The Best Roshan Digital Accounts for Non-Resident Pakistanis

Roshan Digital Accounts (RDAs) are bank accounts offered by most of the major Pakistani banks. They are specifically designed for Non-Resident Pakistanis (NRPs), providing them with access to investment and financial transactions within Pakistan.

Continue reading as we detail the benefits of Roshan digital accounts and the best banks in Pakistan for these accounts, such as HBL, Allied Bank, and Standard Chartered. We also introduce Remitly as one of the best ways for non-resident Pakistanis to send remittances to a Roshan digital account while overseas.

What Is a Roshan Digital Account?

Roshan Digital Accounts (RDAs) are designed to cater to the financial needs of overseas citizens. They come with several advantages, including the ability to invest money earned abroad into Pakistan, maintain accounts conveniently online, and make financial transactions domestically within the country (even if you live abroad).

Eligibility to Open a Roshan Digital Account

RDAs can be opened by the following individuals:

• Non-Resident Pakistanis;
• Foreign nationals who have a Pakistan Origin Card (POC);
• Employees or officials of the Federal Government or a Provincial Government posted abroad.

If you are a resident Pakistani in Pakistan, you will only be eligible if you have wealth declared abroad.

Funding a Roshan Digital Account

An RDA can only be funded with money transferred from outside Pakistan. This rule applies to both the initial deposit and subsequent fundings. Fortunately, most banks do not charge for receiving foreign funds in the account.

However, these accounts usually only accept remittances made in the name of the account holder itself. In other words, a friend or family member living overseas cannot send money to your Roshan digital account.

Types of RDA Accounts

Banks offer different kinds of accounts depending on the customer's needs. Some allow single or joint accounts, as well as current or savings account options. Additionally, all banks offer a conventional or an Islamic Shariah compliant option.

Available Foreign Currencies

Roshan Digital Account can operate in Pakistani Rupees or in specific foreign currencies offered by the bank. Fees may vary by the choice of currency.

The most common currencies that Roshan digital accounts support include:

• Pakistani Rupee (PKR);
• US Dollar (USD):
• Canadian Dollar (CAD);
• British Pound (GBP);
• Euro (EUR);
• United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED);
• Saudi Riyal (SAR).

Sending Funds Overseas

Roshan Digital Accounts allow NRPs to send money back overseas if necessary. Each bank has terms and conditions for outward remittance. Take note that fees may be high for sending money outside of Pakistan, and the bank may apply a weak exchange rate.

What Are the Roshan Digital Account Benefits?

Roshan Digital Accounts offer a way for Non-Resident Pakistanis to more easily access the financial system back home in Pakistan. Some popular financial services offered through RDAs include:

• Invest in Naya Pakistan Certificates;
• Invest in shares on the Pakistani Stock Exchange;
• Access Islamic investment options;
• Access car and home loans in Pakistan;
• Pay bills in Pakistan;
• Make domestic transfers to friends & family in Pakistan.

Funding Your Roshan Digital Account at the Lowest Cost

To fund a Roshan digital account, you must send remittances from abroad to Pakistan. While you can do this in two ways (through online money transfer services or banks), we highly recommend using online money transfer services.

Banks, on the other hand, charge SWIFT fees, correspondent bank fees, and hidden exchange rate margins to send money to Roshan digital accounts. These costs add up quickly, leaving you with less money in your Roshan digital account.

Here are the main different ways to ensure successful money transfers into your account in 2023:

1. Remitly

Remitly leads the industry in sending remittances to Pakistan, based on Monito's research from September 2022 to September 2023. Remitly was the cheapest option to Pakistan 40% of the time on Monito's comparison engine.

Remitly is especially strong if you are working in the US, the UK, or Canada and need to send money home.

2. XE Money Transfer

XE Money Transfer held the second position in the remittance industry for sending funds to Pakistan, based on searches on Monito spanning from September 2022 to September 2023. XE was the top choice for 15% of searches.

XE Money Transfer is ideal if you are sending money from the UK, Germany, the US, Canada, or Italy to Pakistan.

3. Skrill

Skrill was the third cheapest option from September 2022 to September 2023 on Monito. It was the best provider for 10% of searches of money transfers to Pakistan.

Skrill is the best option if you are sending from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, or Kuwait.

4. WorldRemit or Wise

WorldRemit and Wise earned the fourth and fifth spot on Monito from September 2022 to 2023, for transfers to Pakistan.

World Remit may be a good option if sending from the UK or Germany. Wise sometimes has good deals if sending from Turkey or Indonesia.

5. Banks with SWIFT Transfers

SWIFT transfer is traditional method that allows you to send money to your Roshan Digital Account from traditional banks (like HSBC, Chase Bank, Deutsche Bank, and other high-street banks). We do not recommend this due to their historically weak exchange rates and high service fees.

Exchange rates and fees change over time and vary from country to country. To make sure you are getting the best deal, use the real-time comparison engine below:

References Used In This Guide

eBanc Roshan Digital Account. hbl.com. Accessed 25 September 2023.
UBL Roshan Digital Account. ubldigital.com. Accessed 25 September 2023.
Roshan Digital Account for NRPs. abl.com. Accessed 25 September 2023.
Roshan Digital Account. meezanbank.com. Accessed 25 September 2023.
Roshan Digital Account. sc.com. Accessed 25 September 2023.
Roshan Digital Account. mcb.com. Accessed 25 September 2023.
Alfalah Roshan Digital Account. bankalfalah.com. Accessed 25 September 2023.
Alhabib Roshan Digital Account. bankalhabib.com. Accessed 25 September 2023.
Roshan Digital Account for Overseas Pakistanis. faysalbank.com. Accessed 25 September 2023.
Roshan Digital Account. bop.com.pk. Accessed 25 September 2023.