The state-run company, Servicios de Pago Red S.A. (REDSA), has revealed a "scheduled interruption" affecting all electronic payment channels, ATM services, and virtual transfer apps across Cuba. This maintenance operation will occur from midnight on Wednesday and is expected to last for five hours to perform "system maintenance work."
An official statement released on the company’s social media channels this Monday specified that transactions will be halted from 12 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, until 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 31. During this timeframe, all services linked to electronic payment channels, including ATM operations, the EnZona platform, the point-of-sale terminal network (TPV), and interbank transfers via the Transfermóvil platform, will be entirely suspended, according to REDSA.
The financial entity associated with the Cuban regime assured its clients that the work is being undertaken to "ensure the necessary updates that guarantee the security and availability of the services."
This announcement of a "scheduled" interruption comes amid an already strained context, marked by nearly continuous power outages throughout the nation, frequent connectivity issues, and the persistent unavailability of cash at ATMs.
Social media users reacted to the news with skepticism and concern, suspecting that such adjustments and "updates" might merely be a smokescreen, akin to the maneuver preceding the steep price hike imposed by ETECSA at the end of May. There are fears that the government will proceed to announce the long-promised official restructuring of the foreign exchange market, following years of failed measures, currency shortages, and the collapse of the Cuban peso.
In mid-July, Cuba's Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, informed the National Assembly of People's Power that a new "mechanism for the management, control, and allocation of currency" will be implemented in the second half of 2025, as part of the so-called "Government Program to correct distortions and boost the economy."
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Electronic Payment Interruptions
Why is REDSA scheduling a service interruption?
REDSA is scheduling a service interruption to perform necessary maintenance work on their systems, ensuring updates that improve security and service availability.
What services will be affected during the downtime?
All electronic payment services, ATM operations, the EnZona platform, the TPV network, and transfers via the Transfermóvil platform will be suspended during this period.
When will the service disruption occur?
The interruption is scheduled to start at midnight on Wednesday, July 30, and will last until 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 31.