AEPS – A Complete Guide

Summary: AEPS is a modern payment method introduced to empower Indian citizens. This bank-led model is an efficient digital solution to meet financial & banking needs.

Here, we will discuss about AEPS and its benefits. How to apply for AEPS registration? How to become an AEPS agent? How can you earn a good income as an AEPS agent, AEPS distributor, or AEPS retailer?

There is no denying that digital payment has helped India to prosper and grow. Still, there are many people, especially from rural areas who follow the traditional financial system- i.e. cash.

Some Acronyms

AEPS: Aadhaar Enabled Payment System
NPIC: National Payment Corporation of India
UIDAI: Unique Identification Authority of India
RRN: Bank Reference Number

AEPS, being a novel payment method, enables banking services in rural and unbanked areas of India provided Aadhaar number should be linked with the bank account. Since 2016, it has earned a remarkable name in the Indian market and outdid well during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Did you know?

About 379.83 million transactions happened through AEPS solely in the month of February this year itself.

Source

Before we delve further, let’s get to know about AEPS.

AEPS is an innovative switching & clearing centralized system. This system enables any user to do basic banking transactions like withdrawing cash, checking bank balances, etc. A unique 12-digit number (RRN number) is generated to record and identify the transactions. It is an enviable solution that offers facilitated doorstep banking services.

In layman’s language, you can term AEPS as a Debit Card of Rural India!

Ramesh is a sugarcane grower in Matakhanna, a small village in Uttar Pradesh. He received his payment from the traders (Outside vendors) for the agricultural produce in his bank account.

The farmers who work for him are not that advanced enough to receive digital payments. Therefore, he has no options left rather than paying them in cash.

Now, what if he does not have liquid cash with him? Since there are ATM shortages in villages like Matakhanna, he may have to travel a long distance in order to withdraw cash.

Let’s say, he travelled only to find an empty ATM. Now, how will he manage to pay his farmers?

With AEPS! It allows interoperable financial transactions at Point-Of-Sale/ Micro ATMs making things easier for people like Ramesh in small towns and villages..

AEPS is widely accepted because of its banks’ interoperability, quick e-KYC, and user-friendly process.

The withdrawer can easily manage banking activities without any physical cards like Aadhaar cards or Debit cards. In addition, the user can do transactions without any PINS. Hence, an effective solution for people who find it hard to remember their debit card PINS.

It has also helped people who lack trust in digital payments like UPI.

This is the reason why the AEPS system in India has become a Big Success!

There was a scarcity of ATMs across India. As per the RBI data, there are around 2,49,000 ATMs in India. Out of which, 1,10,282 are onsite (within Bank) and 1,38,579 are offsite (i.e. outside the bank).

Since onsite ATMs could not serve the requirements of the common man because people were finding it hard to commute long distances. Hence, offsite ATMs were introduced. These ATMs were either operated by private partners (Business Correspondents) or banks.

Note:- Private partners can be any business or an individual who owns the ATM space at specific locations.

For every debit card swapping, there is an interchange fee. This charge is rolled by NPCI. The interchange fees are charged between Rs. 15- 17 for every swap.

Earlier!

The private partners or banks (Non-bank) used to get a commission of Rs. 10-12 for every debit card swap. Even for mere services like balance inquiry, they used to get a commission of Rs. 2. Ten years ago, Rs. 10-12 used to be a great incentive! It was worth investing in ATMs at that time.

The AEPS commission is split among the following:-

Bank –>> Private Companies –>> Distributor –>> Retailer

More or less, the interchange charge (i.e. Rs. 15-17) goes through many splits. The retailer or AEPS agent may get Rs. 7- 10 for each transaction done through his AEPS portal.

Drastic change!

The novel digital solution-UPI changed the complete context. RBI speculated that UPI accounts for 90% of e-commerce business. This number has risen from 9% to 90% in the past 4 years.

The Indian population (especially Tier 1 & 2) completely shifted to UPI. Hence, a major meltdown for the private partners as well as banks (Non-bank ATMs).

It usually takes Rs. 5-7 lakhs for an ATM set-up. This cost might fluctuate from one area to another. Please note that the monthly expenses like security, electricity, rent, maintenance, etc., are not included in this.

Because of declining ATM activity, the profitability of banks (Non-banks) and private owners were squeezed. As a result, it led to empty ATMs. This immensely impacted cash-starved citizens who were not habituated to digital transactions.

To solve this, the government launched AEPS.

In this system (AEPS), banks and government bodies like UIDAI, NCPI, and RBI came together to help the common man. They implemented Aadhaar– based authentication.

The initiative-Jan Dhan Khata Yojna was introduced to provide banking services to all Indian households. As a result, every Indian citizen has at least one bank account. Currently, there are over 47.8 crores active bank accounts in India.

Now, not every Aadhaar number is linked to a phone number. Hence, the government implemented AEPS that relied on OTP and biometrics.

NPCI in coordination prepared an architecture of cash withdrawal. They used Aadhaar card numbers that are authenticated by biometrics for AEPS services. Since the bank account is linked with Aadhaar Number, the user can withdraw cash quickly.

Using the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System, the government is building a robust foundation. It includes different arrays of Aadhaar-enabled banking services. AEPS is a quick solution for people who require quick or instant cash transactions.

There are plenty of benefits of AEPS. They are summarized as follows:-

• Easy usage
• Protected payment mode
• Assists unprivileged individuals in Indian society
• Boost financial inclusion

Initially, only a few banks supported this initiative. Later, all the banks joined as AEPS providers.

• Yes Bank
• Union Bank
• Fino Bank
• State Bank of India (SBI)
• Ratnakar Bank Limited (RBL)
• Punjab National Bank (PNB)
• Paytm Payment Bank
• Indian Post Payment Bank (IPPB)
• Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI)
• Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC)
• Canara Bank
• Bank Of Baroda (BOB)
• Allahabad Bank
• Airtel Payment Bank

Banks were doing great. Till this point, banks were equipped with AEPS as a cash withdrawal tool. But still, there were some problems.

The banks failed to educate the people (the normal crowd) about this new way of cash withdrawal. Since private players were actually working in Fintech verticals. They were managing the recharge business using API. Hence, they were the right body to enlighten about this system. Banks approached them because of this reason. This strategy really worked.

Banks provided APIs to private partners like GST Suvidha Kendra. Using the distributor network, these private partners through their business correspondents were able to cater AEPS services across India.

List of private partners that provide the best AEPS services such as AEPS registration, AEPS cash withdrawal, etc.

• GST Suvidha Kendra
• VK venture (Vkv)
• Thar Pay
• Spice Money
• Sahaj
• Roi Net
• RNFI
• Real Pay
• Rap Ipay
• Pay Point
• MobiSafar
• Mitra
• Janseva Pay
• Edigital
• Edge Money
• Easy Pay
• DogmaSoft
• DigiPay
• CSC
• Bharat Pay
• Bankit

• AEPS balance enquiry
• AEPS cash withdrawal
• AEPS mini statements

You need to do AEPS registration and follow the steps mentioned below:-

1. Go to the nearest Business Correspondent like the GST Suvidha Kendra franchise in your zone.
2. Share your Aadhaar number.
3. Pick your bank’s name or IIN (Issuer Identification Number) If you have multiple bank accounts, they will be displayed. You can choose the bank account for transactions.
4. Pick the type of AEPS transaction that you want to process. You can do AEPS withdraw, mini-statement, or raise the request for balance inquiry. Share the transaction amount
5. Authenticate AEPS transactions by providing your biometrics (fingerprints).
6. You can do an AEPS cash withdrawal in no time and collect your receipt.

Want to do AEPS registration? Contact us.

RBI has set standard AEPS transaction limits. It has given complete liberty to banks to define their AEPS withdrawal limits or the number of transaction limits.

Disclaimer: The charges may vary

The minimal AEPS transaction limits or withdrawal limits (up to Rs. 50, 000) were set to evade misappropriation or misuse of this system.

It was a major drawback for customers who required an amount that was more than Rs.50,000.

This is the reason Hence, Aadhaar Pay was introduced! But in this system, the banks charge service fees plus GST per transaction or withdrawal.

Before we learn about Aadhaar Pay let’s check some of the recent frauds of AEPS.

1. The popular YouTuber, Mr. Pushpendra faced a tough time in the second quadrant (Q2) of 2023. The cybercriminals used silicone thumbs to operate a biometric device to drain money from his mother’s bank account. The victims were not intimidated by the bank regarding this transaction. It only came to light when Pushpendra’s mother went to the bank to update her passbook.
2. Seven fraudsters used government documents to obtain the biometrics (fingerprints) and Aadhaar numbers from the IGRS website. They withdraw a lump sum amount of Rs. 14.64 lakhs.

They used polymer fingerprints employing chemicals to ransack the amount. This scam was uncovered because of the complaint received from the Epoint executive.

Many individuals erroneously believe that AEPS & Aadhar Pay are identical, but they are distinct.

In the AEPS, transaction limits are capped at Rs. 10,000. On the other hand, Aadhaar Pay permits transactions up to Rs. 50,000. In the case of Aadhar Pay, the company doesn’t offer any commission, but you have the option to charge from your customers, i.e. 1% of the total transaction amount.

Indeed, opening an AEPS business is a profitable venture. It presents several advantages and opportunities. Here are some benefits of running an AEPS business:-

AEPS has gained popularity in India, especially in remote areas and villages. It enables individuals to perform financial transactions securely using their Aadhaar biometrics, especially those without access to traditional facilities of banking.

Through AEPS, one can give service to underbanked & unbanked populations.

As an AEPS provider, you contribute to bridging the gap between formal financial services and remote areas.

AEPS aligns with the initiative of the Indian government for digital and financial inclusions. There is constant support and encouragement by the government for such initiatives. Hence, AEPS is a great business to thrive.

As an AEPS retailer, AEPS distributor, or AEPS agent, you can earn great transaction commission from each financial transaction. It can give you a stable revenue stream, provided you choose a reliable GST provider with an efficient AEPS portal.

This is one of the most common types of biometric devices used in AEPS. It captures the fingerprint of an individual that is linked to an Aadhaar Number. To perform the transactions, an individual need to place their finger on the scanner. The device will capture the details of the fingerprint and authenticate for transactions.

GST Suvidha Kendra is a premier biometrics device provider such as Micro ATM. Their solution is an excellent and elevated footfall in your stores.

This type of AEPS scanner device uses the iris of an individual to establish their identity.

There are some biometrics machines that capture both iris and fingerprint scans.

You need to choose the best AEPS providers because it is crucial for an individual and business to make secure and seamless financial transactions.

You need to choose an AEPS provider that follows robust security measures for data encryption and biometric authentication. Check for a service provider who complies with UIDAI regulations to protect user transactions and data.

Have a detailed check whether the AEPS provider has a wide network of AEPS distributors, AEPS retailers, or AEPS agents. This will help you in checking the credibility of the AEPS providers.

The success rate will help you to identify the reliability of AEPS providers. These numbers clearly indicate the AEPS registrations. It will also clarify the network of AEPS distributors, AEPS retailers, or AEPS agents.

A reliable AEPS provider will have a high success rate. They will ensure that there are efficient and smooth transactions with minimizing transaction failures.

You need to opt for an AEPS provider that gives excellent customer support. Choose a provider who offers quick prompts and efficient customer support to address issues.

Check for the service provider that gives a seamless AEPS portal. A user-friendly interface will make transactions more accessible. In addition, will reduce the errors that may happen during the process.

An AEPS portal should have minimum downtime. A reliable AEPS provider will ensure that their AEPS portal is available when required.

A detailed check on the AEPS provider’s reputation is necessary. Check their reviews and feedback from other individuals. This may include AEPS distributors, AEPS retailers, or AEPS agents.

Make sure to compare and research different AEPS providers.

Make sure to choose the best AEPS provider to start as AEPS Agent, AEPS Retailer, or AEPS Distributor.

Check the AEPS portal of service providers and ensure that the process of AEPS registration is easy. Also, ensure to have a detailed check on the services that the AEPS provider offers. Want to apply? Click here.

GST Suvidha Kendra is an established AEPS service provider in India. You can easily do AEPS registration, AEPS transactions, etc., in no time with us.

EasyPay is an AEPS app that enables AEPS retailers and AEPS agents to offer various banking and financial services. This includes cash withdrawals and balance inquiries using Aadhaar authentication.

GST Suvidha Kendra brings the best opportunity for individuals to start a business. You can earn commissions on each sale that you bring to the brand.

• Fully customized and Hi-Tech AEPS software and hardware
• Secure, Quick, and Easy to use
• Safe and Integrated AEPS API
• Services of all banks’ AEPS available
• User-Friendly design
• 24X7 real-time settlement
• No tech background is required to work on the AEPS portal

Leading businesses like GST Suvidha Kendra offer you extravagant opportunities to become an AEPS Agent, AEPS Retailer, or AEPS Distributor. The process of application is pretty simple.

• You need to sign up and complete the process of E-KYC.
• On your GST Suvidha Kendra AEPS portal, you need to activate the services. You are all set to provide AEPS services.

Yes, you need to furnish your documents to become an AEPS Agent, AEPS Retailer, or AEPS Distributor.

• Firstly, the documents will be verified. Through the PAN card or Aadhaar card (documents), the individual will be verified if he/ she is blacklisted or not.
• Next, physical verification will be done.

It is mandated to have a physical shop and one cannot do any AEPS transactions without a computer.

• Passport size photographs
• Passport
• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID card

To become an AEPS Agent, AEPS Retailer, or AEPS Distributor with GST Suvidha Kendra, one must be:-

• An Indian citizen
• Must be 18+
• Have basic knowledge to operate computers
• Minimum 12th pass

Once you are done with the process of AEPS agent registration, activate the AEPS services from the service provider’s AEPS app or AEPS portal.

The AEPS agent must ensure to do the AEPS registration of the customers. They need to enter their Aadhaar numbers and the bank name or IIN number in their AEPS portal or AEPS app.

Next, authenticate the customer. For this, they need to employ customers’ biometrics. The AEPS agent will receive commissions for each transaction.

The role of AEPS distributors is to expand the network of AEPS retailers or AEPS agents for GST Suvidha Kendra. He/ She needs to present business proposals of GST Suvidha Kendra to the potential, outlining the benefits of our AEPS services. The distributor has to explore new markets and geographic regions to expand the company’s reach and customer base.

AEPS Commission Varies from one AEPS service provider to another. In a typical scenario, it ranges from 0.30% to 0.35% or Rs. 9-10 maximum.

• Let’s understand the AEPS commission of the service provider- GST Suvidha Kendra.
• As per our service list, the AEPS commission can be 0.30% of the transaction amount or Rs. 9 maximum.

These commissions are provided by us to our Business Correspondents. It is completely up to our Business Correspondents to charge additional service costs from their customers who are looking for cash withdrawal from AEPS service.

Total Commission= Commission by AEPS service Provider+ Service Charge from the Customer

Normally, they charge a 1% commission from the customer.

It totally depends upon the following:

• Your business location
• Number of daily transactions or customers.
• Amount of each transaction
• Number of ATMs in the business location
• Up-Time of AEPS Portal
• Your Cash Capacity to rotate the money on an intra-day basis.
• Electricity, Internet, and failed transactions
• Customer’s bank account daily/ monthly withdrawal limit.

For instance,

This completely relies upon your skills. But if you do it strategically you can earn great AEPS commission.

• You can do a single transaction of Rs. 10,000/- and earn a commission of Rs. 9.
• Now, this option is the smart way. You can do the transaction in the following manner and earn a commission up to a maximum of Rs. 30.

So, the total AEPS commission that you earn from one customer can either be Rs. 109 to Rs. 130. It will totally depend upon the way you use AEPS.

Want to know more? Contact us at 1-800-108-8888 or info@gstsuvidhakendra.org