Digital payments have become an essential part of everyday life in India. Whether you are shopping at a local store, paying utility bills, sending money to family members, or making online purchases, UPI has made transactions faster and more convenient than ever before.
But what happens when your internet connection suddenly stops working? Your mobile data may be exhausted, network coverage may be weak, or you may be traveling in a remote area where internet access is unavailable. In such situations, many people assume that digital payments are impossible.
The good news is that you can still make UPI payments without an internet connection. A special service introduced by the National Payments Corporation of India allows users to transfer money, check account balances, and access banking services directly from their mobile phones without using mobile data or WiFi.
If you are not familiar with this facility, this complete guide explains everything you need to know about making UPI payments without internet using the *99# service.
What Is *99# UPI Service?
The *99# service is a USSD based mobile banking system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India. It enables users to perform banking and UPI related transactions using simple mobile network connectivity.
Unlike regular UPI applications that require internet access, this service works through GSM networks and can be used on both smartphones and feature phones.
This means even users with basic keypad phones can send money, receive funds, check balances, and perform several banking operations without requiring an internet connection.
Why This Service Is Important
India has millions of users living in rural and remote regions where internet connectivity may not always be reliable. In addition, there are situations where mobile data packs expire unexpectedly or network congestion affects internet services.
The *99# service acts as a backup payment solution during emergencies and ensures uninterrupted access to banking facilities.
It is especially useful for:
Remote villages and rural areas
Traveling in locations with poor internet connectivity
Emergency financial transactions
Users who do not own smartphones
People using feature phones
Situations where mobile data is unavailable
Eligibility Requirements Before Using *99#
Before using the service, users must ensure that a few basic requirements are fulfilled.
Your mobile number must be linked to your bank account.
UPI should already be activated on the linked mobile number.
The mobile number used for dialing must be the same number registered with your bank.
Your phone should have normal call and SMS network coverage.
As long as these conditions are met, the service can be used without internet access.
How to Make UPI Payments Without Internet
Making a payment through the *99# service is simple and takes only a few minutes.
Open your mobile phone dialer.
Dial *99# and press the call button.
Make sure you are using the SIM card linked to your bank account.
A menu will appear on your screen showing different banking options.
Select the Send Money option.
Choose the preferred payment method. You can transfer money using:
UPI ID
Mobile Number
Bank Account Number
IFSC Code
Enter the recipient details carefully.
Type the amount you want to send.
Review all information before proceeding.
Enter your UPI PIN to authorize the transaction.
Once the PIN is verified, the payment will be processed instantly.
You will receive a confirmation message on your screen as well as through SMS.
Can You Check Bank Balance Without Internet?
Yes, one of the biggest advantages of the *99# service is that it allows users to check their bank account balance without internet access.
Simply dial *99#, open the menu, and choose the Balance Inquiry option.
Within seconds, the available balance linked to your bank account will be displayed.
This feature is extremely useful for users who want to verify their account balance before making a transaction.
Features Available Through *99# Service
The service offers more than just money transfers.
Users can access several banking facilities including:
Money transfer
Balance inquiry
Mini statement
UPI PIN management
Account details
Request money
Transaction history
Bank account management
Because of these features, the service serves as a complete backup digital banking solution.
Charges for Using *99# Service
Although the service does not require internet access, telecom operators may apply a small USSD charge.
The charge is generally around ₹0.50 per session, depending on the telecom provider and applicable regulations.
This fee is relatively small and makes the service affordable during emergencies.
Important Limitation You Should Know
While the service offers convenience, there are certain limitations.
Users generally do not receive cashback offers, reward points, scratch cards, or promotional incentives that are commonly available through app based UPI platforms.
The service is designed primarily for utility and accessibility rather than promotional rewards.
Therefore, when internet access is available, many users may still prefer using regular UPI applications.
Transaction Limits Under *99# UPI Service
Users should also be aware of transaction limits while using the service.
Typically, the per transaction limit is ₹5,000.
The daily transaction limit can be up to ₹20,000 depending on bank specific guidelines and regulatory rules.
These limits make the service suitable for most emergency payment requirements.
Is *99# Service Safe?
Security is one of the strongest aspects of this service.
Transactions are authenticated using your UPI PIN, ensuring that only authorized users can complete payments.
The service operates under the secure infrastructure managed by the National Payments Corporation of India.
Users should never share their UPI PIN, OTP, or banking credentials with anyone.
Following basic security practices can help keep your transactions safe and secure.
When Should You Use This Service?
The *99# service is ideal in situations such as:
Internet outage
Low network coverage
Mobile data exhaustion
Emergency transactions
Traveling in remote areas
Feature phone banking
Quick balance inquiries
Many users forget about this facility until they face a connectivity issue. Knowing how it works in advance can save time and prevent inconvenience when internet access is unavailable.
Official Information
For official information regarding UPI services, users can visit the National Payments Corporation of India website.
Official Website: https://www.npci.org.in
UPI Helpline Number: 1800 120 1740
Frequently Asked Questions
Does *99# work on keypad phones?
Yes. The service works on both feature phones and smartphones. Internet access is not required.
Do I need mobile data to use *99#?
No. The service operates through USSD technology and only requires mobile network connectivity.
Can I check my bank balance using *99#?
Yes. Users can check account balances directly through the menu available after dialing *99#.
Is there any charge for using the service?
Telecom operators may charge approximately ₹0.50 per session depending on their policies.
What is the transaction limit for *99# payments?
Generally, users can transfer up to ₹5,000 per transaction and up to ₹20,000 per day, subject to bank guidelines.
Is the service available 24 hours a day?
Yes. The service can typically be used at any time, including weekends and holidays.
Final Thoughts
The *99# UPI service remains one of the most useful yet underutilized digital payment facilities available in India. It ensures that users can continue making payments even when internet services are unavailable. Whether you own a smartphone or a basic keypad phone, this service provides a reliable backup solution for emergency banking needs.
With growing dependence on digital payments, remembering the simple code *99# can prove extremely valuable. The next time you face a network issue or run out of mobile data, you can still send money, check balances, and complete essential transactions without interruption.