Banks Ordered to Install CDM Machines to Let People Add Cash to Their Accounts

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has directed commercial banks to deploy Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs) up to 25% of their branch network by 2028-end to promote self-banking across the country. The banks will accordingly develop their respective plans to increase the number of CDMs for a large number of customers and share the respective department of the SBP by 30th November 2025.

The SBP data stated that merely 863 CDMs are operational in selected branches by different banks. There are many banks with not a single CDM installed at any location. Commercial and microfinance banks are operating more than 19,000 bank branches across the country, hence, the number of CDMs may increase up to 5,000 in the next three years, as per estimates.

Further, to meet the necessary operational requirements, the banks will ensure multiple features and services in CDMs, including:

• Giving instant credit of funds to the beneficiary’s account against the cash deposited in the CDM.
• Conduct biometric verification for cash deposit transactions by persons other than customers, and retain the record of such transactions in accordance with the applicable laws & regulations. For cash deposit transactions made by customers themselves, either the biometric verification or a debit/credit card can be used.
• Resolve customer disputes related to CDM transactions within 3 working days from the date of lodgment of the dispute
• Install CCTV cameras to monitor and record activities within the CDM vicinity, and retain these recordings for a minimum period of 60 days. In case of disputes, the banks will retain recordings until the dispute is resolved.
• Ensure proper lighting, customer safety, privacy, and other necessary arrangements for the CDM vestibules. If any fee is charged by the bank, it shall be displayed on the CDM screen before the transaction is performed.
• The banks may opt for the Cash Deposit/Recycling Machines enlisted on the SBP website as CDM, or may acquire new/other models. In case of selection of new machine(s) not enlisted on the SBP website, the banks must get the machine(s) tested and cleared by the SBP Banking Services Corporation (BSC) Office Karachi.