Do you have a basic mobile phone without internet connectivity? Or is your internet service always so sketchy that using it is a pain? Don’t worry! You can still carry out your banking transactions through your mobile even without the internet. Want to know how? Read on to find out.
The National Unified Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (NUUSSD) is a platform that helps basic mobile phone users to avail of banking services through their mobile phones. The cool thing about this is you don’t need internet connectivity to make use of this service. Do you need to download an app? No! So, how does this work?
The Registration
You need to first register your mobile number with your bank. Then, to avail banking services you need to dial *99#. This number is for English. Other languages such as Hindi, Gujarati, Tamil and Malayalam are also available.
The dial-in number will change based on your preferred language. However, note that irrespective of the language you choose, the number is applicable for all mobile operators.
After The Dial-in
When you dial in, you will get a welcome message. This message will ask you for the first 4 digits of your bank’s Indian Financial System Code or IFSC number. Once you enter those digits, you will receive a mobile banking menu.
All you need to do is just select the transaction that you want to do, enter the required details and complete the transaction.
Additional Reading: A Quick Guide To IFSC And MICR Codes
Transactions?
Now, what kind of banking transactions can you carry out using this service? Well, quite a lot actually. You can check your balance, view statements, transfer funds and do much more. Check the list below.
- Balance Enquiry
- Mini Statement
- MMID
- Generating mPIN
- Changing mPIN
- Generating OTP
- Funds transfer using MMID
- Funds transfer using IFSC
- Funds transfer using Aadhaar
- Know whether your Aadhaar is linked to your bank account
Additional Reading: How To Apply For An Aadhaar Card
In case you want to transfer funds, you just need to enter the beneficiary’s phone number along with their Mobile Money Identification Number (MMID). Once you initiate the transfer, the beneficiary needs to reply with the amount that has to be transferred and the last 4 digits of their account number. You may also need their mPIN.
You can also transfer funds using IFSC and account number alone. In this case you will need to use your mPIN. NUUSSD uses the IMPS platform for transferring funds.
Additional Reading: All You Need To Know About MMID
How To Transfer Funds Using MMID
Here’s a step by step depiction of how to perform a funds transfer using MMID
- Dial *99#
- Enter 4 digits of your IFSC code or 3 letters of your bank’s name
- Menu comes up
- Enter 3 for funds transfer using MMID
- Enter beneficiary’s mobile number, their MMID, the amount that has to be transferred and remarks (if any).
- Enter mPIN (if required).
- Ta-da! Transaction confirmed.
Costs?
Note that you can perform only one transaction in a single session. Also, you will be charged for each transaction. However, the fee is very nominal. The fee is presently Rs. 0.50 per transaction. This amount will be debited irrespective of whether the transaction was successful or not.
This amount will not be debited from your bank account though. It will be debited from your mobile balance or added to your mobile bill. You also need to note that only GSM mobile users can avail this service.
Advantages?
- You don’t need an internet connection.
- You don’t need GPRS.
- This facility is available on all days including holidays.
- There are no additional charges if you use it when you are roaming.
Caveats?
- The funds transfer initiated thorough this mode cannot be cancelled. However, if you transfer funds using net banking, you can cancel the transfer after initiation.
- There is a transaction limit of Rs. 5,000 for transactions done thorough NUUSSD.
Additional Reading: Mobile Banking 101
Ready to try out this service? Go ahead! You can now tell your family and friends that you don’t need a smart phone for banking.