RBI launches UPI for feature phone users

New Delhi: In a move to enable thousands of feature phone users with the digital payment ecosystem in the country, the Reserve Bank of India on Tuesday launched an instant payment system "UPI 123PAY."

With this new mode of digital payments, the individuals will be able to make direct payments to others via UPI using feature phones also. At present, the UPI payment facility is restricted to only smartphone users with internet connections.

The RBI chief said that the new Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will allow India's 40 crore feature phone users to access the payment service in a more secure manner.

Currently, UPI services are available for users through the USSD-based (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data-based) services.

Feature phone users will now be able to undertake a host of transactions based on four technology alternatives. They include calling an IVR (interactive voice response) number, app functionality in feature phones, missed call-based approach and also proximity sound-based payments, the RBI said.

Such users can initiate payments to friends and family, pay utility bills, recharge the FASTags of their vehicles, pay mobile bills and also allow users to check account balances, the central bank said.

Customers would also be able to link bank accounts, set or change UPI PINs (personal identification numbers), it added.

Mr Das also launched the 24x7 helpline for digital payments - DigiSaathi.

The helpline will assist the users with all their queries on digital payments through website and chatbot. Users can visit www.digisaathi.info or call on 14431 and 1800 891 3333 for their queries on digital payments and grievances.

UPI is the country's largest digital payment system in terms of transaction volumes. UPI is developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), umbrella organisation for all digital payments.