NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India)

1. RuPay: NPCI introduced RuPay so that average citizens can make financial decisions. RuPay is an affordable card and can be issued as credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards. More than 300 million RuPay cards are in India.
2. USSD Services: Unstructured Supplementary Service Date (USSD) was introduced by the NPCI to allow individuals to make banking solutions without the need for internet or smartphones.
3. BHIM: BHIM uses UPI to complete payment transfers. You can make payments via BHIM by entering the Virtual Payment Address (VPA) or the registered mobile number. No smartphone is required to transfer funds via BHIM.
4. UPI: United Payments Interface (UPI) allows you to transfer funds from your smartphone. However, you will need to link your bank account to complete payments via UPI. Money is transferred directly from one bank to another.

Functions of NPCI: How It Operates

The following are the functions of NPCI: 

1. Introduction of UPI: NPCI introduced a UPI (Unified Payment Interface) payment system that enables sending and receiving money through a bank account using mobile phone. 
2. IMPS initiative: In case of emergencies, quick fund transfer can be done through IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) which is also an NPCI initiative. 
3. Connecting ATMs: National Financial Switch (NFS) makes transactions seamless by connecting ATMs, streamlining transactions across banks, and increasing accessibility of ATMs in India. 
4. Integration of Aadhaar: To ensure secure payment transactions, NPCI integrated Aadhar which is a unique identification system enabling secure verification of identities during transactions. 
5. Development of payment systems: NPCI is responsible for designing, developing, and operating various payment systems, thereby facilitating card payment, electronic fund transfers, and digital identity verification. 
6. Connecting banks: To facilitate interbank transactions, NPCI acts as an intermediary between various banks, financial institutions, and other entities, thereby ensuring smooth and safe fund transfer. 

Objectives of NPCI

The main objectives of the NPCI are mentioned below: 

1. Provide common people with an affordable and robust payment system 
2. Responsible for bringing together and integrating various systems into nationwide uniform and standard business processes that can be used as a retail payment system. 

Role of NPCI in UPI, IMPS & NACH

NPCI plays a central role in powering India’s digital payments through platforms like UPI, IMPS, and NACH:

1. UPI (Unified Payments Interface): NPCI developed UPI to enable real-time fund transfers between banks using mobile apps. It ensures transaction routing, security, and partner onboarding.
2. IMPS (Immediate Payment Service): Operated by NPCI, IMPS facilitates 24x7 instant money transfers using mobile numbers, account numbers, or Aadhaar.
3. NACH (National Automated Clearing House): NPCI manages NACH for bulk payments like salaries, subsidies, EMIs, and bills. It supports recurring transactions and Aadhaar-based DBT.

Benefits of NPCI for End Users & Banks

For End Users:

1. Instant Transfers: Real-time money transfers via UPI and IMPS.
2. 24x7 Availability: Services accessible round-the-clock, even on holidays.
3. Ease of Use: Simple interfaces using mobile numbers or Aadhaar.
4. Reduced Costs: Low or no transaction fees for digital payments.
5. Secure Transactions: Biometric and two-factor authentication for safety.
6. Wider Access: Banking services extended to rural and underserved areas.

For Banks:

1. Streamlined Payments: Efficient handling of bulk and retail transactions.
2. Reduced Operational Load: Automation via NACH and UPI integration.
3. Interoperability: Connects all member banks under a unified system.
4. Cost-Effective Infrastructure: Shared platform for lower tech overhead.
5. Boost in Digital Adoption: Enhances customer experience and reach.

Overview of NPCI Payment Systems

The following are the NPCI payments systems: 

1. BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money): This is also developed by the NPCI that smoothens the UPI-based transaction, making fund transfer way more efficient and faster. 
2. UPI (Unified Payment Interface): It is one of the digital payment modes that allows users to link their bank account to a mobile application and make bill payments, online purchase, or transfer fund. 
3. AePS (Aadhar Enables Payment System): It depends on Aadhar for biometric verification, thereby not requiring any PIN or physical cards to make secure transactions. 
4. NACH (National Automated Clearing House): This makes repetitive transactions, such an EMI payment, salary disbursal, and others more safely and efficiently. 
5. Rupay: India’s domestic car payment network which is accepted nationwide and competes with international card networks, such as Visa or Mastercard, thereby offering a range of debit or credit cards. 

How to Use NPCI Services?

The Following are the Services Offered by NPCI:

1. Download the UPI-enabled mobile application 
2. The user needs to open the application and select the bank 
3. Link the bank account with the UPI application 
4. Set the VPA which will be the UPI ID, for example user’s name@bank name 
5. To authorise transaction, create a secure PIN 
6. Enter recipient's VPA or mobile number, amount to be transferred, and short description (if any as it is optional), along with UPI PIN to send the fund 
7. The recipient must share the VPA with the sender to receive the money and accept the transaction notification on the UPI application.

Which Banks Come Under NPCI?

The following is the list of banks that come under NPCI: 

1. State Bank of India (SBI) 
2. HDFC Bank 
3. ICICI Bank 
4. Axis Bank 
5. Punjab National Bank.

NPCI vs Traditional Payment Methods

NPCI Customer Care Number

For assistance with issues or queries related to the BHIM app and transactions, customers can contact the NPCI helpline at 1800-120-1740. 

Additionally, NPCI offers the DigiSaathi feature, an automated response system that is available 24/7. DigiSaathi provides information on various payment-related products and services, including: 

1. Debit Cards and Credit Cards 

1. UPI 

1. NEFT 

1. RTGS 

1. IMPS 

1. AePS 

1. BHIM apps 

1. ATM transactions 

1. Online banking 

1. This ensures round-the-clock support for seamless resolution of payment-related concerns.

How to Check Aadhaar-NPCI Link?

The following are the steps to check the Aadhar-NPCI link status: 

Step 1: Visit the official website of the NPCI Aadhar status checking portal

Step 2: Enter the Aadhar number  

Step 3: To generate the OTP (One Time Password), enter the mobile number  

Step 4: Enter the OTP  

Step 5: After entering the OTP, the user will be able to check the Aadhar–NPCI link status.

How to Register a Complaint with NPCI  

1. Steps to Register a UPI Complaint with NPCI 

Follow these steps to lodge a UPI-related complaint or any product-related grievance with NPCI: 

Step 1: Visit the NPCI Official Website

1. Navigate to the NPCI website using your browser.

Step 2: Access the Complaint Section

1. Select the ‘Get in Touch’ option from the menu.

1. From the drop-down menu, choose ‘UPI Complaint’.

Step 3: Provide Complaint Details

Enter the required information, including:

1. Your name

1. Email ID

1. Mobile number

1. Feedback or issue description

Select the type of complaint, such as:

1. Transaction

1. PIN

1. Account

1. Registration

1. SMS

1. Login

1. Others

Step 4: Submit the Complaint

1. Click on the ‘Submit’ button to register your complaint.

Step 5: Resolution Process

The NPCI customer support team will contact you via your registered email ID or mobile number to address and resolve the issue. 

2. Steps to Register a Product Complaint with NPCI 

Follow these steps to file a product-related complaint with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI):

Step 1: Visit the NPCI Official Website

1. Open the NPCI website in your browser.

Step 2: Select the Product Type

Choose the relevant product from the available options:

1. NFS ATM

1. RuPay

1. IMPS

1. AePS

Step 3: Provide Transaction Details

Enter the following information:

1. Transaction type

1. The first six digits of the card number

1. The last four digits of the card number

Step 4: Enter Banking and Transaction Information

Select and provide details such as:

1. Your bank name

1. Transaction ID

1. Transaction date

1. Account number

1. Transaction amount

Step 5: Provide Personal Contact Information

Enter your:

1. Contact number

1. Full name

1. Email address

Step 6: Verify and Submit

1. Complete the Captcha code for verification.

1. Click on ‘Save and Proceed’ to register your complaint successfully.