RBI allows offline payments of up to Rs 200 through cards on pilot basis

The Reserve Bank on Thursday permitted small value offline transactions through cards and mobile devices for single payments of up to Rs 200 on pilot basis.

The scheme is aimed at encouraging customers to opt for digital payments even in those places where the internet connectivity is poor. An announcement to this effect was made by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das.

Under the pilot scheme, payment system operators (PSO) banks and non-banks may offer digital payments offline (payments that do not require internet connectivity to take effect), said a notification in this regard.

"The Reserve Bank has been encouraging entities to develop offline payment