PhonePe Launches UPI Payments For Feature Phones
Walmart-owned fintech major PhonePe has launched UPI payments for feature phones, mobile phones that handle basic calling and text messaging,…
PhonePe, a fintech company owned by Walmart, has introduced UPI payments for feature phones. This allows users of these basic phones, which only handle calls and texts, to make digital transactions without needing internet access. PhonePe refers to its new service as PhonePe UPI 123Pay. With this service, PhonePe claims to provide UPI capabilities to over 200 crore feature phone users in the country.
The service will be available on feature phones made by Nokia, HMD, Lava International, and Itel Mobile, which is owned by Transsion Holdings. PhonePe plans to add more partners in the coming months. PhonePe UPI 123Pay uses an SMS-based system, processing transactions in areas with limited 2G connectivity. Users can make peer-to-peer transfers using mobile numbers or UPI IDs and pay merchants using UPI IDs and QR codes on devices with cameras.
PhonePe has also launched a voice-first, AI-powered helpline in English and 12 Indian languages to help users activate the service. To register, users need to select their bank, enter the last six digits of their debit card and its expiry date, and set a UPI PIN. This move brings UPI to feature phones, extending the benefits of digital payments to every corner of the country.
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