We live in a world where online payment is in trend. Nobody carries cash and everyone prefers to make payments via UPI. To make online payments internet is essential. However, how would you react if we tell you that it is possible to make UPI payments even with no internet connection? Yes, it indeed is possible.
Many don’t know that there is a way to use apps like Google Pay, Paytm, and PhonePe in offline mode. Well, we are here to enlighten you about it via a step-by-step guide. Read on.
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Know about the special USSD code – *99#
Many a time it happens that you are making an online payment but due to a poor connection the payment gets declined. Well, fret not because *99#, a USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) based mobile banking service, can be really helpful to you. This USSD code helps you request and send money, change your UPI PIN, and even check your account balance even with no internet connection.
By using the *99# USSD code on your phone’s dialer you can avail of the facilities of UPI, offline. However, what is worth noting is that it will only work if the phone number you are using is linked to your bank account.
Here’s how you can set it up and make offline UPI payments
This feature has been there for a good long time, however, it is not so popular. Here is how you can set it up and make digital payments offline.
Steps to set up offline UPI payments
- Dial *99# on your smartphone or feature phone. However, what you have to make sure of is that you are using the same phone number to make this call that has been linked to your bank account. Otherwise, it will not work at all.
- The next step is to choose your preferred language and enter your bank name. There are 13 different languages to choose from.
- Next, you will get to see a list of several bank accounts that are linked to your number. Choose the one that you want to use by pressing the correct option.
- As a fourth step, enter the last 6 digits of your debit card. Make sure to also enter its expiry date.
- Once you have successfully set it up with all the aforementioned you can make the payments as suggested in the next steps.
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Steps to make offline UPI payments
- Dial *99# on your phone and then enter 1 to send money.
- Choose your preferred option and enter the UPI ID or phone number or bank account number of the person you want to send money to.
- As a third step, enter the amount and your UPI PIN.
- Once done, your payment will be successfully made. What is important to note is that you will be charged a maximum of Rs. 0.50 per transaction for using the *99# service.
Do try out this amazing feature and let us know what you think about it. Currently, the upper limit on this service is RS. 5,000 per transaction.
Also read: Sent Money To Wrong UPI ID From GPay, PhonePe, Paytm? Here’s How To Get It Back
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