What is the official website of the payment service?
https://www.gulfafricanbank.com
https://www.gulfafricanbank.com
Customer support contacts can be found at the footer of the official website and under the “Contact Us” page.
+254 711 082 500
There is no published toll-free number; customers should use the available hotline or contact options.
Specialized email addresses may be provided for departments such as HR, complaints, and business banking on their website.
Online chat support is not explicitly offered on the public website; clients should use phone or email.
Chat support is not available; inquiries should be made via phone, email, or at branches during working hours.
Messenger-based support such as Telegram or WhatsApp is not advertised as available.
Support generally operates from Monday to Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM, and Saturdays 9:00AM to 1:00PM, excluding public holidays.
Limited support is available on Saturdays; support is typically unavailable during public holidays.
Yes, in-person visits can be made at branch locations throughout Kenya.
Branches are located in Nairobi, Mombasa, Garissa, Eastleigh, Kamukunji, and Kisumu, with addresses listed on the website.
Personal meetings can be scheduled by contacting the bank via phone or visiting a branch to set an appointment.
No international representatives; service is focused within Kenya.
Support is offered in English and Swahili.
Response times usually range from a few hours to 1 business day for email, and immediate to several minutes for phone.
Dedicated relationship managers or priority support lines may exist for high-value or corporate clients.
Callback options are typically available by leaving a request on the website, phone system, or through email.
Gulf African Bank was founded in 2008.
The bank was established by a consortium of Gulf and Kenyan investors; ownership details are overseen by a board.
Launched in 2008 as Kenya’s first fully Shari’ah-compliant bank, expanded branches, digital offerings, and product lines over time.
The bank underwent digital transformation upgrades and revised its branding to modern standards since inception.
The board comprises notable business leaders and professionals; current board details are published on the bank’s website.
Investors include regional business groups and Gulf-based partners; the bank has relationships with international and local financial institutions.
Gulf African Bank is privately held and not listed on a public stock exchange.
As a privately held company, market capitalization is not publicly available.
The bank operates multiple branches across Kenyan cities but does not have notable foreign subsidiaries.
Gulf African Bank is licensed as a commercial bank by the Central Bank of Kenya, operating under Islamic banking principles.
The bank operates officially within Kenya.
No licenses or public services for cryptocurrency operations are listed.
The bank applies standard Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures as required by Kenyan law.
Banks usually maintain certifications for PCI DSS for card operations, SSL for online banking, and more to protect client data.
Regular external and internal IT and security audits are industry practice for all licensed banks to maintain compliance and security.
Deposits are insured up to specified limits by the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC).
Typical compliance includes ISO standards, PCI DSS for payments, AML/KYC, and Basel II/III banking regulations.
No recent major regulatory fines or violations are publicly recorded for Gulf African Bank.
Reviews are available on Google Reviews, Facebook, HelloPeter, and local financial comparison sites.
Common complaints may involve transaction delays, service downtime, branch wait times, or limited digital banking features.
Users frequently praise Shari’ah-compliant products, customer service quality, and branch accessibility.
No systematic withdrawal issues are reported; occasional delays may occur due to compliance checks or system upgrades.
The digital interface is considered straightforward but not as feature-rich or modern as leading digital banks.
Most clients are satisfied with transaction speed, but digital payments or interbank transfers may have ordinary banking delays.
Users who seek Shari’ah-compliant banking or strong community values tend to recommend Gulf African Bank.
Experts view Gulf African Bank as reliable under CBK regulation, especially in Islamic finance.
Gulf African Bank has received regional awards for Islamic banking and innovation since its founding.
It is recognized in local and some regional banking rankings for Shari’ah-compliant or Islamic finance services.
The bank operates under license from the CBK, meeting required regulatory standards.
Gulf African Bank is known for ethical principles, financial prudence, and reliability among partners and local businesses.
The bank is regarded as innovative in Kenyan Islamic finance but not seen as a pioneer in digital or fintech solutions.
Certification may include local ISO or finance industry QA standards as required by Kenyan banking regulators.
The bank participates in regional banking and Islamic finance conferences, seminars, and training forums.
Gulf African Bank positions itself as a leading Shari’ah-compliant bank focusing on ethical, community-first financial solutions.
Primarily Kenyan Shilling (KES), with limited support for major currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP in some account services.
Cryptocurrencies are not currently supported by Gulf African Bank.
Gulf African Bank does not have a proprietary token or cryptocurrency.
Currency conversion is available at select branches, especially for USD, EUR, GBP.
The bank uses its published exchange rates, which are reviewed and updated regularly based on market conditions.
Exchange rates are updated multiple times per day in response to currency market movements.
Stablecoins are not supported.
Service is primarily for major global currencies; exotic currency support is limited and usually unavailable.
Transaction restrictions follow Kenyan law and Central Bank rules, applying currency control for cross-border payments.
Supports local and international wire transfers, branch transfers, mobile money, and card transactions.
Internal transfers between bank accounts are supported via online banking, mobile, and in-branch.
Transfers to debit/ATM cards within the bank are supported; interbank card transfers may have limitations.
Yes, clients can transfer funds to accounts in Gulf African Bank and other local or international banks.
Bill payment services for utilities and essential services are provided via bank channels.
Recurring payments (standing orders) can be set up for regular bills or obligations.
Automatic and scheduled transfers can be configured via online banking, mobile app, or at the branch.
Payment scheduling is supported for selected transactions such as loan repayments and utility bills.
Group or joint account payments can be managed but split-payment features are less common.
Payment links are not a standard feature; merchants may inquire about integration for collections.
Minimum transaction amounts depend on the method; for mobile/mobile money, as low as KES10 may be permitted.
Maximum transfer amounts are governed by the account type and regulatory limits; large transactions require additional verification.
Daily transaction limits apply and differ by channel and customer profile as set by the bank’s policies.
Monthly and annual limits are set according to regulator and account-level risk profiling, higher for verified clients.
Limit increases can be requested by submitting additional documentation or account upgrade requests subject to review.
Verified users generally have higher transaction and funding limits compared to unverified users.
New accounts may have lower limits and restrictions until full verification and account activation.
Outbound and inbound payments are subject to Kenyan and international regulatory controls, often stricter for high-risk jurisdictions.
Operations may be blocked temporarily due to suspicious activity, regulatory requirements, or customer request.
The number of transactions per day is limited based on risk assessment and product type.
Minimum deposit may be as low as KES100, depending on product and funding method.
Supported methods include cash deposit, bank transfer, mobile money (M-Pesa), and cheque deposit.
Standard funding methods like cash deposit are free; third-party or agent deposits may incur fees.
Minimum funding requirements start as low as KES100 depending on the method.
Cash and mobile deposits are credited instantly or within minutes; cheques and wires may take 1–3 business days.
Money can be withdrawn in cash at branches or agents, via ATM networks, and through mobile money transfers.
Withdrawal fees apply for ATM and mobile money cash-outs; branch withdrawals over the counter may be free for some accounts.
ATM and mobile withdrawals are usually instant; branch and interbank withdrawals may take from minutes to 2 business days.
Daily withdrawal limits are set per channel (e.g., ATM, mobile) and may be increased for business/Premium clients upon request.
Card-based funding is credited instantly or within minutes for supported payment cards.
Local interbank transfers usually take same day to 1 business day; international SWIFT transfers take 1–3 working days.
Cryptocurrency transfers are not supported.
Transfers between Gulf African Bank accounts are processed instantly or within the same day.
Automated systems such as mobile money may be available on weekends, but cheques and manual funding are delayed until business hours.
Public holidays delay processing of manual, cheque, and some interbank transactions until the next business day.
Priority processing is not standard; urgent manual crediting may be handled case-by-case, usually in-branch.
Processing speed depends on funding method, time of day, and internal security/risk checks.
Notifications via SMS and/or email alert clients when funds are credited or debited for key transactions.
Customers should contact the bank’s support team or visit a branch for assistance and tracking of delayed deposits.
ATM and mobile withdrawals are immediate; over-the-counter and interbank may take up to 2 business days.
Card withdrawals at ATMs are processed instantly, subject to network availability and limits.
Local transfers are usually same day or next business day; international can take up to 3 business days.
Cryptocurrency withdrawals are not supported.
Manual and interbank withdrawals are delayed on weekends; ATM and mobile withdrawals are usually instant.
Withdrawals processed on bank holidays may be delayed until the next business day.
Expedited withdrawal is not a standard service; some urgent requests may be processed faster at branch discretion.
Time depends on withdrawal method, security checks, business hours, and external banking system schedules.
Clients receive SMS or email notifications upon withdrawal processing for most channels.
Registration can be done at a branch by submitting required documents and completing application forms.
Required data includes personal ID, passport photo, address proof, contact details, and tax information.
Email is recommended for online/mobile access but accounts can be opened in-branch without it.
Phone number confirmation is required for setting up online and mobile banking services.
Individuals must generally be at least 18 years old to open an account.
Corporate and business accounts can be opened with company documentation, directors’ IDs, and KRA PIN.
Real, verifiable data is required for compliance with banking and regulatory standards; false data leads to account rejection or closure.
Accounts are generally available to Kenyan residents; non-residents may have to meet additional requirements.
Account activation is usually immediate if documents are in order; mobile and online systems are activated after manual review.
Verification includes personal accounts (basic), business, and enhanced KYC levels for higher-risk or higher-limit accounts.
National ID or passport, passport photo, proof of address, and KRA tax PIN.
Full verification for higher limits or business services requires additional documents like business certificates and financial statements.
Digital copies/scanned documents can be submitted for preliminary verification but may need to be verified physically.
Basic verification can be completed in hours to 1 business day; full business verification may take up to 3-5 days.
Unverified users can only open preliminary accounts with very limited functionality and transaction limits.
Unverified users face restrictions on transfers, withdrawals, and funding, and may be subject to account closure.
Address confirmation is required as part of KYC verification for all account holders.
Photos or selfies with documents may be requested for online/mobile account activation and higher KYC.
Documents are updated when they expire, change, or per regulatory requirements, typically reviewed every 1–3 years.
Standard encryption includes SSL/TLS for web and mobile banking, with secure data transmission and storage.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is supported for online and mobile banking platforms.
SMS confirmations are sent for key transactions, login attempts, and critical changes.
Biometric security such as fingerprint or facial recognition may be supported in the mobile app, depending on device compatibility.
Blockchain technology is not used in Gulf African Bank’s operations.
A multi-layered security system protects customer accounts with firewalls, authentication, monitoring, and anti-fraud controls.
Data is protected with encryption, secure servers, privacy policies, and strict access controls.
The bank does not handle cryptocurrencies, so cold storage is not used.
Banks employ DDoS mitigation solutions to protect online services from disruptions.
Regular internal and third-party security audits are conducted as part of compliance.
Anti-phishing security measures include client education, secure login pages, and transaction alerts.
Advanced monitoring systems are used to detect suspicious and fraudulent activities in real-time.
Implements robust AML systems, KYC checks, transaction monitoring, and regulatory reporting.
Suspicious accounts are regularly reviewed and may be frozen or blocked pending investigation.
Immediately contact support, block cards/accounts via app or branch, and submit a fraud report.
Report via phone, email, in person, or through online banking support channels.
Compensation may be considered after investigation, subject to bank and insurance policies.
Clients can dispute unauthorized/fraudulent transactions; cases are reviewed for possible reversal or compensation.
File a dispute in writing at a branch or via customer support; cases are investigated and decided per policy.
Cyber insurance coverage may be maintained by the institution to protect against significant digital security breaches.
Transfer fees are based on transaction type, channel, and amount, with charges disclosed at initiation.
Cash deposits are typically free; mobile money or bank transfer funding may attract fees levied by the sending service.
ATM and mobile withdrawals usually incur a fee, while branch counter withdrawals may be free or charged depending on account.
Currency conversion incurs disclosed commissions and spreads.
Inactivity fees may apply after prolonged dormant periods, with terms stated in the account agreement.
Many accounts attract a monthly or annual maintenance fee, transparently set out in the fee schedule.
Some cancellation requests incur a fee, especially where costs or reversals are involved.
Expedited or urgent operations may attract extra fees for manual handling at the branch.
Banks are required to disclose all fees transparently; hidden fees are prohibited by regulation.
Large transaction fees are calculated electronically as a percentage of transaction value or according to a tiered schedule.
Products include different tier-based tariff structures for business, SME, retail, and premium clients.
VIP clients receive higher limits, priority service, dedicated managers, and tailored financial solutions.
Preferential conditions are available through negotiation, VIP account status, or specific product packages.
Some accounts offer a fixed number of free transactions monthly, after which standard charges apply.
Active users and corporate clients may receive discounted transaction rates or bundled services.
Corporate accounts feature specific tariff structures for business banking, payroll, cash management, and loans.
Custom arrangements may be possible for high-value clients, negotiated directly with the bank.
Promotional discounts may be offered during campaigns but are not a standard feature.
Standard consumer banking does not include cashback; promotions may offer cashbacks occasionally.
Large transaction volumes or long-term business clients may negotiate discounted rates.
Yes, Gulf African Bank offers a mobile banking application.
The app is available on Android and iOS mobile platforms.
Features include balance checks, transfers, bill payments, airtime top-up, account management, and alerts.
Mobile and web apps offer similar banking functionality; advanced features may require branch or web access.
Biometric authentication is supported on compatible devices through the mobile app.
Core functionality like balance checks requires internet; offline access is limited to stored information.
Yes, clients receive push notifications for transactions, alerts, and security updates.
Dark theme support depends on app version and device; not universally available.
Updates occur several times a year, ensuring improvements, bug fixes, and security enhancements.
Beta access is not standard; app updates and new features are generally released to all users simultaneously.
The web interface is straightforward to navigate but not as modern as digital-only fintech competitors.
Web interfaces are optimized for both desktop and mobile browsers to provide responsive design.
Interfaces are provided in English; the app may offer Swahili as well.
Night mode/dark theme support is not a standard website feature.
Hotkeys are not a key feature in standard online banking interfaces.
Account statements and transaction data can be exported in PDF and Excel formats for record-keeping or analysis.
Public developer APIs are not advertised; business clients may access integration features on request.
Some integration is available for corporate clients, including salary payments and bulk transfers.
Security and functionality updates are made several times each year.
Virtual cards are not commonly offered; focus is on physical debit cards.
Disposable/temporary cards are not a typical service feature.
Multi-currency account options may be available for business clients; most accounts are in KES.
Investment services include fixed deposits, savings plans, and select Shari’ah-compliant investment products.
Shari’ah-compliant accounts earn returns based on profit-sharing, not interest, per Islamic law.
Credit products such as personal, business, and asset finance are available under compliant structures.
Peer-to-peer trading or payment is not a standard consumer feature.
The bank does not offer cryptocurrency exchange or trading services.
Merchant acquiring services such as POS terminals and online payments for businesses are available.
Bulk payment solutions are available for business clients, including payroll and supplier payments.
A formal loyalty program is not featured; special offers or promotions may occur.
Bonus/reward points accumulation is not typically available; special campaigns may provide rewards.
Cashback is not a standard feature of Gulf African Bank’s services.
Referral rewards are not a standard public offering.
VIP customers access higher limits, tailored banking, priority service, and direct support contacts.
Promotions and limited-time offers are occasionally held for various products.
Premium/VIP status can be attained based on account balance, transaction volume, or invitation.
Discounted rates and offers with select partners are provided intermittently.
Loyalty initiatives for business clients may exist based on relationship value and usage.
Operations related to online casinos are generally prohibited according to the bank’s ethical guidelines and anti-gambling policy.
Transactions for gambling and casino activities are restricted as part of compliance and Shari’ah standards.
Accounts may be blocked if used for prohibited gambling transactions against stated policies.
Gulf African Bank prohibits facilitating gambling payments, aligning with Islamic banking principles.
Special conditions restrict or forbid gambling-related payments; such attempts are flagged or rejected.
Transactions are monitored for compliance; suspicious or restricted payments are subject to review and blocking.
Operations with gambling or prohibited transactions are auditable and traceable for regulatory compliance.
Clients are notified if transactions are blocked or flagged as gambling-related.
Typically, gambling transactions are not permitted and may result in fees or account restrictions.
Gambling transactions are not allowed; no user-set limits are available as such activity is blocked.
Gambling exclusion is part of compliance; dedicated self-exclusion features are generally not required.
Access to gambling through banking services is blocked by transaction code or MCC filter.
Expense control tools are not provided for gambling as the bank restricts such transactions.
Users receive notifications if attempting prohibited or limit-exceeding transactions, including gambling.
Yes, the bank blocks transactions with identified casinos or online gambling merchants.
Gambling-specific expense analytics are not available as such transactions are not permitted.
Not applicable, as gambling transactions are blocked at the point of attempt.
Industry practice is to refer affected clients to external counseling services rather than offer in-house support.
There is no publicly disclosed partnership with gambling addiction support organizations.
Not applicable, since gambling transactions are not processed or supported.
Gulf African Bank payment methods are not eligible for online gambling or casino merchant acceptance.
There are no partnerships with any casino or gambling operators.
Usage with casinos is not permitted; no conditions apply.
Bonuses for casino use are not applicable.
Bank services cannot be used for deposits to or withdrawals from casinos.
All forms of gambling-related payments are restricted regardless of geography.
Transactions are generally blocked or not facilitated by the bank.
Not applicable, as the service is not available for casino transactions.
Not applicable, since such transactions are not allowed.
Compatibility is not relevant as Gulf African Bank prohibits transactions with casino platforms.