RBI issues advisory on E-wallets; enables PPI's for purchase of goods and services

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday advised the users of Pre-paid Payment Instruments (PPIs), including mobile and electronic wallets that only non-bank entities authorised by RBI under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (the Act) can issue PPI wallets for purchase of goods and services from third parties and money transfer within India.

As per the apex banks new advisory, only permitted banks can issue PPI wallets which in addition to purchase of goods and services from third parties and money transfer within India, can also be used for withdrawing cash.

An updated list of entities including list of such bank and non-bank entities issuing e-wallets and pre-paid cards is available on the RBI's website for easy access by the public.

Intermediaries, like aggregators and payment gateways, which facilitate payment services, though not authorised by Reserve Bank under the Act, are however required to route their transactions only through a nodal account opened with a bank under Reserve Bank's guidelines of November 24, 2009.

Earlier, the RBI issued guidelines under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 in respect of various payment systems, including issuance of Pre-paid Payment Instruments (PPIs).

This advisory is being issued as the usage of digital payment options, including e-wallets is on the rise and public can make an informed choice.