The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) has reduced the maximum amount of cash that exchange companies may accept from customers to KD 1,000 per day per customer, down from the previous limit of KD 3,000.

The decision applies to cash used for foreign transfers as well as currency buying and selling transactions, as of Feb 2, 2026.

Sources familiar with the matter said the move is part of the CBK’s efforts to curb risks associated with cash-based transactions, particularly those linked to money transfers and foreign exchange dealings, reports Al-Rai daily.

The step falls within the bank’s precautionary supervisory measures aimed at strengthening controls against money laundering and terrorist financing.

Under the new directive, exchange companies are prohibited from accepting cash payments exceeding KD 1,000 — or its equivalent in foreign currency — from a customer within a single day to settle transaction values.

However, the sources clarified that there is no ceiling on the total value of transfers or currency transactions themselves. The restriction applies only to the cash portion of the payment.

Any amount exceeding KD 1,000 must be settled through bank account deductions or other approved banking payment methods permitted by the Central Bank.

The measure reinforces the regulator’s push toward more transparent and traceable financial transactions while reducing reliance on large cash payments.