December 16, 2024 · 9 mins read
Santosh Kumar
UPI - Unified Payments Interface, developed in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), is the digital payment system that has reached the nooks and corners of the country. It has gained so much popularity that even street vendors prefer UPI for their business because it makes payments easier and faster. The main advantage from the customer's perspective is that they need not carry physical cash to make purchases. Hence, it is a safer option for payments even while travelling. But what if you are in a location where there is no internet connectivity or what happens if while a payment is in process, the internet gets cut off? This is for you if such questions about internet availability make you step back from UPI payments. Now, you can make UPI payments without internet connectivity. Read on to understand how to do offline UPI payments.
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India is a developing country. Though in recent days, internet facilities have reached the nooks and corners of the country, there are still places where there is no internet facility or the internet connectivity could be better. The Offline UPI transaction is a backup option to online payments at times when you are in locations with poor internet connectivity. The NPCI initiated the USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) to help customers make offline UPI payments. This system is available nationwide, connects 83 leading banks and four telecom service providers, and can be used in over 13 languages. So, wherever you are and whatever your language is, you can easily and conveniently use this offline UPI payment for transactions up to Rs.5000.
*99# is the key mantra for making offline UPI payments. Yes, if you have set up the offline UPI option on your phone, you can use offline UPI payments whenever required by just dialling the *99# number.
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The first step in offline UPI payment is to set up the process on your registered phone number so that you can use it whenever necessary. Note that you can only set up the offline payment process with the mobile number linked to your bank account.
1: You can set up the offline UPI option by dialling *99# from your registered number.
2: Once dialled, you will be given the option to choose a language. Choose the language that you are comfortable with among the 13 available options.
3: To choose the bank, you will be given the text prompt to type the first three letters of your bank or the first four letters of your bank's IFSC code.
4: You will be able to select the account you prefer from the list of all accounts registered with the phone number. To do so, enter option numbers 1, 2, 3, etc.
5: You will have to enter your debit card's last six digits and expiry date for verification purposes.
6: Your offline UPI payment feature will be activated after verification.
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Once offline UPI payment is activated, you can stay stress-free about internet connectivity. You have a backup option at times of poor connectivity, and you can make offline payments easily and quickly.
1: Dial *99# to initiate the offline UPI payment process.
2: You will be given various options, such as "Send Money" and "Check Balance." To make the payment, choose the Send Money option.
3: To make the payment
4: you will need to enter the recipient's UPI ID, bank details, or phone number.
5: Enter the amount you wish to transfer and authenticate the transaction with your UPI pin, and you are done.
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With offline UPI payments, you need not worry about internet connectivity. It is useful even in places like hill stations and rural areas with poor internet connection. So you can safely travel with minimum cash in hand.
1: It is easy and convenient to use. Available in almost 13 languages, everyone can use it in their preferred language.
2: The on-screen interactive menu is easy to understand and follow. You do not need any expertise to set up the process or make offline payments.
3: Offline UPI transactions are made via UPI PIN. Hence, your bank details and personal details remain safe.
4: It is much faster. Though offline, you can make transactions in just seconds.
5: This feature is available at no additional cost, even while roaming, which is great news for travel enthusiasts.
6: Almost everyone in the modern world uses a mobile phone, and hence, this facility is a great option for every individual as it works across all GSM service providers and mobile handsets.
7: You can use it at any time and any day, as this facility is open 24/7, including on holidays.
8: It is easy to use, does not require the installation of new apps, and does not require extra storage space on your phone.
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Even though there are many benefits in offline UPI payment, there are a few demerits also.
1: Transactions can be made up to a maximum of Rs.5000 and hence cannot be used for larger purchases.
2: There is a small service charge per transaction, which depends on the service provider. It is typically around 1.50 rupees per transaction. This is a very small charge. But if you are a frequent user who uses UPI payments multiple times a day, opting for online payment is better whenever there is internet connectivity.
3: With more than 700 languages in India, this system is available only in 13 major languages, including English and Hindi. However, with a wide range of language options, you are sure to have at least one understandable language.
4: You can access this mode only with the phone number that you have linked to your bank account.
5: Some handsets are not compatible with the USSD service, so make sure it is accessible on your handset.
6: You cannot make the USSD service if you do not have sufficient balance to connect the call since it is paid.
7: If you are in an area with no mobile network, you cannot make transactions.
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1: You have to set up the offline UPI payment feature in your registered mobile number to avail of this feature whenever required.
2: Remember to always carry your registered mobile number with you while travelling so you can use this feature in emergencies.
3: After setting up this facility on your phone, make a UPI payment as early as possible to ensure that it is working on your mobile and that you are confident in using it when needed.
4: This facility will not work if you are in an out-of-network coverage area. Sometimes, due to temporary issues on the bank's side, this facility may not work. So always check before making any purchase. Also, have some minimum cash in hand to make up for such situations.
5: This facility cannot be used for payments of larger amounts. Hence, consider some other payment method for larger purchases.
6: If you are facing any network-related issues, contact the respective telecom service provider. If the issue is transaction-related, contact the respective bank to fix it.
7: If you lose your mobile, immediately inform the respective bank to stop the mobile banking service. Though offline UPI payment also uses your UPI PIN for authentication, stopping the mobile banking facility as quickly as possible is better.
8: If you change your mobile number, you will have to register the new number with your bank and then set up the offline UPI payment feature for that phone number.
9: If you enter incorrect details, such as MPIN, IFS Code, Account number, etc., the transaction will be declined. So, be cautious while entering the details.
10: The transactions are done based on the UPI ID and the receiver's IFSC or mobile number. Hence, you are free to add beneficiaries before opting for the payment.
11: This facility is not available for digital wallets. You need a bank account and a debit card facility to avail of this offline UPI payment.
12: Note that the transactions happen immediately via IMPS. Hence, you cannot stop or cancel a transaction after initiating it.
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The UPI payment method has made our lives a lot easier, both as consumers and as merchants. It is widely accepted by a wide range of people for its ease of use. With the USSD offline UPI payment option, you can enjoy UPI transactions even in places with no or poor internet connectivity. Now that you know how to do offline UPI payment, set up the offline payment feature on your mobile phone and ensure you are ready to pay offline if online UPI payment fails.
Do offline UPI transactions take more time?
No. Usually, offline UPI payments just take a few seconds if your network connectivity is good.
*Why is that I am unable to connect via 99#?
Only GSM phones have this option. If you are trying to connect with a CDMA phone, you may not be able to do so. Also, you should dial from the mobile number linked to your bank account.
What possible issues can I face while using offline UPI payment?
If your device is not compatible, your network connectivity is poor, or there is some temporary issue on the bank side, you may not be able to complete the transaction successfully.
*Is the USSD 99# dedicated to UPI transactions?
With this USSD, you can avail of various other services, such as MPIN generation, change MPIN, balance enquiry, mini statement, and much more.
Will I be able to stop or cancel the offline UPI transaction after it is initiated?
The transactions are carried out via IMPS, which immediately initiates the transaction. So, stopping or cancelling a transaction after initiating is impossible.
Which one is better online or offline UPI payment?
Both are fast and easy. However, there is a standard service charge for offline UPI payment, which varies between service providers and is usually 1.50 rupees per transaction. So, if you have internet connectivity, opt for online UPI transactions, or else opt for the offline option.
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