Imagine you’re in the middle of making an online payment using Google Pay, Paytm, or PhonePe, and your internet connection suddenly cuts out. Frustrating, right? This is where USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data), specifically the *99# service, comes in as a lifesaver. This robust mobile banking service allows you to send money, change your UPI PIN, and even check your account balance, all without needing an internet connection. With its reach across the country and support from 83 leading banks and 4 telecom service providers, *99# truly democratizes banking services. Let’s dive into how you can set it up and utilize this offline UPI payment system.
Setting up Offline UPI Payments with *99
You can easily set up offline UPI payments with the *99# service, and it’s as simple as following these steps:
1. Initiate the Process:
Dial *99# on your smartphone or feature phone. Ensure you’re using the same phone number that’s linked to your bank account for this service to work.
2. Language and Bank Selection:
Choose your preferred language from the options displayed and enter your bank’s name.
3. Account Selection:
You’ll be presented with a list of bank accounts associated with your phone number. Select the account you wish to use for offline UPI payments.
4. Card Details:
Enter the last 6 digits of your debit card and its expiry date.
5. Service Activation:
Once you’ve completed the steps above, you’re ready to start making offline UPI payments.
Make Offline UPI Payments with *99
Now that your *99# service is active, you can send money even without an internet connection. Here’s how it works:
1. Initiate Transaction:
Dial *99# and press 1 to initiate a money transfer.
2. Recipient Information:
Choose your preferred method and enter the UPI ID, phone number, or bank account number of the recipient.
3. Amount and UPI PIN:
Enter the desired amount you want to send and your UPI PIN for verification.
4. Transaction Confirmation:
Once you’ve entered the required details, your payment will be processed, with a maximum charge of Rs. 0.50 per transaction.
Key Features and Benefits of *99
The *99# service comes with a range of benefits, making it a convenient and reliable alternative for accessing banking services:
1. Offline UPI Payment Facilitation:
The most prominent feature is its ability to process UPI payments without internet connectivity. This is especially beneficial in areas with poor network coverage or when your internet connection is unavailable.
2. Wide Network Coverage:
Supported by a vast network of 83 leading banks and 4 telecom service providers, *99# ensures accessibility to a wide range of users across the country.
3. Multiple Language Support:
Offering 13 different languages, including Hindi and English, *99# ensures inclusiveness and ease of use for diverse populations.
4. User-Friendly Interface:
The simple and intuitive USSD interface makes it easy for even those unfamiliar with technology to navigate and use the service.
5. Enhanced Security:
Using UPI PIN verification, *99# provides an extra layer of security to safeguard your transactions.
Limitations of *99
While *99# offers numerous benefits, it’s important to be aware of its limitations:
1. Transaction Limits:
There’s a maximum transaction limit of Rs. 5,000 per transaction using the *99# service.
2. Limited Functionalities:
Compared to internet-based UPI platforms, *99# offers restricted functionalities. You can send money, check your account balance, and change your UPI PIN, but you cannot perform other operations like bill payments or fund transfers to other accounts.
3. Charges:
A nominal charge of Rs. 0.50 is applicable for each transaction using the *99# service.
4. Service Availability:
While the service is supported by a large number of banks, not all banks may offer all functionalities through *99#.
How *99# Is Revolutionizing Financial Inclusion
The *99# service plays a pivotal role in improving financial inclusion in India by:
1. Bridging the Digital Divide:
*99# provides a vital link for those who lack access to smartphones or reliable internet connectivity. It allows them to access essential banking services without requiring elaborate technology.
2. Expanding Financial Services in Rural Areas:
In rural areas with limited internet infrastructure, *99# becomes a reliable solution for accessing financial services. It empowers individuals to perform basic banking transactions, contributing to a more inclusive financial landscape.
3. Promoting Financial Literacy:
*99# fosters financial literacy by introducing people to simple and accessible banking practices. Its user-friendly interface allows individuals to learn about essential banking services like sending money, checking balances, and managing their UPI PIN.
Conclusion
The *99# service is a valuable tool for promoting financial inclusion and enabling offline UPI payments in India. It bridges the digital divide, extends banking services to rural populations, and promotes financial literacy. Though it has its limitations, the benefits of *99# far outweigh them. By embracing this innovative and accessible solution, we can work towards achieving a more inclusive and digitally empowered financial system.
