Instant Payments, Simplified.

The Instant Payment System (IPS) is Belize's new national digital payments network, designed to make sending and receiving money faster, easier, and more convenient.

Whether you're transferring funds to family, paying a business, receiving payments, or managing everyday transactions, IPS will connect banks, credit unions, and digital wallets through a single interoperable platform.

  • Send and receive money in near real-time, typically in under 10 seconds
  • Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Use your phone number or email instead of account numbers
  • Transfer funds between banks, credit unions, and digital wallets
  • Built and overseen by the Central Bank of Belize
IPS Status

The Instant Payment System is currently being implemented across participating financial institutions in Belize. Additional information regarding launch dates, participating institutions, and available services will be shared as implementation progresses.

Key Features

Fast

Payments are processed in near real-time, allowing funds to move between accounts in seconds.

Simple

Send money using a phone number, email address, or QR code instead of lengthy account details.

Connected

Transfer funds seamlessly between participating banks, credit unions, and digital wallets.

Secure

Transactions are protected through industry-standard security measures and oversight by regulated financial institutions.

Always Available

Send and receive payments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and public holidays.

Inclusive

Whether you use a bank account or a participating digital wallet, IPS makes digital payments more accessible to everyone.

How IPS Benefits You

IPS is a cornerstone of Belize's efforts to modernize the national payments landscape and expand access to digital financial services. By connecting banks, credit unions, and digital wallets through a single interoperable network, IPS will make digital payments faster, more convenient, and more accessible for everyone.

For Individuals
IPS makes it easier to send and receive money in everyday life. Whether you're transferring funds to family, paying a bill, splitting expenses with friends, or receiving payments, you can move money securely in seconds using simple identifiers such as a phone number or email address.
For Businesses
IPS helps businesses improve cash flow and deliver a better payment experience to their customers. Payments are received almost instantly, transaction costs are lower than many traditional payment methods, and QR code capabilities provide a convenient way to accept digital payments.
For Belize
IPS will strengthen Belize's financial infrastructure by creating a modern, interoperable payments network that supports innovation, efficiency, and financial inclusion. By making digital payments more accessible across the country, IPS will help drive economic growth and support the continued modernization of the financial sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started & Access

What is the Instant Payment System (IPS)?

It is a new national digital network built by the Central Bank of Belize. It connects all banks, credit unions, and digital wallets so everyone can send and receive money instantly.
Do I need a traditional bank account to use it?

No. If you do not have a bank account, you can use a licensed digital wallet (like DigiWallet or E-Kyash) to send and receive funds through the IPS.

Can I send money from a digital wallet to a bank account, and vice versa?

Yes. The system is fully interoperable. You can send money from your wallet directly to a bank account, or from a bank account to a wallet, using just the recipient's phone number or email.

Do I need to download a new app?
No. IPS features will be built directly into your existing mobile banking or digital wallet app. If your specific institution does team up with IPS but lacks an app, the Central Bank will provide a secure, brandable app for them to give to you.
What happens if I lose my phone?
Your money and information are secure. They are tied to your identity at your bank or wallet provider, not stored on the physical device. You can recover your access safely by contacting your financial provider.
Can I use IPS without an internet connection?
No. Because payments happen in real-time, your phone or computer must have an active internet connection or mobile data to use the service.

Transactions & Speed

How fast is an IPS payment?
It takes less than 10 seconds for funds to move from one account to another.
Is IPS open on weekends and holidays?

Yes. The system runs 24/7/365. You can send money at midnight, on Sundays, or on public holidays, and it will settle immediately.

Can I cancel a payment after hitting send?

No. Once you approve a transfer, it is final, irreversible, and instantaneous. Always double-check the recipient's details before sending.

What is an "Alias" and how does it protect my privacy?

An alias is a simple identifier—like your phone number, email, or Social Security Number—that links directly to your account. This means you can get paid by simply giving someone your phone number, without ever sharing your private bank account number.

What is "Request to Pay" (RtP)?
This allows a shop, a utility company, or a friend to send a digital bill directly to your phone. You simply tap "Approve" on your screen to pay it instantly. It can also be used for recurring monthly bills. 
Are there limits on how much money I can send?
Yes. Daily and per-transaction limits will be set to protect against fraud and to comply with Belize’s anti-money laundering laws.

For Shop Owners & Businesses

How does IPS help my business compared to credit cards?
  • Instant Cash Flow: You receive your money in under 10 seconds, instead of waiting days for card payments to clear.
  • No Minimum Purchase Rules: Because transaction costs are exceptionally low, you will no longer need to enforce "minimum purchase" rules for digital payments.
  • Lower Fees: System rates will be significantly cheaper than traditional credit card fees or existing digital transactions.
Can I use QR codes?
Yes. Secure, built-in QR codes will be available so customers can easily scan and pay at your register.

Security & Privacy

Is the government using IPS to monitor personal spending?
No. IPS is designed to facilitate secure, efficient, and reliable payments between users. Transaction records are maintained by participating financial institutions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and help provide accurate records for dispute resolution, fraud prevention, and customer protection. 
What happens if the system goes down while I am making a payment?

You will not lose your money. IPS uses automatic backup systems that seamlessly redirect traffic within seconds. If an outage is serious, your transaction is placed in a secure queue and processed automatically as soon as the system is fully restored.

What happens if I send money to the wrong person?
All participating banks and wallets follow a standardized dispute process to handle accidental payments and help you recover your funds.

Background & Policy

Is this like Zelle or Cash App?
Not exactly. Those are private, foreign platforms. IPS is a "native" infrastructure specifically custom-built for Belize to ensure every local bank, credit union, and wallet can talk to each other seamlessly.
Is the Central Bank doing this to make a profit?

No. The IPS is designed to be low-cost and sustainable. The main goal is simply to modernize Belize's economy and include people who do not have traditional bank accounts.

Which financial institutions will participate in IPS?
The Central Bank of Belize is working with banks, credit unions, and licensed digital wallet providers to implement IPS. Information on participating institutions will be published as institutions complete onboarding and testing.