Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 22: In a ground-breaking move set to transform India’s digital financial ecosystem, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched the offline Digi Rupee system, enabling money transfers even without an internet connection. The initiative, announced at the FinTech Fest 2025 held in Mumbai, marks a new milestone in the country’s journey toward financial inclusion and digital advancement.
With internet connectivity becoming an integral part of modern life — from online orders to education and financial transactions — the RBI’s latest move aims to bridge the connectivity gap. The offline Digi Rupee system allows users to transfer money seamlessly, even in areas without internet or mobile network coverage.
Digi Rupee is the digital currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India. It represents the electronic version of physical currency and holds the same value as traditional money. Unlike UPI transactions that require a bank account, the Digi Rupee enables direct wallet-to-wallet transfers without needing bank accounts. The currency will be stored in digital wallets provided by participating banks and can be used by scanning UPI-style QR codes.
The Digi Rupee operates through two modes — telecom-assisted offline payment and NFC (Near Field Communication)–based payment systems. The telecom-based method requires minimal network connectivity, while NFC technology allows payments to be completed even in the absence of internet or mobile signals.
Users can transfer money simply by tapping their mobile phones, similar to how UPI works, enabling both person-to-person and person-to-merchant payments.
Several leading banks are offering Digi Rupee wallets, including State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank, Yes Bank, HDFC Bank, Union Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Canara Bank, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, Punjab National Bank, Federal Bank, Karnataka Bank, and Indian Bank.
Users can download the respective mobile applications from Google Play Store or Apple App Store to access Digi Rupee services. Wallets will allow easy management of funds, minimum balance requirements, and even recovery in case of mobile loss.
The offline Digi Rupee is expected to significantly reduce problems caused by poor network connectivity, particularly benefiting rural and remote areas. It ensures smooth financial transactions without requiring internet access and is suitable for everyday activities — from personal transfers to business payments.
This innovation by the RBI aims to make digital finance more inclusive, reliable, and accessible to every citizen, regardless of connectivity challenges.