American Bank Issues First Credit Card for Use in Cuba

Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 1:32 PM ET, Thu June 16, 2016

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock

On Tuesday, a small bank from Florida announced its intention to issue the first United States credit card intended for use in Cuba, making it easier than ever to work on an island largely cut off from the financial system in America.

According to The Associated Press, Stonegate Bank, based in Pompano Beach, Florida, announced that its new MasterCard will allow travelers to make purchase at state-run businesses and private restaurants with point-of-sale devices.

Stonegate Bank opened an account for the Cuban government and became the first institution to issue a U.S. debit card for use in the once forbidden country. Officials from the bank have announced that around 100 American individuals and businesses have already opened debit cards accounts, with nearly half being education institutions and travel companies.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 1: 2026Thursday, October 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Europe Made Easy: Sell with Confidence with Classic VacationsFriday, October 23, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
From iconic cities to hidden gems, discover how Classic Vacations helps travel advisors navigate the...
Upcoming Webinar
Japan Beyond the Golden Route: Luxury and Hidden GemsMonday, October 26, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Turn over a new leaf in Japan during this webinar, where we'll look beyond the cherry blossoms and...
Upcoming Webinar
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 1: 2026Thursday, October 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Europe Made Easy: Sell with Confidence with Classic VacationsFriday, October 23, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
From iconic cities to hidden gems, discover how Classic Vacations helps travel advisors navigate the...
Upcoming Webinar
Japan Beyond the Golden Route: Luxury and Hidden GemsMonday, October 26, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Turn over a new leaf in Japan during this webinar, where we'll look beyond the cherry blossoms and...