10 Steps to Link Aadhaar with Bank Accounts via NPCI

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), launched by the Reserve Bank of India and the Indian Banks Association, is pivotal in promoting digital transactions across India, ensuring a secure electronic payment environment nationwide.

As a key player in India’s finance domain, NPCI oversees the National Financial Switch (NFS), the largest interbank ATM network, and Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) for real-time money transfers. It also operates the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) for unified utility bill payments, acting as an extension of the RBI for seamless transactional settlements.

NPCI enhances user convenience with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), allowing instant mobile transactions. Furthermore, NPCI is facilitating the creation of Payments Banks to extend basic banking services to the masses.

Linking Bank Accounts with Aadhaar through NPCI

A significant initiative by NPCI is linking bank accounts with Aadhaar numbers. NPCI has encouraged banks to provide Aadhaar e-KYC services using OTP-based verification through Aadhaar-enabled devices. Here's the process to link your bank account with Aadhaar via NPCI:

Steps to Link Aadhaar to Bank Accounts through NPCI:

1. Visit the official NPCI website.
2. Select the 'Aadhaar Seeding Process'.
3. Click 'Click here' under the 'Aadhaar Seeding Process' section.
4. Fill out the new tab's Aadhaar Seeding form.
5. Read the guidelines carefully and provide the necessary information.
6. Attach your Aadhaar card and bank passbook copies.
7. Submit these documents to your bank manager for processing.

Linking Aadhaar using Paytm:

You can use the Paytm app as an alternative for integrating Aadhaar with NPCI:

1. Open the Paytm app.
2. Navigate to 'My Paytm' and select 'Paytm Bank'.
3. Enter your bank passcode.
4. Under 'Services', tap 'All Services'.
5. Choose 'Enroll For Direct Benefits Transfer' under 'Government Schemes'.
6. Select 'Link your Account' after understanding DBT benefits.
7. Choose the bank account you wish to link with NPCI.
8. Agree to the terms and conditions for your bank.
9. Click 'Submit' to start linking.
10. You will receive a confirmation SMS within 2-3 days after processing.

NPCI Aadhaar Link Form:

For convenient linking, utilize the Bank Account Link form on NPCI's site. Enter details such as Aadhaar number, bank account, and IFSC code, and submit it to your bank.

NPCI Mapper:

This tool is crucial for accurate payment routing to Aadhaar-linked accounts. The NPCI mapper verifies the recipient’s Aadhaar and the bank's Issuer Identification Number (IIN) for transactions.

Online Status Check for Aadhaar Linking:

You can verify the linking status online with your NPCI-linked account:

1. Visit the UIDAI site.
2. Click on 'Aadhaar Services' under 'My Aadhaar'.
3. Select 'Check Aadhaar/Bank Linking Status'.
4. Enter your Aadhaar/Virtual ID and the captcha shown.
5. Click 'Send OTP'.
6. Input the OTP received and press 'Submit'.
7. Your Aadhaar linking status will be displayed.

Offline Checking via SMS:

For offline status, use the following SMS method:

• Dial *99*99*1# with a UIDAI-registered mobile number.
• Provide your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
• Re-enter Aadhaar to confirm bank linkage.

Linking Aadhaar is optional if not required for government benefits.

Conclusion: Understanding NPCI Aadhaar linking is essential for accessing government benefits. Only one bank account can be affiliated with Aadhaar, channeling subsidies to your NPCI-linked account.