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PhonePe Launches UPI 123Pay for 200m Feature Phone Users

PhonePe's new service enables digital transactions without internet. UPI 123Pay offers peer-to-peer payments and more.

Mumbai Alert · Markets Desk
Mumbai Alert · Markets Desk
Markets Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Mon, 31 August 2026 at 03:28 pm
PhonePe Launches UPI 123Pay for 200m Feature Phone Users

PhonePe has introduced UPI 123Pay, a service that allows feature phone users to make digital transactions without the need for internet. This innovation extends UPI payment capabilities to over 200 million Indian feature phone users, significantly expanding the reach of digital payments in the country.

The UPI 123Pay platform enables users to perform a range of transactions, including peer-to-peer and peer-to-merchant payments, as well as balance checks. To facilitate easy adoption, the service also includes an AI-powered helpline that provides support to first-time users in multiple languages.

The launch of UPI 123Pay is a significant development in the Indian digital payments landscape. With a large proportion of the country's population still using feature phones, this service has the potential to bring millions of people into the formal economy.

PhonePe's new service is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, even for those who are not familiar with digital payments. The company plans to introduce additional features in the future, including utility bill payments and mobile recharges, which will further enhance the functionality of the platform.

The introduction of UPI 123Pay is also expected to have a positive impact on the Indian economy. By increasing access to digital payments, the service can help to reduce transaction costs and increase financial inclusion.

In recent years, the Indian government has been actively promoting digital payments as part of its efforts to create a more cashless economy. The launch of UPI 123Pay is a significant step forward in this direction, and is likely to contribute to the growth of digital payments in the country.

Overall, the launch of UPI 123Pay is a major development in the Indian digital payments space. With its user-friendly interface and range of features, the service has the potential to bring digital payments to millions of people who were previously excluded from the formal economy.

The future updates to the service will be closely watched, as they are expected to further enhance the functionality of the platform. With the introduction of utility bill payments and mobile recharges, UPI 123Pay is likely to become an even more essential tool for feature phone users in India.

In conclusion, the launch of UPI 123Pay is a significant milestone in the Indian digital payments landscape. The service has the potential to increase financial inclusion, reduce transaction costs, and contribute to the growth of digital payments in the country.

Frequently asked questions

What is UPI 123Pay?

UPI 123Pay is a service launched by PhonePe that enables feature phone users to make digital transactions without internet.

What features does UPI 123Pay offer?

UPI 123Pay offers peer-to-peer and peer-to-merchant payments, balance checks, and an AI-powered helpline.

phonepeupidigital paymentsfeature phonesindia
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