate the card I have just received?
Simply go to the card section on the app, click the ‘activate’ button, insert the last four digits on the card number, then select & confirm the four digit PIN for your card.
Can I make e-commerce transactions with my card?
You can use the virtual card on your app to make instant transactions. Plus you can control the limit of the transactions with the ‘limits’ button.
Do you offer a 3D-secure service for e-commerce transactions?
Yes, you’re automatically enrolled to this service as a customer. When you make a transaction on a 3D secure enabled website, a secure code will be sent to your registered mobile number.
What are round-up pots?
This is a saving plan without any specific target, or period. A pot is created for you upon registration. Whenever you make a purchase, the amount is rounded up, and any change is placed in your pot. You even earn interest on this. You can easily manage your round-up amounts, or even choose to turn the feature off.
What are saving pots?
A savings pot is specific target-oriented savings target. You will be able to track the progress of your savings against these targets - and the time needed to achieve this set goal. You can customise your saving pot according to your needs by setting up a start and end date, a target the instalment amounts with a name for your pot.
How can I change the PIN for my card?
You can change your PIN with your the app or at an ila ATM machine. To change it from the app, click ‘Self-service’, then ‘My security’ then ‘Change PIN.’
How can I change my card PIN?
You can change your card PIN from the application or an ila ATM machine. To change it from the app, click on “Self-service”, then “My security” then “Change pin”.
Where can I find my nearest ila ATM?
ABC tower 2,
City Centre (?)
The drive-through ATM in xxx.
Click this link ‘map’ to locate all ila ATMs.
Does ila bank have a scan to pay feature?
Yes, you can use your ila app to scan a QR code from any b-wallet merchant to make a payment. (Click here to see the list of b-wallet merchants).
What is the minimum balance I should have in my ila account?
For fees and charges ‘click here.’
