Afghanistan Payment System review
Updated October 13, 2026 · VaultCue Editorial Team
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Our verdict
Afghanistan Payment System centres on national switching for cards, ATMs, POS terminals, mobile applications and offline USSD services. It is the National Electronic Payments Switch of Afghanistan under Da Afghanistan Bank and serves people who want interoperable payments across banks and institutions nationwide.
Key facts
- Best for
- People using interoperable payments across Afghanistan
- Delivery time
- Real-time↗
- Payout methods
- Bank, Cash-pickup, Wallet↗
- Legal entity
- Afghanistan Payment System↗
- Headquarters
- Afghanistan↗
- Founded
- 2011↗
- Support channels
- Email, Phone, Help-centre↗
- Official website
- aps.gov.af
Facts checked September 26, 2026, 3 sources
Apps and profiles
- Elsewhere
- facebook.com
Pros and cons
Pros
- Connects banks, electronic money institutions and payment institutions in one national network
- Supports AF Pay cards for use at ATMs, POS terminals and online stores
- Enables interoperable everyday purchases across different banks and platforms
- Promotes reduced cash reliance and wider financial inclusion across the country
Cons
- Provides services through banks and electronic money institutions rather than directly
- Focuses only on the Afghan national payments network and its users
Who it suits
- People wanting interoperable payments across Afghan banks
- Cardholders seeking ATM and POS access locally and abroad
Who should look elsewhere
- People seeking services outside the Afghan payments network
Safety and regulation
Safety at Afghanistan Payment System rests on its position as the National Electronic Payments Switch operating under the authority of Da Afghanistan Bank. Your AF Pay card carries advanced security features that help protect every transaction against fraud. Oversight by the central bank supports strengthening in line with international standards, with integration across financial institutions and government platforms. This structure supports reliability, transparency and safer digital payment services while expanding inclusion across the financial sector.
How Afghanistan Payment System compares
Where Afghanistan Payment System is available
- Available
- Afghanistan
Countries from the brand (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
What is Afghanistan Payment System?+
Afghanistan Payment System is the National Electronic Payments Switch of Afghanistan. It operates under the authority of Da Afghanistan Bank. It connects banks, electronic money institutions and other providers into shared infrastructure.
Which products and services does it cover?+
The network covers issuance of AF Pay cards, Automated Teller Machines, Point of Sale machines, mobile applications and offline banking through USSD. Access is provided through banks and Electronic Money Institutions. The services support everyday interoperable purchases across banks and platforms.
Where does Afghanistan Payment System operate?+
Coverage centres on Afghanistan as the national payments network for domestic electronic transactions. AF Pay cards are usable at thousands of ATMs, POS terminals and online stores locally and internationally. The core switching role remains national and interoperable across the country.
Who runs the company behind the service?+
Afghanistan Payment System operates under the authority and oversight of Da Afghanistan Bank. It functions as the central financial infrastructure linking financial institutions and government platforms. Its work supports interoperability, transparency, financial inclusion and overall financial stability.
Where is Afghanistan Payment System based?+
Afghanistan Payment System is based in Afghanistan. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
When was Afghanistan Payment System founded?+
Afghanistan Payment System was founded in 2011. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
How can I contact Afghanistan Payment System support?+
Afghanistan Payment System offers support through Email, Phone, Help-centre. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Sources
- aps.gov.af/en checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Founded, Headquarters, Support channels
“2011 - Establishment of APS”
- aps.gov.af/en/legal/terms-of-use checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Legal entity
“By accessing and using the Afghanistan Payment System (APS) website”
- aps.gov.af/en/products/af-pay-card checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Delivery time, Payout methods
“Fast Processing - Real-time transaction processing through APS infrastructure”
Compiled from 3 source pages, checked October 13, 2026. We did not open an account.
Not confirmed yet: Transfer fee, Exchange rate markup, Licence type.