Yes. UPI can be done without the internet. Think there can be situations where we desperately need to make a payment, but the internet connection doesn’t work. You need not worry, you can make UPI payments without the internet by dialing *99#. This service can be availed on any type of phone. It works across all GSM service providers and handsets. However, the service is currently not available for CDMA phones.
NPCI introduced UPI payments without the internet using NPCI’s short code, *99#. If your mobile number is linked to your bank account, this mobile banking platform allows users to perform transactions without the internet, benefiting feature phone users and those with limited access. Using the *99# service you can transfer money or receive money round the clock (24*7 ) including on holidays.
The *99# service facilitates various banking operations including sending and receiving interbank funds, checking account balances, and setting or changing the UPI PIN. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use the *99# USSD code to make UPI payments if you lose your internet connection.
Steps to get started with *99#:
The following are the steps:
Step 1: Dial *99# from your registered mobile number linked to your bank account.
Step 2: A menu with available banking facilities will appear. Options include:
Send Money
Request Money
Check Balance
My Profile
Pending Request
Transactions
UPI PIN
Step 3: To send money, type ‘1’ and tap ‘Send’.
Step 4: Select the method for sending money: Mobile Number, UPI ID*, Saved Beneficiary (Option to save beneficiary after a successful transaction is provided to the user), or other options. Type the corresponding number and tap ‘Send’.
Step 5: If you choose to transfer via mobile number, enter the receiver’s mobile number linked to their UPI account and tap ‘Send’.
Step 6: Enter the amount you wish to transfer and tap ‘Send’.
Step 7: Provide a remark for the payment if desired.
Step 8: Enter your UPI PIN* to complete the transaction.
Step 9: Your UPI transaction will be processed offline successfully.
UPI transactions don’t need information like a bank account name or number, IFSC, the recipient’s name, or other personal information. You only need a UPI ID and UPI PIN to complete a UPI transaction.
*UPI PIN: The UPI pin is a four or six-digit number. The customer needs to create a UPI PIN by dialing *99# or using the bank’s UPI App, BHIM App, or any UPI app such as Paytm, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, etc.. UPI PIN is used for authenticating or confirming all transactions done on the UPI platform (BHIM or *99# or UPI apps).
UPI ID*: Usually, UPI IDs can be created by you in the following format: 9900000222@bank. Here, it starts with the user’s mobile number, name, or email address and is followed by the bank name that provides UPI ID services. It can be yourname@bankname or mmyy@ybl where ‘mmyy’ can be your name, the first half of your email address.
How to create UPI ID through *99#?
Step 1: Call ‘*99#’ from your mobile phone.
Step 2: Select the preferred language.
Step 3: Enter the first 4 digits of your IFSC code or your bank’s name.
Step 4: Select your bank account.
Step 5: Enter your debit card’s last six digits and expiry date.
Step 6: Set up your UPI PIN.
Step 7: Confirm you’re UPI PIN, and your UPI ID will be created.
Note:
The RBI guidelines for Mobile Banking Services have prescribed a ceiling of Rs. 5000 per transaction for financial transactions using *99# service.
In case of mobile loss, one needs to simply block his mobile number thus no transaction can be initiated from the same mobile number which is a part of device tracking, and at the same time UPI PIN would be required for any transaction that is not to be shared with anyone.
In case of a change in Mobile No. you have to provide your new mobile number to your bank to be linked with your corresponding account.
In case of a change in the bank on *99#, a person needs to re-register for the bank, and the default UPI ID (MobileNo@UPI) will be mapped to the corresponding account
