UPI 123Pay: Payments Without Internet

UPI123Pay is a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) service launched by the Reserve Bank of India. Just like any other UPI tool that you use, you can use UPI123Pay to directly send money to the bank account of another person by simply linking your mobile number with your bank account. You will also be able to receive money provided the sender also uses the UPI123Pay facility.

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What is UPI123Pay and How Does it Work?

UPI 123Pay

UPI123Pay is a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) solution launched by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to enable feature phone users (non-smartphone users) to access digital payment services without an internet connection. Unlike regular UPI, which requires a smartphone and internet, UPI123Pay works via IVR (Interactive Voice Response), missed calls, and sound-based technology. It allows users to make secure payments, transfer funds, and check balances through a simple and guided process.

How to create and use a UPI123Pay ID

  1. Call any one of the numbers given 080 4516 3666 / 6366 200 200 / 080 4516 3581.
  2. Select your mode of transaction.
  3. Enter the UPI pin to pay.

Benefits of UPI123Pay for Feature Phone Users

  1. No Internet Required: Users can transact via mobile networks without needing data.
  2. Inclusive Access: Makes digital payments accessible to users in rural and remote areas.
  3. Multiple Transaction Modes: Offers IVR, missed call-based payments, and sound-based technology.
  4. Supports Multiple Languages: Available in Hindi, English, Kannada, and more.
  5. Safe & Secure: Operates with RBI guidelines and strict security protocols.

Overview of UPI 123Pay Features

With UPI 123Pay, users of smartphones and feature phones can transact digitally in four different ways: 

  1. Using an IVR to complete a transaction. 
  1. Payments that use sound waves to send data are known as proximity sound-based payments. 
  1. Fund transfers made via a missed call approach. 
  1. Using a compatible app on a feature phone to pay using a QR code.

To link your bank account with UPI 123Pay, take the following actions: 

  1. Enter the specified IVR number. 
  1. Choose the language that you like. 
  1. Select the option to open a bank account. 
  1. When asked, enter your debit card information. 
  1. Create a UPI PIN. 
  1. Your bank account will be successfully connected to UPI 123Pay after everything is finished. 

Managing Multiple Bank Accounts with UPI 123Pay

It is not possible to link more than one bank account at once with UPI 123Pay. A user must first deregister their current account before registering the new one if they want to link a different bank account.

Solutions under UPI123Pay

There are 4 solutions under UPI123Pay:

How to Use UPI123Pay via IVR Number

One of the ways through which you can enable your UPI is by calling on any one of the numbers 080 4516 3666, 6366 200 200, 080 4516 3581 from your mobile number and completing the formalities related to the enabling of UPI. You will get multiple language options and the payment is supported by Ultracash & Tonetag.

Using UPI123Pay with Missed Call Functionality

You can use the missed call facility to use your UPI for not only making payments but also for accessing your bank account. Simply give a miscall on the merchant's place and you will receive a call back from the number 08071 800 800. Authenticate the transaction by entering your UPI pin and your payment will be successful.

UPI123Pay Access through OEM-integrated Features

Digital solution on this UPI app is developed by Gupshup with Airtel Payments Bank. Here the solution provider will partner with the OEM or feature phone mobile manufacturers in order to enable a payment app embedded in the C language. The app here will feel similar to other UPI apps. Most of the features will be available except the Scan and Pay option.

How UPI123Pay Works with Sound-Based Technology

You can make payments using sound-based technology which has been developed in collaboration between Tonetag and NSDL Payments Bank. Call the IVR number 6366 200 200 and choose the 'Pay to Merchant' option where sound waves will be used to complete the payment. Tap your phone on the merchant device (POD) and press # following which a unique sound will be emitted. Enter the pin and complete the payment.

Increase in UPI 123Pay Transaction Limit

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced an increase in the per-transaction limit for UPI 123Pay in a press release titled "Statement on Development and Regulatory Policies" issued on 9 October 2024, in accordance with the NPCI circular dated 25 October 2024. With immediate effect, the cap was increased from Rs.5,000 to Rs.10,000.

Guidelines for UPI 123Pay

The guidelines for UPI 123Pay are given below: 

  1. With immediate effect, the UPI 123Pay transaction limit needs to be changed from Rs.5,000 to Rs.10,000. 
  1. Adhaar OTP-based onboarding for UPI 123Pay users must be implemented by members. 
  1. Members must properly identify and tag transactions made with UPI 123Pay. 
  1. Integration with the UPI numeric ID Mapper should enable UPI Number functionality. 
  1. Before going online, new participants in the UPI 123Pay ecosystem must follow these rules. 

UPI123Pay vs Traditional UPI

Feature

Traditional UPI

UPI123Pay

Internet Required

Yes

No

Device Type

Smartphone

Feature Phone

Transaction Modes

App-based

IVR, Missed Call, Sound-based

User Base

Urban, digitally enabled

Rural, semi-digital users

Accessibility

High-tech required

Inclusive, mass-market enabled

Alternate way to enable UPI123Pay

  1. Call the IVR number 08045163666.
  2. Select your preferred language.
  3. Choose the bank to link your UPI.
  4. Press '1' to confirm.
  5. Press '1' again to send money to a bank account.
  6. Enter the recipient's mobile number.
  7. Confirm the details and enter the amount you wish to pay.
  8. Enter your UPI pin and authorise the payment.

FAQs on UPI 123Pay

  • Can I conduct my UPI payment via smartphone?

    Yes, you can conduct your UPI payment via smartphone.

  • Will I need internet to conduct UPI payment?

    No, you don't need the internet to conduct UPI payments. You can do it by using the IVR number, miscall service, or the SMS facility.

  • Can I use any other language for payments if I don't know English?

    Yes, you can use other languages for payment if you don't know English.

  • What other languages can I use to conduct payments?

    You can use Hindi and Kannada apart from English to conduct your payments.

  • What is the limit on the amount I can transact in a day?

    You can transfer up to Rs.1 lakh in a day.

  • The money was debited from my account but the beneficiary has not received it. What should I do?

    In case the amount was debited from your account but the beneficiary has not received, worry not, because it may take some time for the amount to be credited to the other person's account. In case the amount is not credited, the amount will be sent back to your bank account.

  • Is UPI123Pay safe?

    Yes, UPI123Pay is completely safe and secure.

News about UPI 123 Pay

RBI Increases UPI Transaction Limits, UPI Lite Raised to Rs. 5,000, UPI123Pay Limit Doubled

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its last two bi-monthly monetary policy reviews, has announced several UPI transaction limit increases. On 8 August 2024, the RBI raised the UPI transaction limit for tax payments and extended this limit to other payments, including those to hospitals, educational institutions, IPOs, and the RBI's retail direct schemes. While the standard UPI transaction limit for peer-to-peer payments remains Rs. 1 lakh, individual banks may set their own limits. For specific transactions, such as those related to capital markets, collections, insurance, and foreign inward remittances, the UPI limit is Rs. 2 lakh per day. In October 2024, the RBI also announced an increase in UPI Lite and UPI123Pay limits. The UPI Lite wallet limit has been raised from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000, and the per-transaction limit for UPI123Pay has increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000. Additionally, UPI Lite's per-transaction limit has been increased from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000. 

10 December 2024
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