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The state-owned company Servicios de Pago Red S.A. (REDSA) announced a "scheduled interruption" across all electronic payment channels, services associated with ATMs, and virtual transfer apps in the country, starting at midnight this Wednesday and lasting for five hours, to carry out "maintenance work on the systems."
A news release disseminated this Monday on the social media of the organization specified that operations will be suspended from 12 a.m. (midnight) on Wednesday, July 30, until 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 31.
During that period, “services in the electronic payment channels associated with all operations in automated teller machines, the EnZona platform, the network of point of sale terminals (POS), and interbank transfers through the Transfermóvil platform will be completely interrupted,” reported REDSA.
The financial entity of the Cuban regime assured its clients that the work will be carried out in order to “ensure the necessary updates that guarantee the security and availability of services.”
The announcement of this "scheduled" shutdown comes in an already very tense context, marked by the almost perpetual blackouts across the country, the recurring failures and slow connectivity, and the unresolved issue of the lack of cash in the ATMs.
Users on social media reacted to the news with skepticism and concern, expressing their suspicions that such adjustments and "updates" may merely be a smokescreen, in a maneuver similar to that which preceded the price hike imposed by ETECSA at the end of last May; and that following this, the government will finally announce the implementation of the long-promised official restructuring of the foreign exchange market, after years of failed measures, a shortage of foreign currency, and the collapse of the Cuban peso.
In mid-July, the Prime Minister of Cuba, Manuel Marrero Cruz, announced before the National Assembly of People’s Power that in the second half of 2025, a new “currency management, control, and allocation mechanism” will be implemented as part of the so-called “Government Program to correct distortions and revitalize the economy.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Interruption of Electronic Payment Services in Cuba
Why will electronic payment services be interrupted in Cuba?
The state-owned company Servicios de Pago Red S.A. (REDSA) announced a scheduled interruption to carry out maintenance work on the systems. This maintenance will impact all electronic payment channels, ATM services, and virtual transfer applications in the country.
How long will the interruption of payment services in Cuba last?
The interruption will begin at midnight on Wednesday, July 30, and last until 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
What services will be affected by the scheduled interruption?
During the interruption, services on electronic payment channels will be suspended, including operations at ATMs, the EnZona platform, the network of point-of-sale terminals (TPV), and interbank transfers via the Transfermóvil platform.
How has the Cuban population reacted to this announcement?
The news has generated distrust and concern among users, who suspect that these updates are a maneuver similar to the one that preceded a recent price hike in Cuba. The announcement comes amidst a context of tension, marked by power outages, connectivity issues, and a shortage of cash in ATMs.
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