23rd September 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the country’s central bank, has issued a public service announcement to promote the safe use of electronic payment cards, including prepaid, debit, and credit cards.
NRB’s Tips for Financial Awareness
The guidance is part of the NRB’s ongoing efforts to enhance financial literacy and protect consumers from fraud in an increasingly digital economy. With the rising use of payment cards for a wide range of transactions, from shopping to withdrawing cash, the central bank’s recommendations are timely and crucial for both individuals and businesses. This initiative, often promoted with the hashtag #TuesdayFinLitNRB, is aimed at building a more secure and trustworthy digital financial ecosystem in Nepal.
Key Safety Measures for Card Users
The NRB has outlined a series of best practices for cardholders to follow to minimize the risk of fraud and misuse. These recommendations apply to various forms of card usage, including physical transactions at terminals and online payments.
Regularly Check Account Activity: The central bank emphasizes the importance of diligently monitoring bank account statements and transaction details. By doing so, customers can quickly identify any unauthorized or suspicious activity. Promptly reporting such incidents to the bank is the first line of defense against financial loss. This practice is essential for both individuals and businesses, as it allows for swift action in case of a security breach.
Vigilance at ATMs and Cash Deposit Machines: The NRB advises card users to exercise extreme caution while performing cash transactions at ATMs or Cash Deposit Machines. This includes being aware of one’s surroundings, checking for any suspicious devices attached to the card reader or keypad, and shielding the keypad while entering the PIN. The central bank’s guidance is particularly relevant given the potential for skimmers or other fraudulent devices to be installed on these machines.
Secure Purchases at PoS/PoT Machines and Online Platforms: When making payments at a Point of Sale (PoS) or Point of Transaction (PoT) machine, or through internet and other electronic channels, the NRB recommends confirming that the payment environment is secure and trustworthy. For physical transactions, this means ensuring the terminal is not tampered with. For online purchases, it involves verifying that the website or application is legitimate, that the URL begins with “https,” and that it has a padlock icon in the address bar. The rise of e-commerce in Nepal has made this precaution more important than ever.
Verify Transfer Details: The NRB’s guidance extends to all electronic fund transfers. It reminds users to double-check the recipient’s account details, including the account number and name, before sending or receiving funds. A simple mistake in a single digit of an account number can lead to funds being transferred to the wrong recipient, a risk that can be easily avoided with a moment of careful verification.
The Broader Context of Digital Payments in Nepal
The Nepal Rastra Bank has been a strong proponent of digital financial services, recognizing their potential to enhance financial inclusion and economic efficiency. The central bank’s Financial Literacy Framework has been a key initiative in this regard, with the goal of creating a secure, healthy, and efficient payment system. The framework focuses on raising public awareness about various financial products and services, encouraging the use of formal banking practices, and imparting knowledge about personal finance to bring about a change in financial behavior. The NRB’s efforts are also part of a wider national agenda to move towards a cashless economy, as stipulated in the Digital Nepal Framework.
The NRB’s campaign is also timely because of the increasing number of digital payment options in Nepal, including mobile banking, internet banking, and the use of payment cards. While these technologies offer unparalleled convenience, they also introduce new risks. The NRB’s guidance serves as a crucial reminder that while the responsibility for maintaining a secure payment system lies with the central bank and financial institutions, the responsibility for individual vigilance and adherence to safety practices rests with the user.
For any issues or complaints related to financial services, the NRB has provided a dedicated platform at www.gunaso.nrb.org.np and a contact number, 01-4419804, to ensure that consumers have a direct channel to report fraud or other problems. This commitment to consumer protection, combined with a focus on education and awareness, underscores the central bank’s holistic approach to securing Nepal’s digital financial future.
For More: NRB’s Tips for Financial Awareness