UPI Payments Revolution: Now Make Digital Payments with Just a Missed Call — IOB Introduces a Game-Changing Feature
India’s journey toward becoming a fully digital economy just took another major leap. While UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has already transformed the way millions of Indians transact, Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has now taken digital payments to the next level by making them possible even without internet access or smartphones. Through the new UPI 123Pay service, users can now send or receive money and even check account balances simply by giving a missed call or voice command.
Bridging the Digital Divide with UPI 123Pay
Although India has made rapid strides in digital banking, millions of citizens in semi-urban and rural areas still use basic feature phones without internet connectivity. To bring these users into the digital ecosystem, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced UPI 123Pay — a revolutionary system designed specifically for feature phone users.
With this technology, users no longer need a smartphone, mobile app, or internet data. All they need is a mobile number linked to their bank account. Once registered, they can easily send or receive money, pay bills, or check their balance by placing a missed call or giving simple voice instructions.
How It Works
The system uses Interactive Voice Response (IVR) or missed-call-based verification to enable transactions. After calling a specific number, users are guided through an automated menu to confirm the payment using their UPI PIN. The process is quick, secure, and completely eliminates the dependency on internet connectivity.
Multi-Language Support and Enhanced Security
One of the biggest highlights of UPI 123Pay is its accessibility — the service is available in 12 Indian languages, making it easy for users from different regions to transact in their preferred language.
Moreover, since this service does not rely on internet-based apps, it significantly reduces the risk of cyber fraud and phishing attacks. This enhanced level of safety is especially beneficial for users who may not be familiar with digital security practices.
IOB’s Initiative to Expand Digital Inclusion
To roll out this service effectively, Indian Overseas Bank has partnered with Network People Services Technologies (NPST) and MissCallPay — a fintech platform specializing in voice-based UPI solutions.
This collaboration is expected to benefit around 400 million feature phone users across India, many of whom have so far remained excluded from the UPI ecosystem. According to reports, despite the massive growth in digital transactions, nearly 850 million Indians still don’t use UPI. This initiative could be a major step toward bridging that gap.
A Step Toward Voice-Based Digital India
Deepak Chand Thakur, Chairman of NPST, stated that the voice-based UPI system will play a key role in making digital payments universal and inclusive. In the future, this technology could be integrated with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing users to perform transactions through simple verbal commands.
Such advancements will not only make payments more convenient but also accelerate India’s vision of a voice-driven digital economy.
Why It Matters
The introduction of UPI 123Pay is a milestone for financial inclusion, especially for rural and elderly populations who may find smartphone apps challenging to use. By eliminating barriers like internet dependency, language difficulty, and complex app navigation, this service empowers every Indian — regardless of location or literacy — to participate in the digital economy.
Final Takeaway
With IOB’s latest initiative, digital payments in India are now just a missed call away. The launch of UPI 123Pay not only enhances convenience but also strengthens India’s broader vision of a cashless, inclusive economy.
This innovative system marks a new era where even the simplest mobile phones can connect millions to the country’s growing digital infrastructure — making Digital India truly for everyone.
