How to Use Raast for Money Transfer in Pakistan (2026)
Learn how to use Raast for money transfer in Pakistan in 2026. This complete guide explains how to send and receive money through Raast using a Raast ID or IBAN, including eligibility, required documents, fees, processing time, application methods, validity, contact information, step-by-step instructions, safety tips and frequently asked questions.
What Is Raast in Pakistan?
Raast is Pakistan's instant digital payment system designed to make money transfers faster, simpler and more convenient. It allows eligible users to send and receive money through participating banks and financial service providers using supported digital banking channels.
One of the most useful features of Raast is the Raast ID. A customer can link their registered mobile number with a selected bank account and use that mobile number as a simple payment identifier. This means that, instead of sharing a long bank account number or IBAN, a customer may be able to receive money by sharing their registered Raast ID.
Raast is mainly designed for fast local digital payments within Pakistan. It supports different payment uses, including person-to-person transfers and other digital payment services available through participating institutions.
For customers, the biggest advantages are convenience and speed. Depending on the services provided by their bank, users may be able to access Raast through mobile banking, internet banking, branch services or other approved channels.
However, the exact options available can differ between banks and financial institutions. Therefore, customers should always check their own bank's latest official instructions before making an important transaction.
Why Use Raast for Money Transfers?
Raast can make sending and receiving money easier for people who regularly transfer funds between bank accounts.
Some important benefits include:
- Fast digital money transfers.
- Simple payment using a Raast ID or IBAN.
- Reduced need to remember long account details.
- Availability through supported banking channels.
- Convenient interbank transfers.
- Local money transfers within Pakistan.
- Digital payment options available through participating institutions.
- Ability to receive money through a linked Raast ID.
- Transaction confirmation through the bank's available notification system.
Raast was developed as Pakistan's instant payment infrastructure for digital transactions between individuals, businesses and government-related payment services.
Eligibility Criteria for Using Raast
The exact eligibility requirements can vary according to your bank or payment service provider. However, the following general conditions normally apply.
You Need an Eligible Bank Account or Payment Account
To use Raast, you generally need an account with a participating bank or another eligible financial service provider.
The type of account and available services may depend on the institution.
Your Bank or Service Provider Should Support Raast
You should use a bank or financial institution that has connected its relevant services to the Raast network.
Different institutions may provide different access methods. For example, one bank may offer Raast through a mobile application, while another may also provide access through internet banking or a branch.
You May Need Digital Banking for Online Transfers
If you want to transfer money through a mobile phone or computer, you may need:
- An activated mobile banking account.
- Internet banking access.
- A registered mobile number.
- Required security credentials.
Raast ID Registration Is Mainly Needed for Receiving Through a Raast ID
If you want other people to send money to you by using your mobile number as a Raast ID, you generally need to register and link that number to an eligible bank account.
However, a sender does not necessarily need to have a registered Raast ID to send money to another person's registered Raast ID or eligible IBAN.
You Must Complete Your Bank's Required Verification
Your bank may require identity or security verification before allowing digital banking or Raast-related services.
The exact requirements depend on your bank and account type.
Required Documents and Information
The documents and information required depend on how you want to use Raast.
For Sending Money Through Mobile or Internet Banking
You may need:
- An active bank account.
- Activated mobile or internet banking.
- Registered mobile number.
- Banking login credentials.
- Access to the required verification method.
- Recipient's Raast ID or IBAN.
- Sufficient available balance.
Normally, you do not need to submit separate physical documents every time you send a Raast payment through an already activated digital banking account.
For Registering a Raast ID
Depending on your bank's procedure, you may need:
- An active bank account.
- Registered mobile number.
- Valid CNIC information.
- Access to mobile or internet banking.
- Identity verification required by the bank.
For Branch Services
If you visit a bank branch, you may generally need:
- Original valid CNIC.
- Bank account information.
- Registered mobile number.
- Any service request form required by the bank.
The exact documents can vary, so customers should confirm requirements with their own financial institution.
How to Register a Raast ID in Pakistan
A Raast ID helps simplify receiving money.
Currently, a customer's mobile number can be used as a Raast ID after it is properly linked to an eligible bank account.
The general process may include the following steps.
Step 1: Open Your Bank's Official Mobile Application
Open the official mobile banking application provided by your bank.
Make sure you are using:
- The genuine application.
- An updated version of the application.
- Your own secure device.
Avoid downloading banking applications from unknown websites or suspicious links.
Step 2: Log In Securely
Log in using your approved banking credentials.
Your bank may use:
- Password.
- PIN.
- Biometric verification.
- OTP.
- Other approved security methods.
Never share your banking password, PIN or OTP with another person.
Step 3: Find the Raast Option
Look for a menu such as:
- Raast.
- Funds Transfer.
- Transfer Money.
- Payments.
- Raast ID Management.
- Register Raast ID.
The exact wording can differ between banks.
Step 4: Select Raast ID Registration
Choose the option to create or register a Raast ID.
Your bank may display your registered mobile number for verification.
Step 5: Select the Bank Account
If you have multiple accounts, select the account you want to link with your Raast ID.
A customer should carefully choose the account because the linked account is where the Raast payments will be received.
Step 6: Confirm Your Mobile Number
Verify the registered mobile number shown by your bank.
This number can become your Raast ID according to the available registration procedure.
Step 7: Complete Security Verification
Confirm the request using the security method required by your bank.
Step 8: Receive Confirmation
Wait for confirmation that your Raast ID has been successfully registered.
Once the process is complete, you can provide your registered Raast ID to eligible people who need to send money to you.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan's Raast information, an individual can register one Raast ID linked to one account at a time, and the linked account can later be changed through the applicable bank procedure.
How to Send Money Through Raast in Pakistan
The most common use of Raast is sending money to another person.
Depending on your bank, you may be able to send money by using:
- Recipient's Raast ID.
- Recipient's IBAN.
The following is a general step-by-step procedure.
Step 1: Open Your Bank's Official Mobile Banking Application
Open the official application provided by your bank.
Make sure your mobile phone is secure and protected with a screen lock.
Step 2: Log In to Your Account
Use your approved banking credentials.
Do not enter your password while connected to an untrusted public device or suspicious network.
Step 3: Select Funds Transfer or Raast
Look for an option such as:
- Funds Transfer.
- Send Money.
- Transfer Money.
- Raast Transfer.
- Payments.
- Interbank Transfer.
Select the Raast option if your bank displays it separately.
Step 4: Choose the Recipient
You may see options such as:
- Transfer to Raast ID.
- Transfer to Mobile Number.
- Transfer to IBAN.
- Add Beneficiary.
Select the appropriate option.
Step 5: Enter the Recipient's Raast ID or IBAN
Enter the recipient's:
- Registered Raast ID, which may be their linked mobile number, or
- Correct IBAN.
Enter the details carefully.
A small mistake can cause a transaction problem or result in the payment being sent incorrectly.
Step 6: Verify the Recipient Details
Your bank may display available beneficiary information before the transaction is completed.
Carefully review:
- Recipient name or title, where displayed.
- Bank information.
- Account information.
- Raast ID details.
- Any other confirmation provided by the banking application.
Never proceed unless you are confident that you are sending money to the correct person.
Step 7: Enter the Transfer Amount
Enter the amount you want to send.
Before continuing, check:
- Your available balance.
- Your bank's applicable transfer limit.
- Any daily or account-specific limit.
Transaction limits can differ between banks and financial institutions. The State Bank of Pakistan's Raast framework allows participating institutions to set customer limits based on relevant risk and account considerations.
Step 8: Add a Payment Purpose or Reference
If your bank provides this option, enter a simple reference such as:
- Personal payment.
- Family support.
- Rent.
- Business payment.
- Bill contribution.
- Loan repayment.
Avoid writing unnecessary confidential information in the reference field.
Step 9: Review the Transaction
Before confirming, carefully check:
- Recipient details.
- Raast ID or IBAN.
- Amount.
- Payment purpose.
- Available balance.
This is one of the most important steps.
Raast payments are intended to provide fast payment processing, so it is important to verify all information before confirmation.
Step 10: Confirm the Transfer
Complete the required verification.
Your bank may ask for:
- Transaction PIN.
- Password.
- OTP.
- Biometric confirmation.
- Other security verification.
Step 11: Wait for Confirmation
After successfully completing the transaction, your bank may display:
- Successful transaction message.
- Transaction ID.
- Reference number.
- Digital receipt.
Successful Raast transactions are designed for instant or near real-time processing, although customers should rely on the confirmation displayed by their own bank for the final transaction status.
Step 12: Save the Transaction Receipt
Save the:
- Transaction ID.
- Screenshot.
- Digital receipt.
- SMS confirmation, if available.
This information can be useful if you need to contact your bank later.
Guide Information
Eligibility
The exact eligibility requirements can vary according to your bank or payment service provider. However, the following general conditions normally apply.
You Need an Eligible Bank Account or Payment Account
To use Raast, you generally need an account with a participating bank or another eligible financial service provider.
The type of account and available services may depend on the institution.
Your Bank or Service Provider Should Support Raast
You should use a bank or financial institution that has connected its relevant services to the Raast network.
Different institutions may provide different access methods. For example, one bank may offer Raast through a mobile application, while another may also provide access through internet banking or a branch.
You May Need Digital Banking for Online Transfers
If you want to transfer money through a mobile phone or computer, you may need:
An activated mobile banking account.
Internet banking access.
A registered mobile number.
Required security credentials.
Raast ID Registration Is Mainly Needed for Receiving Through a Raast ID
If you want other people to send money to you by using your mobile number as a Raast ID, you generally need to register and link that number to an eligible bank account.
However, a sender does not necessarily need to have a registered Raast ID to send money to another person's registered Raast ID or eligible IBAN.
Required Documents
The documents and information required depend on how you want to use Raast.
For Sending Money Through Mobile or Internet Banking
You may need:
An active bank account.
Activated mobile or internet banking.
Registered mobile number.
Banking login credentials.
Access to the required verification method.
Recipient's Raast ID or IBAN.
Sufficient available balance.
Normally, you do not need to submit separate physical documents every time you send a Raast payment through an already activated digital banking account.
For Registering a Raast ID
Depending on your bank's procedure, you may need:
An active bank account.
Registered mobile number.
Valid CNIC information.
Access to mobile or internet banking.
Identity verification required by the bank.
For Branch Services
If you visit a bank branch, you may generally need:
Original valid CNIC.
Bank account information.
Registered mobile number.
Any service request form required by the bank.
The exact documents can vary, so customers should confirm requirements with their own financial institution.
Fees
One of the important features of Raast is its low-cost structure for users. According to the State Bank of Pakistan's Raast FAQ, there are currently no charges for sending and receiving funds using Raast. However, customers should remember that banking policies and related service arrangements can change. Before making an important transaction, check: Your bank's current Raast policy. Your account type. Digital banking conditions. Applicable transaction limits. Do not confuse Raast services with other banking services that may have separate charges.
Processing Time
Raast is designed as an instant payment system. In normal successful transactions, the payment is intended to move quickly between eligible participating institutions. The actual experience can depend on factors such as: Bank system availability. Internet connection. Recipient information. Security checks. Temporary technical issues. Transaction review requirements. The State Bank of Pakistan has described Raast as an instant payment system and has instructed participating banks regarding rapid crediting of successfully transferred funds. If a payment is delayed or does not appear successful, do not send the same payment repeatedly without first checking the transaction status. Contact your bank and provide the transaction reference number if necessary.
Application Method
There is generally no single paper application for
Validity Period
A Raast ID is generally linked to the bank account selected during registration. It does not normal
Step-by-Step Process
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Open Mobile Banking App: Open your official and updated mobile banking app.
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Log In to Account: Access your account using your PIN, password, or biometric verification.
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Select Transfer Option: Choose Funds Transfer, Send Money, or Raast Transfer.
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Choose Recipient Type: Select Transfer to Raast ID, Mobile Number, or IBAN.
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Enter Details: Input the recipient's Raast ID or IBAN accurately.
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Verify Recipient Details: Double-check the displayed recipient name and account details.
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Enter Amount: Enter the amount you wish to transfer according to your limit.
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Select Purpose: Choose a payment purpose (e.g., Family Support, Personal Payment).
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Review Transaction: Verify all details, amount, and recipient info before confirming.
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Confirm Transfer: Enter your transaction PIN, OTP, or biometric verification to finalize.
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Wait for Status: Wait for the successful transaction message and Reference ID.
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Save Receipt: Take a screenshot or download the receipt for your records.
Official Information
Official Website: https://www.sbp.org.pk/raast
Contact: If you need help with a Raast transaction, the first point of contact should generally be your own bank or financial service provider. Your Bank's Official Helpline Contact your bank's official customer service number for assistance with: Failed transactions. Delayed payments. Incorrect transaction details. Raast ID registration. Transaction limits. Digital banking problems. Bank Branch You may visit your bank branch for assistance with: Account verification. Raast registration. Raast ID changes. Linked account changes. Complaint procedures. Official Digital Banking Support Use the customer support options available in your bank's official mobile application or website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Raast is Pakistan's instant digital payment system that supports fast electronic payments between eligible participating institutions.
You can generally use your bank's official mobile banking app, internet banking or another supported channel to send money using the recipient's Raast ID or IBAN.
A Raast ID is a simple payment identifier, currently commonly based on a registered mobile number linked with an eligible bank account.
You generally do not need to register a Raast ID simply to send money to another person's Raast ID or eligible IBAN.
Yes, you generally need to register your mobile number as a Raast ID and link it with an eligible account to receive payments through that Raast ID.
Yes, eligible Raast payments can be made using a recipient's IBAN through participating institutions.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan's Raast information, there are currently no charges for sending or receiving Raast payments.
Raast is designed for instant or near real-time payment processing, although actual processing can depend on banking systems and transaction conditions.
Limits can vary depending on your bank, account type and applicable customer limits. Check your bank's official app or contact your bank for the current limit.
An individual is generally allowed one Raast ID linked with one account at a time under the current Raast framework.
Yes, the linked account can generally be changed by de-linking the Raast ID and linking it with another eligible account according to your bank's procedure.
No. Raast is currently intended for local transactions within Pakistan.
If you have registered a Raast ID, you may be able to provide your linked Raast ID instead of sharing your IBAN.
Contact your bank immediately, provide the transaction reference number and follow the bank's official procedure.
Raast is designed as an always-available instant payment infrastructure, but access through a particular channel can depend on your bank's service availability and maintenance schedules.
Some participating institutions offer Raast services through branches or over-the-counter channels. Availability depends on the institution.
Raast uses a regulated payment infrastructure, but users should still protect their banking credentials and verify recipient information before every transaction.
Contact your bank to understand the correct procedure for updating your registered mobile number and managing your Raast ID.
Check the transaction status, avoid sending the same payment again immediately and contact your bank with the transaction reference number if necessary.