Check Your Account or Wallet Application: SBP Gives Providers 2 Working Days in Pakistan
Bank account or wallet request stuck? SBP rules give providers 2 working days to decide and a tracking ID. See what you are owed and what to do next today.
Short answer: Under State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) rules, a bank, microfinance bank, digital bank or wallet provider must accept or decline an individual's account request within 2 working days of receiving complete documents. It must give you a tracking ID, tell you about any gaps within that time, and give a written reason if it declines.
Many people wait a week for a wallet or bank account, get no news, and assume that is normal. It is not. The State Bank put clocks and rights into its onboarding framework, and most customers never hear about them at the counter.
We read the framework and its circular on the SBP website on 11 October 2026. This guide explains the clocks, what you can ask for, and what to do when a fingerprint or an expired CNIC is the reason you are stuck.
The 2 working day rule starts with complete documents
The SBP Consolidated Customer Onboarding Framework, issued with BPRD Circular No. 01 of 2025 on 25 July 2025, sets a maximum of 2 working days for individuals and 5 working days for entities. The clock runs from the day the provider has all the documents.
| What you are owed | Rule in the SBP framework |
|---|---|
| Decision time for an individual | 2 working days from complete documents |
| Decision time for a business or entity | 5 working days from complete documents |
| Proof that you applied | A system generated tracking ID, with a notice that the request has started |
| News of a gap or missing paper | Within the same decision time |
| If your request is declined | A specific reason, in writing |
| Status check | On the provider's web portal and its branch systems, by tracking ID |
The standard face-to-face form in the framework also carries a line in bold. It says that if you do not get an SMS about the status within 2 working days, you may contact the provider on a number printed on the form.
Chase an account request the right way
Keep the tracking ID, count 2 working days from the day you handed over every document, then contact the provider's support line and quote the ID. If the answer is a decline, ask for the reason in writing. The framework requires that.
- Note the date you gave the last document. Weekends and public holidays do not count as working days.
- Find the tracking ID in your SMS, receipt or app.
- After 2 working days, check the status on the provider's portal or app.
- Call the 24/7 support line and quote the tracking ID. The framework says providers must keep support available 24/7.
- If declined, ask for the written reason and fix the stated gap.
- If the provider is silent, complain in writing, then use the SBP complaint portal.
For an online application, the framework says the session must be savable and resumable for up to 30 days, so you should not need to start again. In branches, the process should be designed so that you can finish in a single visit.
The complaint route is explained in the SBP Sunwai complaint portal and, for unresolved bank cases, the Banking Mohtasib complaint process.
A fingerprint that will not match has fallback routes
The SBP framework requires NADRA biometric verification before an account or wallet is opened. If your fingerprints cannot be read, a provider may use the NADRA Verisys check instead, for disability, worn or unclear prints, and customers over 60 years of age.
For remote opening, the framework gives a ladder. First the biometric check. If that fails, the Verisys check together with CNIC and mobile number pairing and an OTP or call back. If that also fails, an account may open with a debit block until verification is complete. Last, you are guided to a branch.
| Problem | What the SBP framework allows |
|---|---|
| Fingerprints will not read | NADRA Verisys instead, with the reason recorded |
| Customer over 60 | Verisys is allowed as an alternative to biometric |
| Digital opening fails both checks | Account may open with a debit block until verified |
| Expired CNIC | Account on the NADRA receipt or token with the expired card, then a renewed copy within 3 months |
| No digital option works | Provider guides you to a branch for face to face opening |
An expired CNIC is worth sorting first. The renewal steps are in renewing an expired CNIC with a QR card. Before you apply for a wallet, you may also want to know which SIMs are registered on your CNIC, because the number you give must be yours.
One person, one wallet per provider
The framework says a person may hold only one branchless banking account with one operator, only one Asaan account in a single bank, and only one wallet with an e-money institution. A second request with the same CNIC at the same provider can therefore be refused.
Asaan Mobile Accounts are opened over USSD and stay debit blocked until the biometric or alternative check is complete. The process for that account is in opening an Asaan mobile account on 2262. Digital opening is only for holders of a CNIC, NICOP, POC, POR or ARC.
Common questions
How long does a bank or wallet have to open my account in Pakistan?
Two working days to accept or decline an individual's request, counted from complete documents. Entities get 5 working days.
Can a provider decline without giving a reason?
No. The SBP framework says a decline must come with a specific reason in writing.
What if my fingerprints do not match NADRA records?
The provider may use NADRA Verisys, together with other checks, for unclear prints, disability and customers over 60. It must record why biometric was not possible.
Can I open an account with an expired CNIC?
The framework allows opening on a NADRA receipt or token with the expired card, if the provider accepts it. A renewed copy is due within 3 months.
Can I hold two wallets with one provider?
No. The framework limits you to one branchless account per operator and one wallet per e-money institution.
Where can I complain if no one replies?
Write to the provider first, then use the SBP complaint portal. Banking cases can go on to the Banking Mohtasib.
How we verified this
What we checked, where we read it, and what we could not confirm.
Last checked on Sunday 11 October 2026. We read the SBP page for BPRD Circular No. 01 of 2025 and the Consolidated Customer Onboarding Framework attached to it, including Annex D. SBP gave providers 3 months from 25 July 2025 to comply. We did not open an account to test turnaround times, so real waits may differ from the rule.
About the author
Technology Journalist & Multimedia Producer
Ahmad Ali is a technology journalist and multimedia producer at Pakistan Era, joining the team in October 2026. He covers consumer technology and digital life for Pakistani readers, combining research with hands-on product testing.
