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Internet Banking in Nepal: A Complete 2026 Guide
Finance

Internet Banking in Nepal: A Complete 2026 Guide

From login portals to transaction limits — everything you need to know about internet banking in Nepal, which banks offer it, how to register, and how to stay safe.


A decade ago, checking your bank balance in Nepal meant standing in a queue. Today, the same account holder in Pokhara or Biratnagar can pay utility bills, transfer money across banks, and open a fixed deposit before their morning tea goes cold. Internet banking — web-based access to your bank account through a browser — is now mainstream in Nepal, driven by NRB mandates, post-pandemic necessity, and a generation that grew up on smartphones.

But for many first-time users, the steps between "I want to try internet banking" and "my transfer just went through" are unclear. This guide walks you through everything: what internet banking actually is, which banks offer the best portals, how to register, what you can and cannot do, and how to avoid the scams that are increasingly targeting Nepali users online.

What Is Internet Banking?

Internet banking — also called online banking or e-banking — lets you access your bank account through a secure website or web application, using a username and password. Unlike mobile banking apps (which you download on a phone), internet banking runs in any browser on a desktop, laptop, or tablet.

In Nepal, all "A" class commercial banks are required by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to offer digital banking channels. The NRB's IT guidelines and Payment and Settlement Bylaws set the security standards every bank must meet: at minimum, two-factor authentication (2FA), encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS), session timeouts, and audit logs for every transaction.

What distinguishes internet banking from a simple mobile app is the screen real estate — it is better suited for complex tasks like bulk payments, corporate fund transfers, or reviewing multi-month statements.

What Can You Do with Internet Banking in Nepal?

The exact feature set varies by bank, but most Nepali internet banking portals let you:

  • Check account balance and download statements (PDF / CSV)
  • Transfer funds within the same bank (intra-bank)
  • Transfer funds to any bank in Nepal via Connect IPS or RTGS
  • Pay electricity (NEA), water (KUKL/NWSC), broadband, and mobile bills
  • Pay insurance premiums, school fees, and government tax (IRD)
  • Open and close fixed deposits
  • Request cheque books
  • View loan details and generate interest certificates
  • Block or report a lost debit/credit card

Some banks have also integrated international remittance receipt, share-market (NEPSE) top-ups for DEMAT accounts, and even loan applications directly from their portals.

NRB Transaction Limits for Internet Banking

Nepal Rastra Bank sets the maximum transaction limits for digital payments. As of 2025–2026:

Channel Per Transaction Limit Daily Limit Monthly Limit
Internet Banking (general) NPR 10,00,000 NPR 20,00,000 No cap
Connect IPS (web) NPR 10,00,000 NPR 20,00,000 No cap
Mobile Banking App NPR 1,00,000 NPR 3,00,000 No cap
RTGS (minimum NPR 2,00,000) No upper cap No upper cap No cap
USSD / Basic Phone NPR 5,000 NPR 10,000 No cap

Individual banks may impose lower limits than the NRB ceiling — always check your bank's own schedule of charges and limits. RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) processes transfers of NPR 2,00,000 and above instantly during banking hours: Sunday to Thursday 8:30 AM–7:30 PM, Friday 8:30 AM–2:45 PM.

Which Banks Offer Internet Banking in Nepal?

Every "A" class commercial bank in Nepal offers some form of internet banking. Below is a look at the major platforms you are likely to encounter.

NIC Asia Bank — iTouch

NIC Asia's internet banking portal is branded iTouch and is accessible at itouch.nicasiabank.com. It supports both individual and corporate customers and uses a virtual keyboard to protect password entry from keyloggers. For support, NIC Asia runs a dedicated toll-free line: 16600177771. Online account opening is available at onlineaccount.nicasiabank.com, which streamlines the registration journey.

Himalayan Bank Limited — Himal@net

HBL's internet banking product is called Himal@net and uses hardware OTP tokens for two-factor authentication — one of the more stringent setups among Nepali banks. A one-time subscription fee of NPR 1,000 applies. The service supports fund transfers to any HBL or other Nepali bank account. Note that between 8 PM and 4 AM NST, the portal may be unavailable due to end-of-day processing. To register, email ibanking@himalayanbank.com with your name, account number, and mobile number.

Nabil Bank — nBank Web

Nabil Bank launched nBank Web as an upgrade to its earlier internet banking. The portal (accessible at nbank.nabilbank.com) allows transfers of up to NPR 20,00,000 per day and NPR 50,00,000 per month — among the higher limits available. Features include fixed deposit opening, loan-against-FD applications, card management, and nRemit for international card-based remittance. Security includes strong encryption, 2FA, auto-logout, and SIM verification. Nepal's first private bank is also among the more polished in its digital experience.

NMB Bank — NMB e-Banking

NMB Bank's internet banking portal for retail customers sits at web.nmb.com.np, while an express version is at ibank.nmb.com.np/login. OTP-based dual-factor authentication applies to all fund transfers. A notably convenient feature is NMB's in-portal PIN and password reset — you can recover access without visiting a branch, provided you have your registered mobile number active. The bank's omnichannel platform also supports both Nepali and English interfaces.

Nepal Investment Mega Bank — NIMB Smart / iBank

Nepal Investment Mega Bank (formed in 2023 after the merger of Nepal Investment Bank and Mega Bank Nepal) operates its internet banking at ibank.nimb.com.np. The bank has integrated internet banking, mobile banking, and digital payments under the unified NIMB Smart brand. With 275 branches and 265 ATMs, NIMB is one of Nepal's largest banks by network. In 2025, NIMB launched Nepal's first instant EMI facility through credit card payments, indicating the pace of product innovation on its digital platform.

Siddhartha Bank — BankSmart XP

Siddhartha Bank's internet and mobile banking offering is called BankSmart XP, accessible at banksmartxp.siddharthabank.com. It covers balance enquiry, fund transfers, utility payments, and statement downloads. Siddhartha Bank also offers online account opening at openaccount.siddharthabank.com, allowing customers to initiate the banking relationship before stepping into a branch.

How to Register for Internet Banking in Nepal

The registration process is broadly similar across all Nepali commercial banks. Here is the standard path:

  1. Visit your bank's branch or website. Most banks now offer an online self-registration option. Some — like Nabil and Siddhartha — allow you to complete this entirely online.
  2. Fill out the internet banking application form. You will need your account number, registered mobile number, and identity document (citizenship card or passport).
  3. Receive your credentials. Your username and a temporary password (or a PIN mailer) will be sent to your registered mobile or delivered at the branch. HBL also provides a hardware OTP device.
  4. Log in for the first time and change your password. Set a strong, unique password — at least 12 characters combining letters, numbers, and symbols.
  5. Verify your mobile number for OTP delivery. From this point, every fund transfer will trigger an OTP to your registered SIM.
  6. Add beneficiaries (if required). Most banks require you to add payee accounts and wait 4–24 hours before transacting to them — a fraud-prevention measure.

If you already have a mobile banking app with the same bank, your internet banking credentials may be the same — confirm this with your bank, as practice varies.

Internet Banking vs. Mobile Banking: Which Should You Use?

Both channels use the same underlying account but serve different contexts. Internet banking is preferable when you need to make high-value transfers (above the mobile cap), print or export full statements, manage corporate accounts, or work comfortably on a large screen. Mobile banking is better for quick daily transactions, QR payments at shops, and topping up wallets on the go. In Nepal's context, mobile banking apps have broader adoption — but internet banking remains the workhorse for businesses and frequent high-value users.

Security: How to Protect Your Internet Banking Account

Cyber fraud targeting Nepali bank customers has increased sharply. WhatsApp screen-sharing scams, fake customer care calls demanding OTPs, and phishing pages mimicking bank login portals are among the active threats in 2025–2026.

Follow these practices without exception:

  • Never share your OTP with anyone — not even someone claiming to be from your bank. Banks never ask for OTPs to process refunds or releases.
  • Type the bank URL directly in your browser; do not click links from SMS, email, or WhatsApp messages claiming to be from your bank.
  • Use a unique, long password for your internet banking — one you do not use for email, social media, or any other account.
  • Enable SMS transaction alerts from your bank so that any unauthorized movement triggers an immediate notification.
  • Log out completely after every session, especially on shared or office computers.
  • Keep your registered mobile number active. If you change your SIM, update it at the branch immediately — a lapsed registered number is the single biggest account-recovery obstacle.
  • Do not use internet banking on public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Cafes, airports, and hotels in Nepal cannot guarantee network security.

If you notice any unauthorized transaction, call your bank's contact centre immediately and have the account frozen. Most banks can suspend internet banking access within minutes of a call.

All Commercial Banks With Internet Banking in Nepal (2026)

All Class A commercial banks operating in Nepal offer internet banking services to their customers. The table below lists the major banks, their portal names, registration methods, and fee structure as of 2026.

Bank Name Portal Name Portal URL Registration Method Monthly Fee
NIC Asia Bank iTouch itouch.nicasiabank.com Branch visit + app activation Free
Himalayan Bank (HBL) Himal@net ib1.himalayanbank.com Branch visit + OTP device Free (OTP device requires Rs 1,000 deposit)
Nabil Bank nBank Web nbank.nabilbank.com Mobile app self-registration Free
NMB Bank NMB e-Banking ibank.nmb.com.np Branch visit Free
Nepal Investment Mega Bank (NIMB) NIMB Smart iBank ib.nimb.com.np Branch visit Free
Siddhartha Bank BankSmart XP iconnect.siddharthabank.com Branch visit Free
Prabhu Bank iPrabhu ibank.prabhubank.com.np Branch visit Free
Global IME Bank Global IME iBank gibl.com.np Branch visit Free
Everest Bank EBL Internet Banking Everest Bank official website Self-registration via portal Free
Standard Chartered Nepal SC Mobile/Internet Banking Standard Chartered app Self-registration Free
Rastriya Banijya Bank RBB Internet Banking Rastriya Banijya Bank official website Branch visit Free
Nepal SBI Bank SBI Internet Banking Nepal SBI Bank official website Branch visit Free

Note: All Class A commercial banks in Nepal are required by NRB to offer internet banking. Visit your bank's official website for the most up-to-date portal URL.

Updated NRB Transaction Limits 2026 — Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, Wallets Compared

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) revised its payment system transaction limits upward in March 2025 under the Unified Directive issued by the Payment Systems Department, effective March 4, 2025. The updated limits apply to all licensed banks, financial institutions, and payment service providers operating in Nepal.

Payment Channel Per Transaction Limit (NPR) Daily Limit (NPR) Monthly Limit (NPR)
Internet Banking (inter-bank transfer / merchant) 10,00,000 20,00,000 (raised from 10,00,000 in March 2025) No monthly cap
Mobile Banking / QR Payments 5,00,000 2,00,000 (doubled from 1,00,000 in March 2025) No monthly cap
Digital Wallets (eSewa, Khalti) 5,000 25,000 50,000
Debit / Prepaid Cards 25,000 1,00,000 No cap stated
Kiosk Machines (ATMs) 5,000 25,000 50,000

Exclusions: Intra-bank transfers (within the same bank), government revenue payments, utility bill payments, academic and medical payments, and SEBON-regulated stock market transactions are exempt from the limits listed above.

Source: NRB Unified Directive 2082, Payment Systems Department.

What To Do When Internet Banking Fails — Common Problems and NRB Complaint Process

Internet banking errors can be stressful, especially when money is involved. Below are the most common problems customers in Nepal face with internet banking portals, and the correct steps to resolve each one.

Transferred Money but Recipient Has Not Received It

If you have completed a fund transfer but the recipient's account has not been credited, wait up to 24 hours before escalating. Inter-bank transfers processed through NCHL (Nepal Clearing House Ltd.) can sometimes take additional processing time during weekends or public holidays. If the amount remains unresolved after 24 hours, contact your bank's designated grievance officer. If the bank does not resolve the issue within a reasonable period, file a formal complaint at gunaso.nrb.org.np, the NRB's official grievance portal. Keep your transaction reference number and screenshots of the transfer confirmation as evidence.

OTP Not Received

If you are not receiving the One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number, first verify that your SIM card is active and that you have adequate network signal. Most bank portals allow you to request an SMS resend — do not attempt this more than three times in quick succession, as accounts may be temporarily blocked after repeated failed OTP requests. If the issue persists, call your bank's customer helpline directly to verify that the correct mobile number is linked to your internet banking profile.

Account Locked After Wrong Login Attempts

Most Nepali banks lock internet banking access after three to five consecutive incorrect password or PIN attempts as a security measure. In most cases, you must visit your nearest branch with a valid identity document to unlock your account. Some banks offer a self-service unlock option — for example, NIC Asia customers can use the iServe portal at iserve.nicasiabank.com to reset credentials without a branch visit. Check your bank's official website to confirm whether a self-service option is available before traveling to the branch.

Session Timeout Mid-Transaction

Internet banking portals in Nepal typically expire your session after 10 to 15 minutes of inactivity for security reasons. If your session times out while a transaction was in progress, do not immediately re-submit the transaction. Log back in and check your account's recent transaction history first. If the original transaction appears as completed, it was processed successfully and re-submitting it will result in a duplicate transfer. Only proceed to re-initiate the payment if no transaction record is visible.

Browser Not Loading the Portal

If you cannot access your bank's internet banking portal, use the latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Clear your browser cache and cookies, and disable any ad blockers or browser extensions that may interfere with the portal's scripts. Note that Himalayan Bank's Himal@net portal is designed for desktop browsers — attempting to use it on a mobile browser may result in display or functionality issues. If the portal still does not load, try accessing it from a different network connection, as some ISPs in Nepal may intermittently block certain subdomains.

How to File a Complaint with NRB

If your bank fails to resolve a payment dispute or internet banking issue within a reasonable timeframe, you have the right to escalate directly to Nepal Rastra Bank. Follow these steps:

  1. Contact your bank's customer care or grievance officer and allow 24 to 48 hours for an initial response.
  2. If unresolved, file a formal complaint online at gunaso.nrb.org.np — the NRB Consumer Grievance Redressal Portal.
  3. You may also email the NRB Financial Intelligence and Consumer Protection Division (FICPD) at nrbpbrd@nrb.org.np.
  4. Alternatively, call NRB directly at 01-4419804 during office hours.

Important: Always retain your transaction reference numbers, bank statement screenshots, and any written correspondence with your bank before filing a complaint. These documents are required when submitting a grievance to NRB.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is internet banking safe in Nepal?

Yes — when used correctly. NRB requires all licensed banks to implement TLS encryption, two-factor authentication, and session controls. The risk is almost always human: users who share OTPs, click phishing links, or reuse passwords. Following the security practices above makes internet banking as safe as any other banking channel.

Can I open an account online and start internet banking without visiting a branch?

Some banks — including Nabil and Siddhartha — offer online account opening. However, NRB regulations still require video KYC or in-person identity verification for full account activation. Once your KYC is completed, internet banking registration can often be done online without a branch visit.

What if I forget my internet banking password?

Most banks offer a "Forgot Password" link on their login page. You will need your registered mobile number for OTP verification and sometimes your account number or date of birth. If the self-service reset fails, visit the branch with your citizenship card. NMB Bank allows password reset from within the portal without a branch visit, provided your registered SIM is active.

Are there any charges for internet banking in Nepal?

Account enquiry and statement viewing are free at virtually all banks. Fund transfers within the same bank are typically free. Inter-bank transfers via Connect IPS carry a small fee (usually NPR 5–25 per transaction). RTGS transfers carry higher fees that vary by amount and bank. HBL charges a one-time NPR 1,000 subscription for its Himal@net OTP device. Check your bank's schedule of charges for the exact current figures.

I transferred money but the recipient's bank has not credited it. What should I do?

First, check whether you have a transaction reference number or receipt. For RTGS transactions, the credit should appear within minutes during banking hours. For Connect IPS, allow up to two hours. If credit is delayed beyond that, contact your bank with the transaction reference and amount. For inter-bank disputes, your bank will initiate a formal inquiry with the beneficiary bank through NRB-regulated channels.