Faysal Bank Limited has introduced Pakistan’s first Mobile Tap and Withdraw service, allowing customers to withdraw cash from ATMs using their smartphones without the need for a physical debit card.
The service enables users to digitise their debit or Noor card through the Faysal Digibank mobile application, turning their smartphones into secure, contactless access tools for ATM transactions.
The move reflects a broader push within Pakistan’s banking sector to accelerate digital adoption and reduce reliance on physical banking instruments.
“With a clear focus on innovation, Faysal Bank aims to create a digital-inclusive and digital-first experience for its customers,” the bank said in a statement, adding that it is working toward building a “360 experience ecosystem” to strengthen its position as a leading innovator.
Contactless banking gains ground in Pakistan
Under the new system, customers can tap their smartphone at enabled ATMs to initiate withdrawals. The service relies on tokenised digital credentials, which replace sensitive card details with encrypted data, enhancing security while maintaining ease of use.
Globally, cardless ATM withdrawals have gained traction as banks adopt contactless technologies to improve customer convenience and security. In markets such as the United States, Europe and parts of Asia, mobile-based withdrawals are increasingly common, driven by the rise of digital wallets and near-field communication technology.
Industry experts say Pakistan is gradually catching up with these trends as smartphone penetration increases and fintech adoption expands.
According to central bank data, digital banking transactions in Pakistan have seen steady growth in recent years, supported by initiatives aimed at financial inclusion and digital payments.
The introduction of cardless ATM withdrawals is expected to further encourage customers to shift toward mobile banking platforms, reducing dependency on physical cards and lowering risks associated with card theft or loss.
Push toward a digital-first banking ecosystem
Faysal Bank’s initiative comes as banks across Pakistan invest heavily in digital infrastructure to meet changing consumer preferences.
The banking sector has seen a rise in mobile app usage, branchless banking services and online transactions, particularly following the pandemic, which accelerated the shift toward contactless solutions.
Analysts say innovations such as mobile tap withdrawals could play a key role in shaping the future of banking in Pakistan, where a significant portion of the population remains underbanked but increasingly connected through smartphones.
Faysal Bank, one of the country’s leading Islamic banks, has positioned itself as a technology-driven institution offering Shariah-compliant products across retail, corporate and investment banking.
“Faysal Bank becomes the first Bank in Pakistan to offer services at par with global trends,” the statement added, highlighting the bank’s effort to align with international standards.
As competition intensifies in Pakistan’s financial sector, digital innovation is expected to remain a key differentiator, with banks focusing on convenience, security and accessibility to attract and retain customers.
