SBP’s New 2-Hour Cooling Time for Mobile Payments. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced an important update that affects every mobile banking user in the country. From JazzCash and Easypaisa to all other branchless banking services, a two-hour cooling time will now apply to all incoming mobile transactions.
This new rule has been launched to reduce fraud, strengthen digital payment security, and protect users from accidental transfers. In this article, we’ll break down what this cooling time means, why it matters, who it affects, and how you can use this window to stay safe from financial mistakes.
What Is the 2-Hour Cooling Time in Mobile Payments?
The Cooling Time Mobile Payments Pakistan rule places a two-hour hold on every transaction made through mobile wallets. After you transfer money, the receiver will see the amount in their wallet, but they cannot withdraw, spend, or send it onward until the cooling time ends.
This protective pause allows the sender to review their transaction and take immediate action if something went wrong—such as sending funds to the wrong number or spotting unauthorized activity.
Why Did SBP Introduce the Cooling Time Policy?
The rise of digital payments has brought convenience, but it has also led to frequent cases of:
- Accidental transfers
- Fraud attempts
- Wrong-number transactions
- Duplicate payments
Before this policy, reversing a wrong transfer was almost impossible. Now, thanks to the cooling period, customers get a critical two-hour window to file a complaint and stop the receiver from using the funds.
It is a simple change—but one that massively improves safety across Pakistan’s digital banking ecosystem.
Who Is Affected by the Cooling Time Rule?
The new SBP rule applies to every user, sender, and receiver of mobile banking platforms, including:
- JazzCash users
- Easypaisa customers
- UPaisa, SadaPay, NayaPay, and other digital wallet users
- Anyone making branchless banking transfers
In short, every digital payment transaction in Pakistan is now covered under this rule
How the Cooling Time Protects You
Although it may feel like a delay, the cooling time is designed to protect you from common but costly mistakes. It helps in situations such as:
- Sending money to the wrong number
- Accidentally typing the wrong account ID
- Realizing you made a suspicious transaction
- Duplicate transfers
- Fraud attempts
During these two hours, the money remains visible in the receiver’s account but frozen, giving you time to report the issue before it becomes irreversible.
What You Can Do During the 2-Hour Cooling Period
If you notice something is wrong with a payment, take action immediately:
1. Contact Your Mobile Banking Service
Use the official helpline or in-app support of JazzCash, Easypaisa, or whichever service you used.
2. Provide Complete Details
Share the amount, transaction ID, receiver’s number, and exact time of payment.
3. Request a Hold or Reversal
Ask the support team to stop or reverse the transaction before the cooling window ends.
4. Keep Proof
Screenshots, SMS receipts, or in-app confirmations can speed up the process.
Remember:
Once the two hours pass, the money becomes available to the receiver—so you must act quickly.
How This Rule Improves Safety in Pakistan’s Digital Banking
SBP’s decision brings several benefits:
- Prevents fraud and unauthorized withdrawals
- Gives users time to fix accidental transfers
- Builds trust in mobile payments
- Supports safer digital financial growth in Pakistan
This update strengthens the entire branchless banking network and offers users peace of mind.
Practical Tips to Avoid Using the Cooling Time
While the two-hour window is helpful, it’s better to avoid mistakes in the first place. Here’s what you can do:
- Always double-check the receiver’s number
- Confirm the amount before tapping “Send”
- Save trusted contacts inside your app
- Keep transaction alerts enabled
- Never rush while sending money
A few seconds of verification can save you from hours of stress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does the cooling time last?
Exactly two hours after the transaction is completed.
2. Can the receiver use the money during the cooling period?
No. The balance appears in their account, but they cannot withdraw, send, or spend it.
3. Which services follow this rule?
All major mobile banking and digital wallet services in Pakistan.
4. What happens if I report after two hours?
After the cooling time ends, the receiver can freely use the money, making reversals extremely difficult.
5. Does this apply to all transactions?
Yes, the rule applies to all branchless and mobile banking transfers regulated by SBP.
Conclusion
SBP’s two-hour cooling time is a smart and timely step that strengthens Pakistan’s mobile payment security. By placing a temporary hold on each transfer, the system gives senders a chance to rethink, review, and report mistakes before money is misused.
