Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) allows users without a smartphone or data/internet connection to use mobile banking through the *99# code.
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Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) is a GSM protocol that enables communication between mobile users and service providers through short codes. These USSD codes, typically starting with * and ending with # (e.g., *99#), allow users to access mobile banking services without the need for internet connectivity.
How it works:
It is a quick, secure, and cost-effective way to perform banking transactions on feature phones or in low-data environments.
USSD-based mobile banking can be used for fund transfers, checking account balance, generating bank statement, among other uses. The main objective of the innovative *99# payments service is to allow financial inclusion of the underbanked and economically weaker sections of the society, and integrate them into mainstream banking. In an effort to make this service accessible to all, the service is available in 12 languages, including English and other Indian languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and Kannada, to name a few.
USSD is a technology platform through which information can be transmitted through a GSM network on a basic phone. This service will be available on all mobile phones with SMS facility. To use USSD mobile banking, users will have to simply dial *99# and use the interactive menu. There are many banks in India that are currently providing the *99# service.
Follow these simple steps to start using USSD banking in India:
This service is available 24/7 on all GSM networks, without needing internet access or a smartphone.
Step 1: Register bank account with mobile number and dial *99#
Step 2: The interface will open up and you can: Type 3 letters of your bank short name or first 4 letters of bank IFSC or 2-digit bank numeric code, proceed to click 'Send'.
Step 3: Now, choose number '3' to send money and proceed key in payee/beneficiary mobile number
Step 4: Proceed to key in the beneficiary/payee MMID, transaction amount
Step 5: Key in MPIN and last 4 digits of your bank account number
Step 1: Dial *99# from your registered mobile number
Step 2: Proceed to keyin 3 letters of your bank short name or first 4 letters of bank IFSC or 2-digit bank numeric code
Step 3: Choose the option to transfer funds using IFSC code and mobile number
Step 4: Enter beneficiary/payee account number, IFSC code and transaction amount
Step 5: Key in MPIN and last 4 digits of your bank account number. A confirmation message will be displayed on screen
Language | USSD Code |
English | *99# |
Hindi | *99*22# |
Marathi | *99*28# |
Bengali | *99*27# |
Gujarati | *99*27# |
Punjabi | *99*30# |
Tamil | *99*23# |
Assamese | *99*31# |
Oriya | *99*32# |
Telugu | *99*24# |
Malayalam | *99*25# |
Kannada | *99*26# |
To start using *USSD (99#) services, registration is mandatory. Here's how:
Note: No data connection or smartphone is needed, making it ideal for rural and semi-urban users.
Financial Services | Non-Financial Services |
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Yes. The mobile number should be registered with your bank account.
To know if your bank is offering the service or not, log on to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) website.
In such a case, the user will have to immediately block his/her mobile number.
The service can be availed on a 24/7 basis on all 365 days in a year.
The service is available on all GSM handsets but not on CDMA.
No.
Currently, the maximum amount that can be transferred through this service is Rs.5000.
In such a case, the funds will be credited back to the remitters account in real time.
IFSC code is a 11-digit alphanumeric code that is designed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to identify each bank branch.
MMID, also known as Mobile Money Identifier, is a 7-digit code that is issued to bank customers. This code is used during the fund transfer process.
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