UPI ATM is here! Say goodbye to debit cards when withdrawing cash
Ever forget your wallet or debit card when you urgently need cash? Don't worry! India has introduced the UPI ATM, which lets you withdraw money from ATMs using your UPI ID, solving this common problem.
As per a report from ET, Hitachi has introduced a novel type of ATM known as the UPI-ATM. Unlike the typical ATMs that require you to use a debit or credit card to withdraw money from your bank account, this UPI-ATM functions differently.
It goes by the name "Hitachi Money Spot UPI ATM" and was showcased at the Global FinTech Fest in Mumbai on September 5, 2023. What makes these UPI ATMs stand out is that they enable you to make cash withdrawals from your bank account using a dedicated mobile app called United Payments Interface (UPI), eliminating the need for physical cards in the process.
The key features of the UPI-ATM service include:
Interoperable, Cardless Transactions:
UPI-ATM offers an interoperable platform for cardless transactions, making it convenient and accessible.
Withdrawal Limit:
The maximum withdrawal limit per transaction is Rs 10,000, which is part of the existing daily UPI transaction limit and subject to the issuer bank's UPI-ATM transaction limit.
Cardless Convenience:
Users don't need to carry physical cards for ATM cash withdrawals; instead, they can use the UPI app to access cash from multiple accounts.The UPI-ATM differs from traditional cardless cash withdrawals:
Mobile and OTP:
Cardless cash withdrawals typically rely on mobile phones and OTPs (one-time passwords) for authentication.
QR Codes:
UPI-ATM, on the other hand, utilizes QR codes for cash withdrawals, as explained by Sumil Vikamsey, Managing Director of Cash Business at Hitachi Payment Services, a subsidiary of Hitachi. This approach offers a distinct method for accessing cash without physical cards or OTPs, enhancing security and convenience.Here is how you will be able to use the UPI ATM
1. Determine the amount of cash you wish to withdraw from the ATM.
2. The ATM will display a unique QR code representing the chosen withdrawal amount.
3. Utilize a UPI (United Payments Interface) mobile app, which can be any UPI-supported app already on your phone.
4. Open the UPI app and use it to scan the QR code shown on the ATM's screen. This scan informs the ATM of your desired withdrawal amount.
5. To ensure the transaction's security, you'll be prompted to enter a specific PIN within your UPI app. This PIN serves as a confidential code known only to you. Entering it grants authorization for the ATM to dispense the requested cash.
6. Once you've correctly entered the PIN and approved the transaction, the ATM will begin dispensing the requested amount in cash. You can then take the money and use it for your needs.
Who can use UPI ATMs?
Anyone with a registered UPI application can use UPI-ATMs. To utilize this service, individuals need to have a UPI app installed on their Android or iOS smartphones, as explained by Vikamsey.
It's worth noting that the Hitachi Money Spot UPI ATM is a White Label ATM operated by non-banking entities. Payment Service Providers (PSPs) who have undergone certification and are enabled for Interoperable Cardless Cash Withdrawal (ICCW) functionality can also use these ATMs.
While the UPI-ATM was showcased at the Global Fintech Fest 2023, its full deployment is expected to commence in a few months, according to Vikamsey.
Additionally, the UPI-ATM serves as a security enhancement by mitigating the risk of card skimming by fraudsters. It plays a pivotal role in promoting financial inclusion by providing easy access to banking services in areas where traditional banking infrastructure and card usage are limited, a development highly endorsed by Hitachi Payment Services.
Conclusion
The UPI-ATM represents a significant advancement in banking by merging the convenience and security of UPI with traditional ATMs. This ingenious concept ensures swift access to your funds, even in remote areas of India, all without the necessity of a physical card. The National Payments Corporation of India has endorsed this innovation, emphasizing its practicality and accessibility.
