Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday allows offline digital payments to 200 per transaction, depending on the overall limit of Rs 2,000. Offline digital payments mean transactions that do not require internet connectivity or telecommunications.

“Transactions are subject to the RS 200 limit per transaction and the overall limit of Rs 2,000 for all transactions until the balance on the account is recharged. Charging the balance can only occur in online mode,” said the framework to facilitate small digital values. Payment in offline mode.

Under offline mode, payment can be done in a face-to-face (proximity mode) using any channels or instruments such as cards, wallets, and cellular devices. This transaction will not require additional authentication factors (AFA), the RBI said, adding that because the transaction offline, warning (via SMS and / or email) will be received by the customer after the time lag.
The framework that combines feedback received from pilot experiments on offline transactions carried out in various parts of the country during the period from September 2020 to June 2021, he said.

“Offline transactions are expected to provide push transactions to digital in areas with poor or weak telecommunications connectivity, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. This new framework applies with direct effects,” RBI said. Offline payment mode, he said, can be activated after getting special approval from the customer.

Customers, he added, will continue to enjoy protection under circular conditions that limit customer obligations and will have another way for the Ombudsman ombudsman scheme integrated with compensation complaints. Offline payments can be made using any channels or instruments such as cards, wallets, and cellular devices.

“Offline payments must be made in distance mode (face to face) only,” he said and added that the transaction could be offered without AFA. Also, the transaction uses cards must be allowed without the requirement to turn on the transaction channel without contact.

Furthermore, the acquirer must be subject to all obligations arising from technical security problems or transactions at the end of the merchant. RBI also emphasizes that offline payments will be discussed under the circular provisions of their customer obligations. RBI has requested all official payment system operators (Psos) and payment system participants (PSPS) acquirers and issuers (banks and non-banks) to ensure compliance with instructions.