Payment systems are the backbone of Pakistan’s financial landscape, especially as digital adoption accelerates. Whether it's managing domestic bills or receiving remittances from abroad, the need for a "fast, secure, and free" system is paramount.
The RAAST Instant Payment System (RAPS)—developed by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)—is the country's first real-time, zero-cost digital payment gateway. In this guide, 4Dewaari explains how to register, use, and benefit from this game-changing technology.
Unlike traditional bank transfers (IBFT) which may carry fees, RAAST is built on a cost-recovery model, making it free for end-users. In 2026, it has become the standard for:
P2P (Person-to-Person): Sending money to friends and family.
P2M (Person-to-Merchant): Paying shops and small businesses via QR codes.
Government Payments: SBP targets full digitization of all federal and provincial payments (salaries, pensions, and taxes) by June 2026.
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Alias-Based Payments: You don't need to remember 24-digit IBANs. Your mobile number is your RAAST ID.
Instant Settlement: Money is transferred in under 20 seconds.
Enhanced Security: RAAST uses multi-factor authentication and advanced encryption. In 2026, losses from fraud are compensable if reported within two hours.
Zero Fees: No hidden charges for local transfers, unlike other mobile wallet services.
You can link one bank account to your mobile number as your "Alias."
Open the JazzCash App and log in.
Tap "My Account" on the home screen.
Select "RAAST ID Management."
Confirm your mobile number and IBAN, then click "Create RAAST ID."
Log in to your bank’s Mobile App.
Navigate to the RAAST or Payments menu.
Choose "RAAST ID Management."
Link your preferred account to your mobile number.
Sending money is even easier than registering. You can send funds even if you haven't created your own RAAST ID yet.
Select "Send Money" in your banking app.
Choose "RAAST" as the transfer type.
Select "RAAST ID" and enter the recipient's mobile number.
Enter the amount, verify the "Account Title," and confirm with your PIN.
Open your banking app’s QR Scanner.
Scan the merchant’s RAAST QR Code.
For Static QRs, enter the amount. For Dynamic QRs, the amount is auto-filled.
Tap Confirm for an instant payment.
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Q1: What is the RAAST payment limit in 2026?
While the standard limit is PKR 200,000 per transaction, many banks now allow daily aggregate limits of up to PKR 1,000,000 for verified accounts. Check your specific bank’s "Limits" section for details.
Q2: Can I link multiple bank accounts to one mobile number?
No. You can only link one bank account to one RAAST ID at a time. However, you can "De-link" from one bank and "Re-link" to another whenever you wish.
Q3: Are there any charges for using RAAST?
As of early 2026, RAAST remains completely free for person-to-person and person-to-merchant transactions.
Q4: Can I use RAAST for international payments?
Currently, RAAST is optimized for local transfers within Pakistan. However, SBP is integrating RAAST with the Buna platform (Arab Monetary Fund) to facilitate swifter cross-border remittances for overseas Pakistanis later this year.
The RAAST system is more than just an app; it is a step toward a cashless, transparent, and documented economy for Pakistan. Whether you are a small business owner looking to reduce overhead or an individual wanting a secure way to pay, RAAST is the most efficient tool in your financial arsenal.
For more guides on navigating Pakistan’s digital landscape, stay tuned to 4Dewaari.com!
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