You can make payments even without internet; RBI launches new e₹. Learn its features.

The Reserve Bank of India launched an offline digital rupee at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai. Now, you can make payments even without internet. Learn how to avail this facility.

RBI Offline Digital Rupee: The Reserve Bank of India launched an offline digital rupee at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai. The special feature of the offline digital rupee is that you can make digital payments even without internet or a mobile network. You can spend it like cash. All you need to do is scan or tap any QR code, and your payment will be successfully completed. You can keep your money digitally in your wallet.

What is a digital rupee?

The digital rupee, or e₹, is India's Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). You can also call it the digital version of the Indian rupee. You can use the digital rupee even without internet. To put it simply, digital money is like cash in your wallet. The only difference is that it's available in digital form.

You can use it offline by storing it in your digital wallet. Furthermore, you don't need to have access to your bank account for every transaction. Users can download these apps from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After registering, you'll be able to make payments to any individual or business.

Who will benefit the most?

This feature will benefit people living in rural and remote areas, where internet and mobile network access is a problem. The most significant feature of e₹ is offline payment. This will be facilitated by telecom companies and NFC-based payments. This means you won't need internet access to make offline payments, making money transactions easier.

Which banks are launching this feature?

Digital money is being made available as a wallet in many banks across the country. It is being launched in SBI, ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank, Yes Bank, HDFC Bank, Union Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Canara Bank, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, Punjab National Bank, Federal Bank and Indian Bank.