State Bank New Rule for JazzCash, Easypaisa & Other Banks
State Bank New Rule for JazzCash, Easypaisa & Other Banks: State Bank of Pakistan has introduced an important update for all digital banking and mobile wallet users, including JazzCash Easypaisa, and other online platforms this new regulation introduces a two-hour cooling time before recipients can use or withdraw funds received through branchless banking channels The purpose of this delay is to protect users from fraudulent activities and mistaken transfers, which have become common in digital transactions.
The announcement has sparked widespread discussion among mobile wallet users across Pakistan while the State Bank clarified that real-time digital transfers will still continue, this two-hour restriction only applies to cash-out or spending activities from branchless banking accounts this means funds will appear instantly but users will need to wait two hours before making purchases or withdrawals.
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| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Name | 2-Hour Cooling Time Rule |
| Introduced By | State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) |
| Applies To | JazzCash, Easypaisa & Other Mobile Wallets |
| Effective Period | After receiving digital funds, 2-hour wait for cash-out |
| Purpose | To prevent fraud and allow time to report wrong transfers |
| Funds Availability | Received instantly but cannot be spent or withdrawn for 2 hours |
| Applies Since | First introduced under due diligence policy in April 2023 |
| Exemptions | Traditional bank-to-bank transfers are not affected |
Purpose Behind the Two-Hour Cooling Time Rule
The new cooling time policy is primarily designed to enhance customer protection in Pakistan’s fast-growing digital financial ecosystem according to the SBP clarification this period gives users a valuable two-hour window to report any incorrect or suspicious transaction before funds are spent or withdrawn. This step ensures that victims of accidental transfers or fraudulent activities have a fair chance to recover their money.
The rule builds upon the “customer due diligence requirements” introduced in April 2023, which aimed to make branchless banking more secure. By implementing a waiting period, the State Bank aims to curb misuse of digital wallets that may occur due to simple account creation processes or lack of verification in mobile-based financial systems.
Clarification by the State Bank of Pakistan
SBP External Communications Department issued an official clarification regarding this rule on September 28, 2025. It explained that all digital fund transfers in Pakistan still occur in real time, meaning that funds reach the recipient’s account immediately. However, the cooling time is only applicable when the recipient tries to withdraw cash or make a purchase through their mobile wallet.
The circular further mentioned that this measure is not new but rather a reinforcement of previously issued guidelines. The SBP noted that similar security instructions were introduced two and a half years ago, and they have been operating successfully, helping to prevent financial fraud and accidental transfers in the branchless banking sector.
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How the Rule Affects JazzCash and Easypaisa Users
For millions of JazzCash and Easypaisa users across Pakistan, this new rule means a small but important change in how they manage their transactions. When someone sends you money through a mobile wallet, you will receive it instantly, but you won’t be able to withdraw or spend it for two hours. After this cooling period, the funds will be fully accessible for withdrawal, bill payments, or purchases.
This two-hour limit provides a safeguard in case of wrong transfers. If a sender realizes that money was sent to an incorrect number, they can immediately file a complaint during the cooling time. The service provider will then freeze the amount until the issue is resolved, reducing the risk of permanent loss due to wrong transactions.
Main Objectives of the Cooling Time Policy
The State Bank’s primary objective behind this digital payment policy is to promote safe and secure banking practices. In recent years, the number of digital wallet users in Pakistan has grown rapidly, creating new challenges in fraud management and consumer protection. The two-hour rule addresses these issues effectively without affecting transaction speed.
Additionally, this policy aligns Pakistan’s mobile banking framework with global standards many countries use similar delay systems in digital transfers to prevent cyber scams and unauthorized withdrawals. The State Bank’s approach ensures that users’ money remains safe while maintaining the convenience of instant transactions.
Other Mobile Wallets New Instructions & Name
According to the new instructions when a user sends money through any mobile account the receiver will not be able to use or withdraw the amount immediately A two-hour cooling time has been implemented to allow customers to report any wrong or fraudulent transaction before the funds become usable during this period the amount will remain temporarily on hold and it will only be released once the complaint is verified.
- JazzCash and Easypaisa
- NayaPay and UPaisa
- SadaPay and Zindigi
- HBL Konnect and Meezan Bank App
- Bank Alfalah Alfa App and UBL Digital App
- All other licensed mobile wallets approved by the State Bank of Pakistan
Reactions from the Public and Banking Experts
Following the clarification, banking analysts and financial experts welcomed the State Bank’s move as a forward-thinking step in digital security. They believe the cooling time feature will help reduce incidents of mistaken transfers and digital wallet fraud, which have been increasing in frequency. For everyday users, this change might seem like a minor inconvenience, but in the long term, it enhances overall trust in Pakistan’s digital payment ecosystem.
On social media users also expressed mixed opinions some appreciated the additional protection against errors, while others were concerned that urgent withdrawals could be delayed experts emphasize the rule applies only to cash-out and purchase actions not to the receipt of funds so most transactions will remain unaffected in terms of timing.
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Key Points of the 2-Hour Cooling Time Rule
- The cooling period applies only to branchless banking accounts such as JazzCash and Easypaisa.
- Funds are received instantly, but users must wait two hours before withdrawal or spending.
- It was first introduced under customer due diligence requirements in April 2023.
- The policy’s goal is to prevent fraud and accidental money transfers.
- The two-hour window gives users time to report wrong transactions to the bank.
- Real-time transfers between bank accounts are not affected by this rule.
- The system has already been tested successfully for over two and a half years.
How to Report a Wrong Transaction During Cooling Time
If you accidentally send money to the wrong JazzCash or Easypaisa number, you can immediately file a complaint during the two-hour window. The recipient won’t be able to withdraw or use that money during this time, giving customer support a chance to stop the transaction. You can contact your respective wallet service helpline or visit a nearby agent to register your complaint.
To speed up the process, you should provide your transaction ID, mobile number, and recipient number to the customer care representative. Once verified, the service provider can place a hold on the transfer until the issue is resolved. This new system significantly reduces the chances of losing funds due to simple human error.
What the Rule Means for Other Banks and Digital Wallets
The two-hour cooling time doesn’t apply exclusively to JazzCash or Easypaisa. Other digital banking platforms that operate without physical branches are also covered by this policy. This includes any fintech service offering wallet-based transactions and mobile top-ups. The State Bank emphasized that all digital financial service providers must comply with this guideline to ensure uniform protection for all users.
For traditional bank transfers, such as those made through mobile apps of commercial banks, there will be no delay. The funds will continue to transfer and become usable instantly, as these accounts go through stricter verification processes and pose lower fraud risks.
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Benefits of the New Cooling Time Policy
The cooling time policy introduces multiple benefits for both customers and financial institutions. It gives users confidence that their funds are protected even in case of accidental transfers. Moreover, it allows banks to maintain better monitoring of suspicious or high-risk activities occurring through branchless systems.
This policy also strengthens Pakistan’s position in the global digital finance landscape. With cybercrime and fraud incidents increasing worldwide, the introduction of such safeguards makes Pakistan’s financial ecosystem more reliable and aligned with international security standards.
Important Highlights of the New Rule
- Funds remain visible instantly, but cash-out or spending is delayed for two hours.
- Protection window allows users to stop wrong transfers quickly.
- Applicable only to branchless banking wallets, not traditional bank accounts.
- Introduced to prevent digital fraud, unauthorized cash-outs, and human errors.
- Applies to JazzCash, Easypaisa, and other mobile payment systems.
Conclusion
The introduction of the two-hour cooling time by the State Bank of Pakistan marks a significant improvement in the country’s digital payment security framework. It balances instant money transfer convenience with a vital safeguard against fraud and mistakes. By allowing users a short window to act on wrong transactions, SBP has ensured greater reliability in mobile banking services.
This rule, while simple, reflects the growing maturity of Pakistan’s digital economy. As JazzCash, Easypaisa, and other fintech platforms continue to expand their reach, such regulatory protections will play a vital role in building public trust and ensuring that financial innovation remains secure and user-friendly.
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