SBP 2-Hour Cooling Time for Mobile Payments – Complete Guide 2025
Source: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) official circulars and press releases.
Website: www.hassiupdates.com
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is the SBP 2-Hour Cooling Time?
- Why SBP Introduced the Cooling Time Policy
- Which Payments Does the Cooling Time Apply To?
- Eligibility
- Benefits of the Cooling Time
- How the 2-Hour Cooling Time Works
- Required Information
- How to Request Payment Reversal
- Security Measures Under SBP Rules
- How to File an Official Complaint
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Official Disclaimer
Introduction
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced a 2-hour cooling time for mobile payments to enhance consumer protection and reduce the risks of sending money to the wrong number or becoming a victim of fraud. This policy applies to Pakistan’s mobile banking and branchless banking services, including JazzCash and Easypaisa.
The new rule requires certain mobile transactions to be placed on temporary hold for up to 2 hours before the receiving party can fully access the funds. This gives consumers time to review, cancel, or report incorrect transfers.
What Is the SBP 2-Hour Cooling Time?
The 2-hour cooling time is a temporary delay period implemented by SBP for specific mobile transactions. During this time, the transferred amount remains in a “pending” or “under processing” status before final settlement.
According to SBP, the purpose of this cooling time is to reduce:
- Accidental transfers
- Fraudulent transactions
- Unauthorized account access
- Consumer financial loss
This rule is now a mandatory requirement for all mobile payment operators in Pakistan.
Why SBP Introduced the Cooling Time Policy
The State Bank introduced this policy after receiving a rising number of complaints about:
- Funds sent to wrong numbers
- Fraud through social engineering
- Account misuse due to stolen SIM cards
- Scams involving fake calls and messages
The cooling time helps customers correct mistakes before money reaches an unintended recipient.
Which Payments Does the Cooling Time Apply To?
According to SBP regulations, the cooling time applies to:
- First-time payments to new beneficiaries
- High-risk transactions
- Newly added mobile wallet accounts
- Certain inter-bank mobile payments
It does not apply to regular payments to trusted beneficiaries saved in your account.
Eligibility
The cooling time policy applies automatically to:
- All mobile wallet users (JazzCash, Easypaisa, UPaisa, NayaPay, SadaPay, etc.)
- All bank mobile applications
- All first-time beneficiary transactions
No special registration is required.
Benefits of the Cooling Time
1. Protection from Wrong Transfers
If you send money to the wrong number by mistake, you now have time to request cancellation.
2. Enhanced Fraud Prevention
Fraudsters cannot instantly withdraw or misuse funds, giving users more time to report suspicious activity.
3. Increased Financial Security
Consumers now have stronger protection under national banking rules.
4. Transparency and User Control
You can monitor pending transactions and cancel them before final settlement.
How the 2-Hour Cooling Time Works
Step-by-Step Process
- You send money to a new mobile number or bank account.
- The system marks the transaction as Pending.
- The receiving account cannot use the funds during the cooling time.
- You receive a message confirming the pending status.
- You have up to 2 hours to cancel if the transaction was a mistake.
- If no cancellation is requested, the payment is automatically approved.
This system improves user safety without affecting normal, repeat payments.
Required Information
To manage pending transactions or request a cancellation, you may need:
- Your CNIC number
- Transaction ID
- Mobile wallet account number
- Date and time of transaction
- Registered mobile number
How to Request Payment Reversal
If you transferred money to the wrong number, SBP allows you to request help during the cooling time.
1. Contact Your Mobile Wallet Helpline
- JazzCash Helpline: 4444
- Easypaisa Helpline: 3737
2. Provide Required Details
You must provide your transaction ID and registered mobile number.
3. Request Cancellation
If the cooling time has not expired, the reversal can be processed according to SBP rules.
Security Measures Under SBP Rules
- Strong customer authentication
- Monitoring of suspicious patterns
- Mandatory reporting of fraud attempts
- Protection of customer funds during pending status
How to File an Official Complaint
If your mobile operator does not follow SBP rules, you may complain to:
State Bank of Pakistan – Customer Complaint Management
- Official website: www.sbp.org.pk
- Email: csg@sbp.org.pk
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the cooling time apply to all transactions?
No. It applies mainly to new beneficiaries or high-risk payments.
2. Can I cancel a transaction during the cooling time?
Yes, cancellation is possible if the request is made within 2 hours.
3. Does this rule affect JazzCash and Easypaisa?
Yes, all mobile wallets must follow SBP regulations.
4. Why is my transaction showing “Pending”?
This means it is under the 2-hour cooling period for security.
5. Can the receiver see or use the money?
No. The receiver cannot access the funds until the cooling period ends.
Official-Style Disclaimer
This article is based solely on official publications, circulars, and policy documents issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). No private sources have been used. For the latest updates, users should always visit the official SBP website.
Prepared for: www.hassiupdates.com
Content Type: SBP Policy Guide – Mobile Payments Security
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