SBP Introduces a New 2-Hour Cooling Period for Mobile Payments to Strengthen Security

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has rolled out a regulatory amendment designed to boost security and curb unauthorized digital payments. According to the regulation, a compulsory 2-hour delay will be enforced on certain mobile banking and mobile wallet transactions. This measure aligns with SBP’s initiatives to strengthen customer safety within Pakistan’s swiftly expanding digital financial landscape.

With the rising popularity of payments—particularly via commonly used services, like JazzCash and Easypaisa—the chances of fraud, unauthorized transactions, and account abuse have also escalated. The cooling period aims to provide a safety margin allowing users to confirm transactions, identify actions, and prevent fraudulent transfers before funds are irrevocably withdrawn from their accounts.

Reasons Behind SBPs’ Implementation of the 2-Hour Cooling-Off Duration

Worldwide digital payment fraud is. Pakistan encounters comparable issues. Numerous users, those unfamiliar with mobile wallets, like JazzCash and Easypaisa, frequently become targets of schemes, including:

• Fake calls impersonating bank or wallet representatives
• Phishing messages
• Social engineering attacks
• OTP (One-Time Password) theft

SBP intends to minimize these risks by implementing a 2-hour waiting period before payments to newly enrolled beneficiaries are processed. This delay provides customers with the opportunity to examine and stop any transactions and grants service providers such as JazzCash and Easypaisa additional time to identify unusual activity and notify users.

How the Cooling Period Works

This waiting interval is relevant for mobile banking applications and mobile wallets, including JazzCash, Easypaisa, UPaisa, NayaPay, and other platforms authorized by SBP.

This is the way it operates:

• A user includes a payee in their mobile banking or mobile wallet application.
• The application automatically enforces a 2-hour delay before the payment to this new recipient.
• Users might get a notification within the app or an SMS message regarding the cooling-off interval.
• The user is able to continue with the transaction, as usual, following a two-hour wait.

This regulation is enforced uniformly among all banks and licensed wallet providers to guarantee security for every digital payment user.

Which Transactions Are Impacted?

Applies to:

• First-time transfers to new bank beneficiaries
• First-time payments to new JazzCash or Easypaisa recipients
• Sensitive or high-value mobile transactions
• Does NOT apply to:
• Existing beneficiaries
• Utility bills
• Mobile top-ups
• In-app wallet transfers
• Low-risk routine transactions

This guarantees enhanced protection without disrupting online operations.

Benefits for Mobile Banking & Wallet Users

1. Strong Protection Against Fraud

Users receive time to examine unfamiliar beneficiary details—particularly beneficial for individuals targeted by scams, on JazzCash and Easypaisa.

2. Enhanced Security for New Digital Users

New users lacking awareness of digital fraud dangers are provided with a crucial layer of protection.

3. Fewer Accidental Transfers

Mistakes in entries can be detected prior to transferring any money.

4. Standardized Security for All Platforms

Regardless of whether a user utilizes a bank app, JazzCash, or Easypaisa, every platform adheres to the SBP regulation.

• Impact on JazzCash, Easypaisa & Other Digital Operators
• Service providers such as JazzCash and Easypaisa must:
• Update systems to enforce the automatic 2-hour delay
• Send alerts and notifications to guide users
• Strengthen fraud detection and monitoring tools
• Educate customers about the importance of the cooling period

This action is anticipated to enhance the security and reliability of Pakistan’s frequently used mobile wallets.

Public Response and Expected Outcomes

While certain users might at first regard the delay as bothersome— when dealing with urgent new transfers—the general response is anticipated to be favorable. With a reduction in fraud incidents and enhanced transaction precision, the 2-hour waiting time will be regarded as a protective measure.

This revision highlights SBP’s effort to develop a secure and dependable digital financial ecosystem. As millions depend on JazzCash, Easypaisa, and mobile banking, daily improved cybersecurity has become increasingly crucial.

Final Thoughts

The SBP’s implementation of a 2-hour delay for mobile payments represents a significant advancement in safeguarding Pakistani users against fraud and improving the security of digital transactions. Although it imposes a wait for initial transfers, the lasting advantages—particularly, for JazzCash and Easypaisa users—render it a wise and essential decision.

As digital payments continue to grow across Pakistan, this regulation strengthens user confidence and supports a safer, more advanced financial ecosystem.