Tired of grappling with frustratingly slow internet during crucial online transactions? Well, there’s a solution that doesn’t require a stable internet connection. Enter the USSD number, a beacon of hope for completing transactions offline.
With this mobile banking service, you can effortlessly transfer and request funds, reset your UPI PIN, and check your account balance. To harness these services at your convenience and from anywhere, simply dial 99# on your mobile device.
Now, let’s delve into the mechanics of this offline UPI payment method and explore how to set up transactions using this ingenious system.
Understanding the Offline UPI Payment Number
To access UPI without the internet, dial 99#. This service is available nationwide, courtesy of partnerships with 83 prominent banks and four telecom service providers. You even have the freedom to select your preferred language, with options spanning 13 different languages, including English and Hindi.
The brain behind this operation is the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which introduced the 99# service to facilitate UPI transactions across multiple banks. To initiate a transaction, dial the USSD number on your registered mobile device, and a user-friendly menu will guide you through the process. As it stands, the maximum transaction limit is Rs. 5,000, and there’s a nominal charge of Rs. 0.50 per transaction for using this service.
Setting Up Offline UPI Payments
Before diving into offline UPI transactions, you must first configure this option on your device. Follow these steps:
- Open your phone’s dialer and dial 99#. This allows you to conduct offline UPI transactions and access related functions.
- Choose your preferred language from the available 13 options.
- Input your bank’s IFSC code when prompted.
- If you’re using a smartphone, you’ll see a list of all accounts linked to your phone number. Select the desired bank account by entering “1,” “2,” or your preferred choice to set up the payment process.
- Complete the verification process by entering the last six digits and expiry date of your debit card.
- If all details check out, your offline UPI payment feature will be activated, enabling you to make payments via the USSD command without an internet connection.
Conducting Offline UPI Payments
Now that your offline UPI payment feature is up and running, here’s how you can transact offline:
- Open your phone’s dialer and dial 99#, then make the call.
- From the menu options displayed, select option 1 for “Send Money.”
- Enter the UPI ID you wish to use for the transaction, or provide your bank account number or registered phone number, assuming they are linked.
- Specify the amount you intend to pay (limited to Rs. 5,000) and confirm it when prompted.
- The UPI system will prompt you to enter your UPI PIN for transaction validation. Once the correct UPI PIN is entered, your payment should smoothly proceed.
- To disable the offline UPI service, dial 99# from your registered phone number and follow the provided instructions.
In Conclusion
Online transactions without internet connectivity may seem like a paradox, but the introduction of USSD-based offline UPI transactions has made it a reality. By dialing 99# from your registered mobile number, linked to your bank, you can access a range of services as detailed above. While the transaction limit is modest, it’s a valuable lifeline when you find yourself in a connectivity bind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can UPI be executed without an internet connection?
Ans: Yes, indeed. You can perform UPI transactions without an internet connection by dialing 99# from your phone, provided it’s linked to your bank account. Follow the on-screen instructions to use UPI offline.
Q2. Who introduced offline UPI?
Ans: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched the offline UPI service, enabling users to access various banking services and make purchases through an interactive on-screen menu after dialing 99# from their registered phone numbers.
Q3. What is the maximum limit for offline UPI transactions?
Ans: Currently, the maximum limit for offline UPI transactions is Rs. 5,000, and there’s a transaction fee of Rs. 0.50 per transaction.
Q4. How do I conduct offline UPI payments with Jio?
Ans:Offline payments with Jio follow the same procedure as with other service providers:
- Dial the USSD code 99# on your phone’s dialer and press the call button.
- A menu of options will appear on your screen; select option 1 to send money.
- Enter your linked bank account number, registered phone number, or UPI ID.
- When prompted, input the amount you wish to send and confirm it.
- Confirm the transaction by entering your UPI PIN.
- Once the correct UPI PIN is provided, the transaction will be processed.
Q5. Does Paytm UPI work without an internet connection?
Ans: Yes, Paytm UPI functions offline as well. You can use Paytm’s ‘Tap to Pay’ service, which works even when the phone is locked or lacks an internet connection or mobile data. Both Apple and Android users can utilize this service by opting for Paytm’s All-in-One PoS machines or the PoS service of other banks to complete payments.