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A Payment Bank is a special bank designed to offer basic financial services like deposits, payments, and remittances. Introduced by the RBI in 2014, its primary objective is financial inclusion, particularly for rural populations, low-income households, and migrant workers. Unlike traditional banks, payment banks cannot provide loans or issue credit cards, focusing instead on secure savings and digital transactions.
Airtel Payments Bank
Jio Payments Bank
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)
Fino Payments Bank
NSDL Payments Bank
| Feature | Payment Bank | Traditional Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Main Goal | Payments, remittances, financial inclusion | Full banking services including loans & investments |
| Deposit Limit | ₹2 lakhs per customer | No limit |
| Loans | Not allowed | Main revenue source |
| Credit Cards | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Investments | Mostly safe government securities | Wide variety of financial products |
| Customer Focus | Individuals, small businesses, low-income households | Individuals, corporates, all businesses |
Can Do:
Accept deposits up to ₹2 lakh per customer
Issue debit/ATM cards
Facilitate payments, remittances, and bill payments
Act as Business Correspondents for other banks
Sell simple insurance & mutual fund products Handle forex for personal use
Onboard customers via e-KYC & Aadhaar
Cannot Do:
Eligible applicants include:
Note: Large industrial/business groups cannot promote a payment bank beyond 10% ownership.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Incorporate a Public Limited Company under Companies Act, 2013 |
| 2 | Prepare & file Form III with promoter, financial, and business plan details |
| 3 | RBI conducts screening & EAC evaluation |
| 4 | Receive In-Principle Approval valid for 18 months |
| 5 | Fulfill capital, operational, and tech infrastructure requirements |
| 6 | RBI grants final license for operations |
For Individual Promoters:
For Promoting Company:
For Promoter Group:
Permitted Activities: Deposits, debit cards, payment services, BC services, distribution of third-party products, cross-border remittances.
Prohibited Activities: Lending, credit cards, NRI deposits, complex financial products, NBFC subsidiaries.
Compliance: KYC/AML/CFT, prudential norms, statutory reporting, IT audits, and proper usage of “Payment Bank” in the name.