How to Make UPI Payments on Mobile Without Using the Internet

How to make UPI payment transactions without internet or smartphones, by using USSD code.

The upgrade of the USSD platform has made cashless transactions possible without the need for smartphones and an active Internet connection.

(Photo: The Quint)

One of the biggest drawbacks of online transactions was the fact that a transaction required a smartphone and an internet connection. This acted as a barrier for online payment transactions to be the norm in India, and continues to be, even as the country looks at digital payments with a concerted effort.

However, with the launch of Bhim UPI payments, the USSD platform was also upgraded to make cashless transactions possible without the need for smartphones and active Internet connections.

Here’s how you can use the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) mobile banking platform.

Note: To make UPI payments offline, you will first need to download BHIM, Paytm or any other UPI app on your smartphone and complete the registration process. Once the SIM card and smartphone binding are done, you will be able to make transactions offline.

Step 1

Dial *99# on your phone dialer and you will be prompted by a menu screen offering seven options which are: Send Money, Request Money, Check Balance, My Profile, Pending Requests, Transactions, UPI Pin.

You will first need to download BHIM,Paytm or any other UPI app on your smartphone.Photo: Mobile Screen Grab 

Step 2

When you choose the Send Money option, you have various methods of sending money to the recipient which are Mobile Number, Payment address, Saved beneficiary, IFSC and Account No.

You are given seven options of sending money to the recipient.Photo: Mobile Screen Grab 

Step 3

After selecting the option, fill the details required and then fill the amount you have to send to the recipient (minimum Re 1 and maximum Rs 20,000) and then enter the UPI PIN and then hit send. Once it is sent it will ask you to save the recipient for future use or exit.

Transaction has to be of minimum Re 1 and maximum Rs 20,000Photo: Mobile Screen Grab 

As of now this service is offered by 51 banks and all GSM service providers. It can be used in 12 different languages including Hindi and English.

Your telecom provider charges Rs 0.50 for using the USSD process.Photo: Mobile Screen Grab