UPI for Everyone: How to Send and Receive Money Without Going to Bank

UPI for Everyone: How to Send and Receive Money Without Going to Bank

Who needs this service?

• Citizens without smartphones: Users with basic “button phones” (feature phones) can now use UPI.

• Citizens without debit/ATM cards: People who only have a bank account and Aadhaar card.

• Daily users: Anyone wanting to make instant payments without internet or bank visits.

Required documents:

• Active Bank Account: With any UPI-live bank (SBI, HDFC, PNB, Canara, etc.).

• Mobile Number: Must be linked to the bank account and active (sending SMS balance required).

• Aadhaar Card: Linked to the same mobile number (only required if you do not have a Debit Card).

• Debit Card: (Optional) Only if you prefer using it over Aadhaar for verification.

1. Online Process: For Smartphone Users (Without Debit Card)

If you have a smartphone but no ATM/Debit card, you can now use your Aadhaar card to set up UPI.

Step-by-Step Registration:

1. Download Official App: Install BHIM (NPCI official), PhonePe, or Google Pay from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

2. Verify Mobile Number: Open the app and select the SIM card linked to your bank. The app will send an SMS to verify.

3. Add Bank Account: Go to Profile → Add Bank Account → Select your Bank Name.

4. Choose Aadhaar Option:

   • When asked to set UPI PIN, you will see two options: “Debit Card” and “Aadhaar Card”.

   • Select Aadhaar Card.

5. Verify Aadhaar:

   • Enter the first 6 digits of your Aadhaar number.

   • Enter the OTP received from UIDAI (Aadhaar).

   • Enter the OTP received from your Bank.

6. Set UPI PIN: Create a 4 or 6-digit secure PIN. This is your password for all future payments.

Official Reference: [suspicious link removed]

2. Offline Process: For “Button Phone” Users (No Internet)

If you do not have a smartphone or internet, use the government’s UPI 123PAY service.

Method A: Calling (IVR Number)

• Best for: Anyone comfortable with voice instructions in Hindi/English/regional languages.

1. Dial: 080 4516 3666 or 6366 200 200.

2. Language: Select your preferred language (e.g., Press ‘1’ for Hindi).

3. Registration: The voice bot will confirm your bank account linked to the mobile number. Press ‘1’ to confirm.

4. Set PIN: If you are new, enter your Debit Card details (Last 6 digits + Expiry) to set a UPI PIN.

5. Send Money:

   • Dial the number again.

   • Select “Money Transfer”.

   • Enter the Mobile Number of the receiver.

   • Enter Amount and your UPI PIN.

*Method B: USSD Code (99#)

• Best for: Quick menu-based access without listening to voice prompts.

1. Dial: *99# on your phone dialer.

2. Select Option: A menu will appear (e.g., 1. Send Money, 2. Check Balance).

3. Register: If using for the first time, enter the short name of your bank (e.g., SBI, PNB) or first 4 letters of IFSC.

4. Transact: Reply with ‘1’ to send money, enter the receiver’s number, amount, and PIN.

   • *Note: Telecom operators may charge ₹0.50 per session for 99#.

Official Portal: UPI 123PAY Details

3. How to Check Application/Transaction Status

You can track money sent or complaints directly through central government portals.

• Check Transaction Status (Smartphone):

  • Open your UPI App → Go to “History” or “My Transactions”.

  • Click on the specific transaction to see “Success”, “Failed”, or “Pending”.

• *Check Status (Offline/99#):

  • Dial *99# → Reply with option for “Profile” or “Last Transactions”.

• Official Complaint Tracking (DigiSaathi):

  • Visit: https://www.digisaathi.info/

  • Use the “Track Complaint” feature if money was deducted but not received.

4. Common Problems and Solutions

5. Official Helpline Numbers

For fraud, complaints, or technical help, use only these verified government and NPCI channels.

• DigiSaathi (24×7 Helpline for Digital Payments):

  • Toll-Free: 1800-891-3333

  • Short Code: 14431

  • Website: www.digisaathi.info

• Cyber Crime Helpline (For Fraud Reporting):

  • Number: 1930

  • Portal: [suspicious link removed]

• BHIM Toll-Free:

  • Number: 1800-120-1740

Next Step for You:

Would you like me to explain how to specifically enable “UPI Lite” for small payments under ₹500 so you don’t have to enter your PIN every time?

This information is from official sources (NPCI, DigiSaathi) as of January 2026. Always verify on the official portal for the latest updates.