1Link is the interbank network that powers bill payment inside almost every Pakistani bank app and internet banking portal. Also called 1Bill, it pays your electricity bill straight from your bank account with no wallet top-up, and settles against your reference number.
This works in the apps of HBL, UBL, Meezan, Bank Alfalah, MCB, Allied and Faysal, among others. The screens differ a little by bank, but the flow below stays the same.
Before you start
- Your 14-digit electricity reference number.
- Active mobile banking or internet banking with your bank.
- Enough balance in your linked bank account.
Step-by-step
- 1
Open your bank app and go to 'Bill Payment'
Log in and find Bill Payment, Pay Bills or Utility Bills in the menu. This section runs on 1Link.
- 2
Choose 'Electricity' and add your company as a biller
Select the Electricity category and pick your distribution company. Some banks call this adding a biller or beneficiary.
- 3
Enter your 14-digit reference number
Type the reference number as the consumer number. The app queries 1Link and fetches the live amount and due date.
- 4
Review the fetched amount
Confirm the payable amount, bill month and due date match your paper bill.
- 5
Select your account and confirm payment
Choose the account to pay from, then authorise with your PIN, OTP or biometric as your bank requires.
- 6
Save the transaction reference
Your bank shows a confirmation with a transaction reference and usually emails a receipt. Keep it until the bill shows cleared.
- 7
Save the biller for next month
Most apps let you store the reference number as a biller. Next month you tap the saved biller and pay, with no re-typing.
Fees, limits & timing
| 1Link or bank bill payment fee | Free at most banks; a few charge Rs 10 to 20 |
| Works without a wallet | Yes, pays straight from your bank account |
| Supported banks | HBL, UBL, Meezan, Alfalah, MCB, Allied, Faysal and more |
| Time to clear | Usually same day |
Tips & things to watch
- Saving the reference number as a biller turns every future month into a two-tap payment.
- If your DISCO is missing from the list, update your bank app. Biller lists refresh with app updates.
- Keep the bank transaction reference. It is the strongest proof if a dispute arises.
Frequently asked questions
1Link (1Bill) is Pakistan's interbank payment network built into bank apps and internet banking. When you pay a bill in your bank app, 1Link routes it to your DISCO against your reference number.
Almost all, including HBL, UBL, Meezan, Bank Alfalah, MCB, Allied and Faysal. The Bill Payment section of your bank app uses 1Link.
Most banks charge nothing for utility bill payment through 1Link. A few charge a small fee of around Rs 10 to 20. Check your bank's schedule of charges.
No. Save your reference number as a biller once, and each following month you select it and pay.