Banking Awareness : All about UNSTRUCTURED SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICE DATA (USSD)

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a Global System for Mobile(GSM) communication technology that is used to send text between a mobile phone and an application program in the network. Applications may include prepaid roaming or mobile chatting.

Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) allows users without a smartphone or data/internet connection to use mobile banking through the *99# code. USSD-based mobile banking can be used for fund transfers, checking account balance, generating bank statement, among other uses. The main objective of the innovative *99# payments service is to allow financial inclusion of the underbanked and economically weaker sections of the society, and integrate them into mainstream banking. In an effort to make this service accessible to all, the service is available in 12 languages, including English and other Indian languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and Kannada, to name a few.

USSD is a technology platform through which information can be transmitted through a GSM network on a basic phone. This service will be available on all mobile phones with SMS facility. To use USSD mobile banking, users will have to simply dial *99# and use the interactive menu. There are many banks in India that are currently providing the *99# service.

Services Performed through USSD

1)Balance inquiry
2)Mini statement
3)Funds transfer using IFSC and account number

Charges and Transaction Limit for USSD Banking

The telecom service providers charge the customers for using NUUP services. The TRAI has set a maximum limit of ₹1.50 per transaction. However, you should contact your telecom service operator to confirm the exact charges. The transaction limit for NUUP is set to ₹5000 per transaction by RBI (Reserve Bank of India).

How To Use USSD Code for Banking?

To begin with USSD Banking, your mobile number has to be registered with the bank. If your mobile number is already registered, then you can directly dial *99#

Steps for USSD-based Banking

Step 1 : Dial *99# from your registered mobile number

Step 2 : Enter the three-letter abbreviation of your bank’s name or the first four letters of bank’s IFSC or the first two digits of the bank’s numeric code. Once you have done that, hit ‘send’ or press the ‘call’ button.

Step 3 : The options for the available services will be displayed. These options may vary from bank to bank, depending on the services that the concerned bank offers. Most banks provide the following options: