Iran · Banking & Payments

Bank Mellat

Name: Bank Mellat
Brand: Bank Mellat

Up to date as of October 23, 2026

Bank Mellat is one of Iran's largest banks, with accounts, Shetab cards and the Mellat mobile banking app.

What it helps with

Paying by card in IranShetab network.
A local accountFor residents.
Banking from the phoneMellat app.

About Bank Mellat:

Residents use it for salaries, card payments on the Shetab network and transfers. Tourists can sometimes get prepaid tourist cards from Iranian providers, since foreign cards do not work in Iran.

Key Features:

Shetab cards: Accepted across Iran.
Mobile banking: Transfers and bill payments.
Branch network: Branches in every province.

How to Get Started:

Visit a branch with your passport and residence documents.
Open an account and get a Shetab card.
Install the Mellat app.
Pay and transfer in rials.

Before you use it

Payment: Change cash at licensed exchange offices, where rates are better than at the official bank rate.
Sign-up: Opening an account requires residency documents; tourists use prepaid tourist cards instead.

Local number needed Local ID needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bank Mellat work with a foreign bank card in Iran?: Not reliably — a foreign card may be declined. Check the notice above, or plan to use a local payment method.
Is Bank Mellat available in English?: Not officially — the interface is mainly in the local language.
Do I need a local phone number to use Bank Mellat?: Yes, Bank Mellat requires a local phone number to register.
Do I need local ID or residency for Bank Mellat?: Yes, Bank Mellat requires local ID or residency status.
Where can I use Bank Mellat?: Web · iOS · Android
How much does Bank Mellat cost?: Fees per the bank's tariff