Roshan Digital Account: Bank Comparison for Overseas Pakistanis (2026)
Which banks offer Roshan Digital Account?
SBP's Roshan Digital Accounts page lists these 15 banks, each with a link to open an account. The list is in alphabetical order. It is not a ranking.
| Bank | Open online |
|---|---|
| Allied Bank | RDA page |
| Askari Bank | RDA page |
| Bank Alfalah | RDA page |
| Bank AL Habib | RDA page |
| The Bank of Punjab | RDA page |
| Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan | RDA page |
| Faysal Bank | RDA page |
| HBL | RDA page |
| HabibMetro | RDA page |
| JS Bank | RDA page |
| MCB Bank | RDA page |
| Meezan Bank | RDA page |
| Samba Bank | RDA page |
| Standard Chartered Pakistan | RDA page |
| UBL | RDA page |
SBP's NPC FAQ lists the same 15 banks as agent banks for Naya Pakistan Certificates.
How to compare banks
SBP does not rank banks. The core RDA features come from SBP, so they are the same at every bank. The differences are mostly in service and charges. Compare these points on each bank's page:
| Check this | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Schedule of charges | Debit card, cheque book and other fees "vary from bank to bank" (SBP). SBP links each bank's schedule of charges on its RDA page. |
| Transfer charges | Your sending bank charges you. SBP says RDA banks use special codes with correspondent banks to bring transfers down to about US$5-9. Ask your RDA bank for its code. |
| Islamic or conventional | NPCs come in both versions. Check whether your bank offers the Islamic account and Islamic NPCs you want. |
| Currencies | NPCs come in USD, PKR, GBP, EUR, SAR and AED. Check which account currencies your bank opens. |
| App and support | You will run the account from abroad, so a good app and overseas helpline matter. |
Account types
- Foreign currency RDA (Foreign Currency Value Account, FCVA). Use it for USD, GBP and EUR NPCs.
- Rupee RDA (Non-Resident Rupee Value Account, NRVA). Use it for PKR NPCs and local payments.
- You can open one or both. Business versions also exist for companies (FCBVA and NRBVA).
Who can open one?
- Non-resident Pakistanis with a Pakistani passport, NICOP, POC or NIC: employed, self-employed, unemployed, homemakers, students, children and pensioners.
- Foreign nationals and foreign companies.
- Resident Pakistanis who have declared foreign assets with FBR, for a foreign currency RDA. SBP's brochure says they open it by visiting a branch in Pakistan.
Naya Pakistan Certificate rates (official SBP)
These are the conventional NPC rates on SBP's Naya Pakistan Certificate page, read on 11 October 2026. They are annual rates.
| Currency | 3 months | 6 months | 12 months | 3 years | 5 years | Applies to issues from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | 6.75% | 7.00% | 7.25% | 7.50% | 7.75% | 27 March 2026 |
| GBP | 6.75% | 7.25% | 7.50% | 7.75% | 8.00% | 27 March 2026 |
| EUR | 4.75% | 5.25% | 5.50% | 6.00% | 6.25% | 27 March 2026 |
| PKR | 11.75% | 12.00% | 12.25% | 12.50% | 12.75% | 5 June 2026 |
| SAR | 6.50% | 6.75% | 7.00% | 7.25% | 7.50% | 5 June 2026 |
| AED | 6.50% | 6.75% | 7.00% | 7.25% | 7.50% | 5 June 2026 |
Islamic NPCs have no fixed rate. Their profit is worked out each month under Mudarabah, from the pool's actual results.
Rates change. Always check SBP's page or your bank's portal on the day you invest.
NPC basics from SBP's FAQ
- Tax: profit has 10% withholding tax as full and final tax. A non-resident whose only Pakistan income is NPC profit (and certain other investments) does not need to file a return.
- Zakat: NPCs are exempt from zakat deduction.
- Profit payment: on maturity for 3, 6 and 12 months; every six months for 3 and 5 years.
- Early encashment: allowed, at the rate of the nearest shorter tenor. No profit if you cash out before 3 months.
- Where the money goes: maturity and profit are paid into your RDA only.
- Minimum investment: SBP's FAQ says SAR 1,000 and AED 1,000. For USD, GBP and EUR it says 5,000 and for PKR 100,000, but at least one agent bank shows lower minimums. Confirm with your bank.
What else can you do with an RDA?
SBP lists these "investment avenues": Roshan Apna Ghar, Roshan Apni Car, Roshan Samaji Khidmat, Roshan Equity Investment, Roshan Pension Plan and Naya Pakistan Certificates. Each bank's RDA page explains which of these it offers.
How to open an RDA: 5 steps
- Pick a bank from the table and open its RDA page.
- Fill the online form. Upload scanned copies of your documents. SBP says the standard list is the same at all banks, but a bank may ask for more based on your risk profile.
- No branch, embassy or consulate visit is needed for non-residents.
- Once the account is open, send money from abroad through normal banking channels.
- Buy NPCs or use other services through your bank's online portal.
If a bank asks for far too much information, SBP asks you to report it to RDASupport@sbp.org.pk.
How big is RDA?
SBP's figures for the end of September 2026: 975,602 accounts opened and US$14,157 million in funds received.
Related: Cash and currency limits at the airport · Car import rules 2026 · Pakistan baggage rules 2026
Frequently asked questions
How many banks offer Roshan Digital Account?
SBP lists 15 banks: Allied, Askari, Bank Alfalah, Bank AL Habib, Bank of Punjab, Dubai Islamic, Faysal, HBL, HabibMetro, JS Bank, MCB, Meezan, Samba, Standard Chartered and UBL.
Which bank is best for RDA?
SBP does not rank them, and core features are set by SBP. Compare each bank's schedule of charges, transfer codes, Islamic options, currencies and app before choosing.
What is the current Naya Pakistan Certificate rate?
On SBP's page (read 11 October 2026), USD NPCs pay 6.75% to 7.75% a year from 3 months to 5 years, for issues from 27 March 2026. PKR NPCs pay 11.75% to 12.75%, for issues from 5 June 2026.
Is NPC profit taxed?
Yes. SBP says NPC profit has 10% withholding tax as full and final tax. Non-residents with no other Pakistan income generally do not need to file a return.
Do I need to visit Pakistan to open an RDA?
No. Non-residents open it online. Resident Pakistanis with declared foreign assets open a foreign currency RDA at a branch in Pakistan.
Can I cash out an NPC early?
Yes, at the rate of the nearest shorter tenor. No profit is paid if you cash out before 3 months.
Sources
- SBP — Roshan Digital Accounts Eligibility, investment avenues, 15 banks with account and charges links, transfer charges; read 11 Oct 2026 Official
- SBP — Naya Pakistan Certificate Rates: USD/GBP/EUR from 27 Mar 2026; PKR/SAR/AED from 5 Jun 2026; read 11 Oct 2026 Official
- SBP — Naya Pakistan Certificate FAQs Eligible accounts (FCVA/NRVA), minimums, encashment, 10% WHT, zakat, agent banks Official
- SBP — RDA key statistics Sep 2026: 975,602 accounts; US$14,157m received Official
- SBP — NPC / RDA brochure (English) Opening steps; resident Pakistanis via branch (brochure updated 30-01-2023; its rates are outdated) Official
- SBP — Roshan Digital Account FAQs (Urdu) Scanned documents; banks may ask for more; complaints to RDASupport@sbp.org.pk Official
Estimate and information only, not legal or tax advice. Customs and FBR make the final decision. Spotted a rule change? Tell us.