Iran’s Central Bank Enhances Financial Transaction Limits in Strategic Economic Push
The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has announced a significant expansion of daily and monthly transaction limits across various banking services, a move signaling the government’s commitment to facilitating economic activity and adapting the financial system to current market dynamics. This comprehensive directive, slated to be effective March 2026 following a resolution by the Central Bank’s General Assembly, aims to boost liquidity for individuals and commercial entities alike.
Broadening Financial Access and Flexibility
The core of the new directive sees the daily card purchase limit for general individual accounts double from 2 billion Rials to 4 billion Rials. This substantial increase is expected to provide greater financial flexibility for citizens in their daily transactions. The policy also introduces higher thresholds for various digital and in-person banking operations, underscoring a strategic effort to modernize and streamline financial interactions within the country.
Empowering Individual and Youth Transactions
Beyond general individual accounts, specific enhancements have been made for younger demographics and legally protected individuals:
- Individuals aged 7-12: Daily card purchase limits rise from 300 million Rials to 500 million Rials, with monthly limits increasing from 500 million Rials to 1 billion Rials.
- Individuals aged 12-18: Daily card purchase limits are now 1 billion Rials (up from 500 million Rials), and monthly limits reach 2 billion Rials (up from 1 billion Rials). Digital transfer limits for this group have also doubled, reaching 300 million Rials daily and 1 billion Rials monthly.
- Other Protected Individuals: Daily card purchase limits for incapacitated persons will also increase significantly, mirroring the 12-18 age group, alongside a substantial raise in in-person withdrawal limits.
Boosting Commercial Operations and Business Efficiency
Recognizing the vital role of the business sector, the CBI has implemented substantial increases for commercial account transactions:
- The requirement for supportive documentation for transfers from commercial accounts has doubled from 10 billion Rials to 20 billion Rials.
- Digital transfers (mobile and internet banking) from commercial accounts will see daily limits rise from 5 billion Rials to 10 billion Rials, and monthly limits from 30 billion Rials to 60 billion Rials. This measure is poised to significantly reduce operational friction and enhance the efficiency of business transactions within the banking network.
Streamlining Interbank Transfers and Instant Payments
The directive also addresses general payment mechanisms to further streamline the financial landscape:
- The threshold for mandatory documentation for transfers from non-commercial accounts has been raised from 4 billion Rials to 5 billion Rials.
- Digital transfers from non-commercial accounts now have a daily limit of 3 billion Rials (up from 2 billion Rials) and a monthly limit of 15 billion Rials (up from 10 billion Rials).
- Instant payment (PL) transfers, accessible both in-person and digitally, have been increased from 500 million Rials to 1 billion Rials.
- Furthermore, the interbank card transfer limit (Shetab) has been raised from 100 million Rials to 150 million Rials, enhancing the speed and capacity of transfers between different banks.
These comprehensive adjustments underscore the Central Bank of Iran’s commitment to fostering a more dynamic and accessible financial environment, supporting robust economic activity, and empowering both citizens and businesses with greater transactional flexibility while upholding the integrity of the national payment system.
