No Internet, No Problem: Offline Methods for UPI Payments Unveiled

In a technological landscape where online transactions have become the norm, users often find themselves in a predicament when their internet connection falters during crucial money transfers. However, a revolutionary solution has emerged – *99#, a USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) based mobile banking service that facilitates offline UPI payments.

Developed to cater to a diverse audience, *99# is supported by 83 leading banks and 4 telecom service providers, available in 13 languages, including Hindi and English. This service empowers users to perform essential banking tasks without the need for an internet connection, ensuring financial transactions remain accessible to everyone.

Setting Up Offline UPI Payments:

1. Dial *99# on your smartphone or feature phone using the registered phone number linked to your bank account.

2. Choose your preferred language and enter your bank name.

3. Select the bank account linked to your number from the displayed list.

4. Enter the last 6 digits of your debit card along with the expiry date.

Once successfully set up, users can seamlessly execute UPI payments offline, circumventing the challenges posed by intermittent internet connectivity.

Making Offline UPI Payments:

1. Dial *99# on your phone and enter 1 to initiate a money transfer.

2. Choose the desired option and input the UPI ID, phone number, or bank account number of the recipient.

3. Enter the transaction amount and your UPI PIN.

4. Confirm the details, and upon completion, the payment is successfully executed.

Users should note that a nominal charge of a maximum of Rs. 0.50 per transaction applies when utilizing the *99# service, with the current upper limit set at Rs. 5,000 per transaction.

The introduction of *99# addresses a common concern among users facing internet connectivity issues during crucial financial transactions. This innovative USSD-based service not only ensures accessibility but also reinforces the idea of inclusive and seamless digital financial interactions for users across the country.

As we navigate an increasingly digital era, the *99# service stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between digital financial services and users with varying levels of internet access. Users are encouraged to explore this groundbreaking solution and share their experiences in the comments section, contributing to the collective understanding of this transformative banking service.

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