It’s not easy to open a Roshan Digital Account, but it can be made much easier.

Late last year, the Government of Pakistan launched the Roshan Digital Account (RDA). They’re meant to enable (and encourage) expats to send money to Pakistan legally. With those funds, you can transact locally (pay bills, send e-transfers, etc.), invest in the stock market, or purchase Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPC) and make up to 11% per annum (on PKR), or 6% on USD (!!!). If that’s not enough, the hook is a simple, quick, online-only, account opening process: fill the form, upload your docs, get a confirmation within 48 hours, and you’re set.

I have to admit: I’m not a “Naya Pakistani” but I was hooked.

Over the next five months (yes, MONTHS), I opened accounts with two banks, MCB and UBL, transferred funds, and bought NPCs.

In the following sections, I unpack my bewildering experiences with both banks, and offer product feedback.

I used to bank with MCB before I moved, so, naturally, that was my first stop.

A Google search (“mcb roshan digital account”) took me to this landing page (with lots of ‘Click here’ links), where I clicked ‘Apply Now’ (on the right) to be taken to another landing page, where I clicked ‘Apply’ to begin the process.