No smartphone? No internet? No problem! With RBI and NPCI’s UPI 123PAY initiative, even basic phone users can now enjoy the benefits of digital payments.

In a major leap toward digital inclusivity, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) have launched a revolutionary platform—UPI 123PAY—which enables users of feature phones (non-smartphones) to make UPI payments without needing internet access. This step is a game-changer for millions of Indians who still don’t use smartphones or high-speed data services.

With this initiative, digital payments are no longer limited to smartphone users alone. Now, individuals in rural areas, senior citizens, and small-scale vendors who rely on basic phones can also conduct secure transactions at their fingertips.

The UPI 123PAY platform has been specially designed for feature phone users. Here’s how it works:

• *Dial 99# from your feature phone.

• A menu will appear on your screen—choose your bank name from the given options.

• Enter the last 6 digits of your debit or ATM card.

• Set a UPI PIN as per the instructions provided.

• Once completed, your UPI ID will be created.

• You can now make payments by calling an IVR number (Interactive Voice Response) linked to your bank or UPI service.

Using this method, you can:

• Transfer funds

• Recharge your mobile phone

• Pay utility bills

• Check your bank balance

And all of this—without internet!

Yes, users of feature phones that support apps (like some Java or KaiOS-based devices) can also download a UPI-compatible app. Once installed, the payment process is similar to smartphones, allowing you to send and receive money, scan QR codes, and much more.

However, for those with very basic handsets without app support, the *99# service and IVR-based payment methods remain the most effective options.

This breakthrough is particularly beneficial for:

• Rural communities with poor internet connectivity

• Senior citizens who prefer simple phones

• Small merchants and shopkeepers in semi-urban and remote regions

• Economically disadvantaged groups who cannot afford smartphones

According to recent data, over 30 crore Indians still use feature phones. With UPI 123PAY, a vast segment of the population that was previously excluded from digital banking now has an easy, secure, and affordable way to access modern financial services.

The launch of UPI for feature phones is in line with the Indian government’s Digital India mission, which aims to empower every citizen with access to technology. This move not only boosts financial inclusion but also strengthens India’s position as a global leader in digital payment systems.

The convenience of transacting with a simple phone is expected to accelerate the shift toward a cashless economy, particularly in areas where digital penetration was previously limited.

RBI and NPCI’s UPI 123PAY platform is a landmark initiative that bridges the digital divide. By making digital payments accessible even to those without smartphones or internet connectivity, India is taking another big step toward universal financial inclusion.

So next time you think you need a smartphone to make a UPI payment, think again. Your basic feature phone is now powerful enough to handle your payments, safely and efficiently.