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Soon, you may be able to withdraw cash by simply scanning a QR code with your phone; no ATM or card needed, even in remote towns and villages.
For millions who struggle with ATM cards or biometric failures, this method offers a seamless, secure way to access cash. (News18)
Digital payments have revolutionised the Indian economy, and UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has emerged as a major game-changer in this transformation. Now, UPI could also bring about a new ease in withdrawing cash, particularly in areas where access to ATMs and banking facilities is limited.
According to a report by The Economic Times, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has approached the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to allow cash withdrawals through QR codes from mobile phones, facilitated via the extensive network of Business Correspondents (BCs), essentially micro-branches of banks found in rural and remote areas.
Currently, cash withdrawal via UPI is only available through select UPI-enabled ATMs and a few shopkeepers. These withdrawals are capped at Rs 1,000 in cities and Rs 2,000 in rural areas. However, if approved, this facility could expand to over 20 lakh BCs across India, vastly increasing access.
How Would It Work?
The proposed system would let users scan a QR code at a BC outlet and withdraw up to Rs 10,000 per transaction, with a 30-minute interval required between successive withdrawals.
This would eliminate the need for ATM cards or Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication, which often fails in rural areas due to issues with biometric recognition.
The Security Challenge
With convenience comes risk. Cybercrime experts have raised concerns about the potential for digital fraud.
In the past, stolen funds have been routed through BC networks, leading authorities to freeze payment gateway accounts and disrupt services during investigations. Hence, implementing robust security and identity verification mechanisms will be crucial.
Why This Matters
If executed correctly, this plan could transform banking access in small towns and villages. For millions who struggle with ATM cards or biometric failures, this offers a seamless, secure way to access cash. It will also strengthen India’s financial inclusion mission and bolster the shift towards a cashless economy.
In essence, the future may soon allow you to withdraw cash from your phone — anytime, anywhere — with just a QR scan.
September 15, 2025, 16:08 IST
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