Digital transactions may be carried out even in places with spotty network access, thanks to offline UPI payment facilities. You can use this service to conduct a variety of mobile banking operations without an active Internet connection. It is based on the USSD code *99#. Anytime, anyplace, you can check your account balance, request funds, modify your UPI PIN, and make transfers of money. Let’s study this UPI payment gateway technique.
What is the Offline UPI Payment number?
UPI’s offline payment number is *99#. It allows you to use UPI services without an Internet connection. It is a countrywide service developed in conjunction with 83 top financial institutions and four communication service providers. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched this service, available in 13 languages, including English and Hindi, to facilitate UPI payments between numerous banks.
To use this service, dial the USSD number from your registered mobile number and then navigate the interactive menu on your mobile screen for transactions. The current transaction limit for this service is Rs 5,000. These offline UPI transactions are charged at Rs. 0.50 each.
How do I set up Offline UPI Payments?
- To initiate an offline UPI transaction, dial *99# from your phone’s dialer.
- Choose your desired language from the list of thirteen alternatives.
- Enter your bank’s IFSC code into the text field as instructed.
- The page will display a list of all accounts associated with your mobile number. Enter the appropriate option (1, 2, etc.) to select your desired bank account.
- To verify your identification, enter your debit card’s last six digits and expiry date.
- If all information is correct, the offline UPI feature will be enabled, allowing you to make payments without an Internet connection.
How can I make Offline UPI Payments?
Are you wondering how to make offline UPI payments? Unlike UPI Autopay, if you are in a region with weak or no Internet connectivity, you can execute offline UPI payments by following these simple steps.
- Open your phone’s dialer and enter the offline UPI number *99#. Make a call to connect to the offline UPI payment service.
- Select “1” for “Send Money” from the list of options displayed on the screen. This will enable you to initiate a payment transaction.
- Choose which account you want to transfer money from (UPI ID, cellphone number, saved beneficiary, etc.).
- If you choose to transfer money by mobile phone, input the receiver’s mobile number, which should be linked to their UPI ID.
- Enter the amount of money you want to transfer. Offline transactions should not exceed Rs. 5,000.
- Confirm the payment amount when requested. Check that it is correct before continuing with the transaction.
- The UPI system will ask you to enter your UPI PIN to complete the transaction. Please enter your UPI PIN accurately to proceed with the payment.
- After you provide the correct UPI PIN, the payment should be executed correctly.
- You can also turn off this offline UPI service by calling *99# from your registered phone number and following the instructions.
Advantages of using the Offline UPI Payments feature
Offline UPI Payments offer several benefits that make them a convenient and reliable option for users. Some of the key benefits include:
Reliable payments: Offline UPI Payments ensure that users can make payments even in areas with poor or no internet connectivity. This eliminates the frustration of failed transactions due to network issues.
Seamless user experience: With offline UPI payments, users can enjoy a seamless payment experience without interruptions caused by internet connectivity problems. This enhances customer satisfaction and convenience.
Increased accessibility: Offline UPI Payments make digital transactions accessible to individuals in remote areas or regions with limited internet infrastructure. This promotes financial inclusion and empowers more people to participate in the digital economy.
Enhanced security: Offline UPI Payments employ robust security measures to protect transaction data during offline storage and transmission. This helps in safeguarding user information and ensuring secure transactions.
These benefits highlight the value of offline UPI payments and their potential to revolutionize the way transactions are conducted in areas with internet limitations.
Security measures for Offline UPI Transactions
Secure storage: Transaction details are likely encrypted during a temporary storage phase on the user’s device while using USSD. This temporary storage helps facilitate the offline transaction but doesn’t permanently retain the data.
Encryption: Strong encryption protects transaction data during transmission through USSD.
Authentication: User verification with PIN or biometrics ensures that only authorized individuals can initiate payments.
Transaction validation: Upon regaining an internet connection, the encrypted details are sent for validation on the UPI platform, ensuring transaction integrity.
UPI Lite added two new features as of November 1, 2024
Self-top-up
Users can tell UPI Lite to automatically add money to their linked bank account when the minimum amount is met. With this function, you don’t have to reload by hand. Up to five auto-top-ups can be set up each day.
Higher limits on transactions
People can make purchases up to ₹1,000 without giving a PIN. The biggest amount of money that can be in your wallet has grown from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000.
These changes are meant to make it easier to make digital payments of small amounts and make the experience better for users.
Conclusion
The implementation of USSD-based offline UPI transactions is a significant step forward in enabling digital payments for offline companies in locations with inadequate internet availability. To use these services, simply phone *99# from your registered mobile number with your bank. It is vital to note that offline UPI payments have a limited transaction limit of around Rs. 5,000 per transaction. While this limit may be limiting for more significant transactions, it remains an effective option in difficult situations when Internet connectivity is limited or nonexistent.
Offline UPI payments offer a quick and accessible option to conduct digital transactions without requiring an Internet connection. These services are provided in numerous languages, making them accessible to users in various parts of India.
FAQs
1. What are the advantages of offline UPI payments?
Ans: Offline UPI payments provide various advantages, the most significant of which is the ability to conduct digital transactions even in places with weak or no Internet connectivity. This makes it easier for enterprises operating in rural areas.
2. What security measures are in place for offline UPI transactions?
Ans: Offline UPI transactions employ a variety of security mechanisms to protect your financial information. These include encryption mechanisms, secure authentication systems, and ways for verifying transactions. Although the transaction is carried out offline, the security safeguards offered by UPI payment gateway providers ensure that your sensitive data is secured.
3. Can I see my offline UPI transaction history?
Ans: Yes, you can view your offline UPI transaction history by entering the USSD number *99# and following the directions on your phone. You can view transaction data such as the amount, date, and receiver. This tool helps you to monitor your financial actions and preserve accurate records.
4. Are there any transaction limits for offline UPI payments?
And: Yes, there are transaction limits for offline UPI payments. The maximum limit for USSD-based transactions is usually set at Rs. 5,000. However, other banks may have varying limits based on their regulations. It’s critical to check with your bank or payment service provider to determine the limits that apply to your account.
5. Is offline UPI payment available for all sorts of transactions?
Ans: Offline UPI payment is possible for most transactions, including money transfers, bill payments, and merchant payments. It provides an easy way to make digital payments without requiring an active Internet connection. Whether you need to send money to a buddy or pay bills when connectivity is limited, offline UPI payments are a dependable option.
6. Which firm launched the offline UPI?
Ans: The NPCI has introduced the offline UPI payment system. The NPCI serves as the country’s umbrella organisation for retail payments and settlements.
