Regulatory changes to payments in Qatar

In the light of the Local Regulatory changes taking place effective 1 July 2019, we wish to advise you with the below changes:

1. The maximum limit for payments going through QATCH system will increase from the current QAR 250,000 to QAR 1 million.
2. HSBC revised Cut off times for Domestic payments in QAR (to other local banks in Qatar) using Priority Payments for same day value will be:
   1. Up to QAR 1million: 11:30 am*
   2. Above QAR 1 million: 1:15 pm*

      * Kindly note that these cut-offs apply to Straight Through Payments. Any payments which require manual handling (due to payments falling into repair) will be processed on a best effort basis.

      Please refer to the following link for the updated cut off times (PDF, 15.7KB).

3. For QAR domestic ACH (Automated clearing House), WPS (Wages Protection System) and Salary Payments, the cut-off times will remain the same 2:00 pm (value next day to other local banks in Qatar, value same day for HSBC A/C holders in Qatar).

Additionally, please be reminded to start using a valid Purpose of Payment code from 15 June 2019 for all domestic Qatari Riyal payments processed in Qatar in all amounts. Any payment instruction not carrying a valid Purpose of Payment code will lead to the payment instruction being not accepted.

More information on Purpose of Payment code requirements.

If you have any questions, please contact your local HSBC representative or HSBC support center on +974 44254353 Option 2.