As per the directive of the Central Bank of Bahrain, Ithmaar Bank has implemented the Electronic Fund Transfer System (EFTS). The EFTS is a central system for the Kingdom of Bahrain to control and manage fund movements between Banks in Bahrain. EFTS works alongside our current SWIFT system for transfers within Bahrain.
Types of EFTS services
Fawri +
This service will enable you to transfer funds to other accounts in other banks within 30 seconds after the processing of the transaction. Fawri+ comes with a daily limit of BD 1000 per account that is used to transfer the funds from (IBAN).There are no fees for amounts up to BD 100. For amounts above BD 100 up to BD 1000, 110 fils will be charged per transaction.
Fawri
If you do not require your funds to be transferred within 30 seconds, require to send funds exceeding BD 1000, or wish to send bulk payments, this service is for you. There is no limit on the amounts that could be sent via Fawri service. The charges for this service will be 110 fils per transaction.
Funds that are sent via this option will reach the beneficiary according to the following session:
Time of Transaction from sender Time of Credit to Beneficiary
| Time of Transaction from Sender | Time of Credit to Beneficiary |
|---|---|
| Before 7:45 am | 10:00 am |
| 7:46 am – 11: 45 am | 2:00 pm |
| 11-46 am – 2:15 pm | 4:00 pm |
| After 2:15 pm | 10:00 am next working day |
Channels through which EFTS can be used
eBanking
Fund transfers can be completed online by logging into your eBanking and using fund transfer tab. The Fawri+ service is available 24 hours 7 days through the eBanking. You will need to select the mode of payment from Fawri+ or Fawri for transfers within Bahrain.
Branches
You will be able to transfer funds through any of our branches using the EFTS system. You will need to fill a transfer request form and select the mode of payment for this purpose.
Fawateer
Fawateer allows you to enquire about your bills and make payments to service providers including, but not limited to, telecommunication companies, Electricity & Water Authority (EWA) and others.
EFTS FAQ
What is EFTS ?
EFTS or Electronic Funds Transfer system is a country-wide system that enables customers to move funds between banks in Bahrain. It consists of three key services: Fawri, Fawri+ and Fawateer.
What can I do through EFTS?
Currently, using Fawri and Fawri+, customers can transfer funds to beneficiaries in other banks quickly, easily and for free or at a very low cost. Customers can now use Fawateeer and will be able to manage and pay their bills to telecoms and other service providers.
What types of services are offered through EFTS?
The EFTS service is currently offered in two modes:
a. Fawri+ : funds reach the beneficiary within 30 seconds after the processing of the transaction. Fawri + has a BD1,000 limit per account per day.
b. Fawri : funds are received by the beneficiary at the credit time of the nearest session. There are no limits on the amounts sent via Fawri service. Fawri also supports sending funds in bulk for multiple beneficiaries (salary payments).
When will my beneficiary receive the funds I sent through Fawri and Fawri+?
That depends on the mode selected. Amounts sent via Fawri+ reach the beneficiary within 30 seconds after processing.
Amounts sent via Fawri are received as follows:
| Payment Mode | Availability | Cut off time | Credit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fawri + | 24 hours, 7 days a week and 365 days a years | Not applicable | 30 seconds after processing |
| Fawri | Business days only | 1st session: 7.45 a.m. 2nd session : 12.15 p.m. |
Credit time of the nearest session (10 a.m. , 2.30 p.m. or 10 a.m. on the following working day) |
When can I use the Fawri and Fawri+ services?
Fawri+ is accessible 24/7/365 via eBanking.
Fawri is offered on business days only.
What are the cut-off times related to the use of Fawri service?
The working day under the Fawri system is divided into two sessions. The first session ends (cut-off time) at 7:45 a.m. with a credit time occurring at 10 a.m., and the second session ends at 12.15 p.m. with a credit time occurring at 2.30 p.m.
This means that if funds are sent by the customer via the Fawri option at 7 a.m., the beneficiary account gets credited at 10 a.m. on the same day. Similarly, if funds are sent at 8 a.m., the beneficiary receives the funds at 2.30 p.m. on the same day. Funds that are sent after 12:15 p.m. are credited to the beneficiary at 10 a.m. the following working day.
What are the fees associated with the Fawri and Fawri+ services?
| # | Transaction type | Fees by customer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fawri + a) Up to BD 100 b) Above BD 100 up to BD 1000 |
No fees 110 fils per transaction |
| 2 | Fawri a) Direct credit ( salaries) b) other than salaries |
5 fils per transaction, plus 10% VAT on total fee
amount (applicable to non ithmaar accounts) 110 fils per transaction |
How will we be notified when a Fawri or Fawri+ or Fawateer transaction is completed?
A confirmation SMS is sent to the sender and receiver of funds from their respective banks at the completion of transactions done through Fawri and Fawri +.
The funds that I sent to my beneficiary did not reach them but were debited from my account. What shall I do now?
Raise a dispute request through our Call Centre. The dispute request shall be sent for investigation and corrective action if any.
The funds that have been received by my beneficiary do not match the amount I sent. What shall I do now?
Raise a dispute request through our Call Centre. The dispute request shall be sent for investigation and corrective action if any.
Which channels provide Fawri and Fawri+ or Fawateer services?
You can use the EFTS services through
• eBanking
• Mobile Banking
• Any of our branches.
The bank I am sending to is not part of the EFTS programme yet. What do I do now?
Send your funds using the SWIFT service that is available as an option on eBanking and the branches.
I did not receive an SMS after completing a Fawri or Fawri+ or Fawateer transaction. What shall I do now?
Contact our Call Centre and enquire about the status of the transaction. The Call Centre agent will confirm if the mobile registered to your name is valid.
Do I need to add a beneficiary before conducting a Fawri or Fawri+ or Fawateer transaction through eBanking?
Yes, the beneficiary needs to be added before sending funds using Fawri or Fawri+ on eBanking.
What is the authentication number and how do I receive it?
When adding a beneficiary of funds transfer on eBanking, the system will send you an authentication number on your registered mobile to confirm the transaction. This number has to be entered on the relevant field on eBanking to complete the beneficiary addition transaction.