This blog post details India’s offline UPI *99# USSD service, a revolutionary innovation enabling digital payments without an internet connection, particularly beneficial in areas with limited connectivity. It highlights the service’s role in financial inclusion and its accessibility on basic feature phones.
What is Offline UPI *99# USSD and How Does it Work?
The offline UPI *99# USSD service, often referred to as ‘USSD 2.0’, is a groundbreaking initiative developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). This innovative technology allows users to perform essential banking transactions, such as sending and receiving money, checking account balances, and changing UPI PINs, all without the need for an internet connection or a smartphone application.
Operating on any GSM mobile phone, including basic feature phones, the service is accessed by simply dialing *99# from a registered mobile number. This opens a secure, interactive menu, making digital payments accessible to a vast population, especially in rural and underserved regions. It plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and significantly contributes to the vision of a “Digital India.”
Secure offline transactions are now possible with *99#.
- Launch: Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
- Technology: Utilizes Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) technology, often referred to as ‘USSD 2.0’.
- Functionality: Allows users to perform banking transactions like sending/receiving money, checking balances, and changing UPI PINs.
- Accessibility: Operates on any GSM mobile phone, including basic feature phones, without requiring a smartphone app or internet connection.
- Usage: Users dial *99# from their registered mobile number to access a secure, interactive menu.
- Impact: Crucial for bridging the digital divide, especially in rural and underserved regions, contributing to a “Digital India.”
Bridging the Digital Divide: Key Features and Benefits
The *99# service offers several advantages, making it a cornerstone for financial inclusion and digital transformation in India:
- Internet Independence: Enables UPI offline transactions irrespective of network availability.
- Universal Accessibility: Works on all GSM handsets, making feature phone banking a reality and extending digital payments to a wider population.
- 24/7 Availability: Services are accessible around the clock, every day.
- Multilingual Support: Supports 13 languages, including English and Hindi, for broader usability.
- Promoting Financial Inclusion: Acts as a catalyst for rural banking solutions, empowering unbanked/under-banked populations.
- Digital Transformation: Drives digital transformation in India and complements global fintech trends by offering universal payment access. While fintech trends in other regions often lean towards app-based solutions, India’s *99# service demonstrates a powerful, low-tech approach to universal payment access.
The *99# service promotes universal accessibility and financial inclusion across diverse communities.
Understanding the Transaction Limits and Charges
- Transaction Limit: Up to ₹5,000 per transaction.
- Daily Limits: Banks may impose additional daily limits; users should check with their specific bank.
- Transaction Frequency: Users can typically make up to 20 transactions per day.
- Charges: A nominal fee of ₹0.50 per transaction is usually applicable.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Using Offline UPI *99#
A. Initial Setup (One-time process):
- Dial *99# from the registered mobile number.
- Select preferred language.
- Enter the first few letters of the bank’s name or its IFSC code.
- Select the bank account linked to the mobile number.
- Verify with the last six digits of the debit card and its expiry date to activate.
B. Making an Offline UPI Payment (Sending Money):
- Dial *99# from the registered number.
- Select “Send Money” (usually option ‘1’).
- Choose recipient details: Mobile Number, UPI ID, or Bank Account Number + IFSC.
- Enter the recipient’s information.
- Enter the amount (up to ₹5,000).
- Authenticate and complete the transaction using the UPI PIN.
A confirmation message will be sent upon successful transaction.
Visual guide to making an offline UPI payment using *99#.
More Than Just Sending Money: Other Services Available
The *99# service offers a range of other functionalities, establishing it as a robust offline payment system for various banking needs:
- Request Money: Request funds from others via UPI ID or mobile number.
- Check Balance: View bank account balance without internet.
- Mini Statement: Access a summary of recent transactions.
- Change UPI PIN: Set or change the UPI PIN for security.
- My Profile: Manage UPI details, language preferences, and beneficiaries.
The Impact: Driving India’s Digital Economy Forward
The *99# USSD service is a significant advancement for India’s digital economy, democratizing digital payments and fostering financial literacy and inclusion. It demonstrates the power of accessible, low-tech innovation for widespread impact, positioning India as a leader in payment solutions.
Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Payments, Offline and Online
The offline UPI *99# USSD service is a testament to India’s digital transformation, making digital payments universal. With its user-friendly interface, comprehensive services, and a secure ₹5,000 transaction limit, it provides a reliable alternative for financial management, irrespective of internet connectivity. This fintech innovation ensures accessibility and security, contributing to a cashless economy and truly seamless transactions for everyone.
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