*99# E-PAYMENT SERVICE

AN OVERVIEW OF *99# SERVICE FOR E-PAYMENTS WITHOUT INTERNET

One of the innovative payment service launched by NPCI includes *99# service, which works on Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) channel. This service was launched envisioning the potential of Mobile Banking and the need for immediate low value remittances which will help in financial deepening and inclusion of underbanked society in the mainstream banking services. *99# service was dedicated to the nation by the Honorable Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi on 28th August 2014 as part of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).





*99# service has been launched to take the banking services to every common man across the country. Banking customers can avail this service by dialing *99#, a “Common number across all Telecom Service Providers (TSPs)” on their mobile phone and transact through an interactive menu displayed on the mobile screen. Key services offered under *99# service include, interbank account to account fund transfer, balance enquiry, mini statement besides host of other 

services. *99# service is currently offered by 43 leading banks & all GSM service providers and can be accessed in 12 different languages including Hindi & English. *99# service is a unique interoperable direct to consumer service that brings together the diverse ecosystem partners such as Banks & TSPs (Telecom Service Providers).

It is a common technology platform developed by NPCI which allows the Banks and TSPs to seamlessly integrate with each other to provide banking services to the customers at large over the mobile phones (basic as well as smartphone).

after demonetization the dependence on the Digital Payment has increased. Since this service ie *99# service can be used on basic mobile phones and that too without internet it will find a larger user  base. The service and its methodology too has been upgraded beginning Jan 2017. It has been noticed that the service  also now is basing its transactions using the UPI (Unified Payment Interface) in addition to Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). 

Currently, some of the  Financial, Non-financial and Value Added Services (VAS) are offered through *99# service as will get highlighted as we proceed with the set up and utilisation of this service.

REQUIREMENTS FOR UTILISATION OF THE SERVICES

1.    The mobile number must be registered and linked to one's bank account.
2.    One should apply to the Bank and get Mobile banking activated for one's account.
3.    In some of the banks the mobile banking can be activated either on sms or on internet banking.
4.    On activation one should obtain the MMID (Mobile Banking Identification which is a number of  7  digits and M-PIN (Mobile Payment Index Number) which is a four digit number. These will be required when you need to receive or send money from/to others. One's account identity is established with MMID and the M-PIN authorises the Transaction.
5.    In a recent update of the account the application uses the UPI PIN in place of the M-PIN which can be generated,
6.    One must have the valid debit card for this account, this is used to generate the M-PIN or the UPI Pin as the case may be.

With these requirements and preparations one can proceed for transations as explained in succeeding paragraphs.

Step-1 . Dial *99# from you phone, the code will run on the phone and at the end will show a screen where it will ask you to type three letter code of the  Bank like SBI or first four letters of the IFSC Code of your Bank like ICIC.
Step 2 - As you submit the appliication will start searching for your Bank where this mobile number is registered and the account to which the same is registered. As it is completed the adjacent screen may be displayed for you to select your option.

   


 ** In case of some other banks where the application has been updated modified screen will be visible as on the left hand side. In case UPI PIN is not known first and foremost option 7 be selected and UPI pin generated with the information as will be asked of your debit card ie last six figs of the debit card and its expiry date. select your own UPI PIN of 6 figures and remember the same.

    Once PIN has been generated once agian dialling *99# you will get to this screen straight where one of the following option should be selected:-
     * SEND MONEY
     * REQUEST MONEY
     * CHECK BALANCE IN ACCOUNT
     * MY PROFILE
     * PENDING REQUESTS.
     * TRANSACTIONS.
     * UPI PIN (CHANGE)
    
Let Us select Option ONE for sending money and submit. On completion of the submitted request one will see the screen as shown.
  Here you see options for sending money either by payees Mobile number , payment address of the payee or by IFSC code or the MMID.

     Select the option accordingly and submit.

follow the instructions as they come in sequence and insert the required information. 

Toward the end it will ask fo your account number and the UPI PIN. On insertion the  required figures and
submission the money will be sent and notification given
to both sender and receiver.







For ease Steps to be followed in are given below in Hindi ..





SALIENT FEATURES OF THE SERVICE

• Works without Internet – Uses voice connectivity
• Round the clock availability (works even on holidays)
• Accessible through a common code *99# across all TSPs
• Works across all GSM service providers and mobile handsets
• Additional channel for banking and key catalyst for financial inclusion
• Service also offered through BC Micro ATMs to serve the rural populace