The regime imposes a new payment method for electricity and phone bills

The Cuban regime has imposed that, starting from July 1, 2025, the cash payments for electricity and telephone bills will no longer be processed at bank branches and will be conducted exclusively at the Post Offices of Cuba.

The note, released by Banco Metropolitano S.A. through its official channels, states that the measure will initially be implemented in Havana as part of a process of “reorganization of services” in-person across the country, aimed at “reducing crowds” and promoting the use of digital channels.

As the only exception, retirees and pensioners who receive their pensions at the branches of Banco Metropolitano will be able to continue paying in cash, but only during the days designated in the Official Payment Calendar. Outside of those dates, in-person cash payments will not be accepted at the banks.

“We recommend our clients to continue promoting the use of digital channels such as Transfermóvil, Enzona, Metropolitana en Línea, Telebanca, and ATMs to make payments for these services,” stated the Banco Metropolitano.

This decision has raised concerns among certain sectors of the population, especially among the elderly, who face difficulties in accessing the technology needed for digital payments due to connectivity issues, lack of devices, and unfamiliarity with the platforms.

Dozens of internet users criticized the measure and agreed that the new system would only lead to long lines at Correos de Cuba: “How nice, now the lines won’t be at the bank but at the post office,” said one person.

Another one asked: “And do the emails still work? Each measure and alternative surpasses the previous one, I can’t imagine having to wait in line to pay a bill, I’d rather wait until they come to cut it off and pay the collector.”

Although the regime is betting on banking, this has been a forced and deficient process, with frequent failures in payment platforms and limited access for the population to the necessary digital means. Furthermore, the measure may increase the exclusion of vulnerable groups and deepen the daily difficulties to meet basic obligations such as paying for essential services.

The implementation has failed due to technical, economic, and cultural obstacles. Businesses face connectivity issues, QR codes are non-functional, and there is widespread resistance to electronic payments. The lack of infrastructure and distrust in the state financial system exacerbate the situation.

Users face refusals to accept electronic payments, connectivity issues, and unjustified surcharges. Many businesses prefer cash to evade fiscal oversight, and applications like Transfermóvil are not always viable due to failures in the technological infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions about the New Service Payment System in Cuba