The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador reported progress deploying Pay, a free, 24/7 instant payments service designed to broaden access to electronic payments for people without bank accounts while improving the efficiency and security of payments. Following an initial “cashless Government Center” phase, the rollout is expanding across San Salvador’s Historic Center, markets and other commercial areas, including through user referrals. Pay enables QR-code merchant payments, person-to-person transfers (including to and from banked users), and cash-in and cash-out without fees. Users can top up or withdraw at Central Reserve Bank cash desks and via the bank’s Transfer365 service, and cash-in and cash-out have been available since May 2026 at any private financial system bank branch or mini-branch at no cost, even for non-customers, under arrangements coordinated with financial institutions. Registration is limited to Salvadorans with a Documento Único de Identidad (DUI), requires no initial deposit, and the app is available via major app stores; the ecosystem has close to 10,000 active users, largely small merchants and entrepreneurs, and the bank also plans to pay contractors for the next Economic Census and surveys through Pay.
Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador 2026-03-12
Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador expands rollout of Pay instant payments system with free 24/7 service reaching nearly 10,000 active users
The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador is expanding its Pay service, a free, 24/7 instant payments platform, to enhance electronic payment access for unbanked individuals. Initially launched in a "cashless Government Center," it now extends across San Salvador's Historic Center and commercial areas, supporting QR-code payments and person-to-person transfers without fees. Registration is limited to Salvadorans with a Documento Único de Identidad, and the app has nearly 10,000 active users, primarily small merchants and entrepreneurs.