PhonePe Launches UPI Payments for Feature Phones via 123Pay PhonePe has introduced a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) application tailored for feature phones, enabling users to conduct transactions without relying on mobile data. The SMS-based service, branded as PhonePe UPI 123Pay, is pre-installed on select devices from manufacturers such as Nokia, HMD, Lava, and itel. This initiative aims to expand access to digital payments for India’s extensive base of feature-phone users, who have historically been excluded from modern mobile banking services. The UPI 123Pay platform, which has been in development for four years, leverages an SMS-driven architecture to facilitate seamless financial transactions. Unlike traditional UPI apps that require internet connectivity, this version operates entirely through text messages, eliminating the need for mobile data. Users can send money to mobile numbers or UPI IDs directly through the service, making it accessible even in areas with limited or no internet infrastructure. PhonePe emphasized that the move aligns with the growing adoption of UPI in India, where the payment system has recorded unprecedented transaction volumes. As of the latest data, UPI transactions have surpassed billions of transactions monthly, driven by government initiatives to promote digital financial inclusion. By targeting feature-phone users, PhonePe seeks to bridge the gap between traditional banking and digital payment ecosystems, ensuring that even those without smartphones can participate in the digital economy. The pre-installed nature of the UPI 123Pay app on devices from Nokia, HMD, Lava, and itel underscores PhonePe’s strategic partnership with hardware manufacturers to integrate digital payment capabilities at the point of device production.#phonepe #nokia #itel #hmd #lava
PhonePe Launches UPI 123Pay for Feature Phones, Enables Digital Payments Without Smartphones PhonePe, a leading digital payments platform in India, has introduced a new service called UPI 123Pay that allows users to perform UPI transactions using feature phones without internet connectivity. This innovation aims to expand digital payment accessibility to millions of users who rely on basic mobile phones instead of smartphones. The service operates through SMS-based technology, enabling transactions even in areas with limited or no data connectivity. The UPI 123Pay service is currently available on select feature phones from brands such as Nokia, HMD, Lava International, and Itel. These devices must have pre-installed PhonePe apps to access the service. Users can register for the service by following a step-by-step process that includes verifying their bank details, providing the last six digits of their debit card, and setting a UPI PIN. Once registered, users can send money to mobile numbers or UPI IDs, make payments at physical stores, scan QR codes, and check their account balances or transaction history. The service’s SMS-based infrastructure ensures that users do not need an active internet connection to perform transactions. This is a significant development for rural and semi-urban populations in India, where feature phones remain widely used. PhonePe emphasized that the UPI 123Pay initiative builds on an existing NPCI service launched in 2022, which aimed to simplify digital payments for non-smartphone users. By integrating this technology, PhonePe seeks to bridge the gap between traditional mobile users and the growing digital economy. Users can also leverage additional features such as bill payments, recharge services, and UPI registration through their feature phones.#phonepe #nokia #itel #hmd #lava_international
PhonePe New Rule: Users Face ₹100 Maintenance Charge for Inactive Wallets PhonePe has introduced a new policy affecting users who have not engaged with their wallets for an extended period. Starting from June 2026, the company will impose a quarterly maintenance charge of ₹100 (including GST) on inactive wallets. This rule targets users who have not conducted any financial transactions through their PhonePe wallets for a full year. The move aims to cover the costs of maintaining inactive accounts and ensuring the continued operation of the platform’s services. The policy outlines that a wallet is classified as inactive if there are no direct financial transactions, such as sending money, receiving payments, or using the balance for purchases, for a period of 365 days. Simply opening the app, checking the balance, or using UPI for transactions does not count as activity. Users are advised to make at least one small transaction within the year to avoid the charge. Under the new rule, PhonePe will notify users before deducting the maintenance fee. If a wallet meets the inactivity criteria, the company will send a notification or message informing the user. If no action is taken, the fee will be deducted from the wallet’s balance. However, if the balance is less than ₹100, only the available amount will be charged, and the wallet will be left with a zero balance. Importantly, PhonePe will not allow negative balances, ensuring users are not charged more than their available funds. The maintenance charge is applied every three months, meaning users with inactive wallets will face the fee four times a year. For example, if a wallet becomes inactive in January 2026, the first charge will be deducted in April 2026, followed by charges in July, October, and January 2027.#india #financial_transactions #phonepe #digital_wallet #inactive_wallets
How to Book LPG Cylinders via PhonePe, Google Pay, and Other Apps Booking LPG cylinders online has become easier with digital payment apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and others. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you book your cylinder seamlessly. --- Using PhonePe Steps: Open the PhonePe app and log in. Tap on the "Recharge & Pay Bills" section. Scroll down to find the "LPG Cylinder" option. Select your gas company (e.g., Indane, HP Gas, Bharat Gas). Enter your Consumer ID or registered mobile number. Choose the cylinder size and quantity. Proceed to Pay using UPI, debit card, or wallet. Confirm the payment, and you’ll receive a digital receipt. --- Using Google Pay Steps: Open Google Pay and log in. Tap on "Pay Bills" or "Recharge". Select "LPG Cylinder" from the list of services. Enter your Consumer ID or registered mobile number. Choose the cylinder size and quantity. Proceed to Pay using UPI, debit card, or wallet. Confirm the payment, and you’ll get a confirmation message. --- Using BHIM App Steps: Open the BHIM app and log in. Navigate to "Pay Bills" or "Recharge". Select "LPG Cylinder" and choose your gas provider. Enter your Consumer ID or mobile number. Select the cylinder size and quantity. Proceed to Pay using UPI. Confirm the payment, and you’ll receive a digital receipt. --- Using Other Apps (e.g., Paytm, Amazon Pay) Similar steps apply: Log in to the app. Go to "Pay Bills" or "Recharge". Select "LPG Cylinder" and enter your details. Choose the cylinder size and proceed to pay. --- Important Notes: Ensure your Consumer ID or mobile number is registered with your gas provider. Check the validity of your UPI PIN before initiating payments. Confirm the price of the cylinder before proceeding. --- Author Bio: भव्य भारद्वाज is a Digital Content Producer at नवभारत टाइम्स.#phonepe #google_pay #bhim_app #paytm #amazon_pay
