What is e₹?

How does e₹ work?

e₹ will work in the same way as bank notes and coins – if you possess them, you can use them in lieu of cash. You may store e₹ in your bank’s e₹ app. The digital wallet works in the same way as your cash wallet, except these transactions will be entirely paperless.

You can either conduct e₹ transactions anonymously, simply by obtaining the sender/receiver’s phone number or QR code, or you can opt for account-based e₹ transactions.

How is e₹ different from UPI or other fund transfer modes?

UPI/NEFT/RTGS/IMPS are all forms of digital payments. e₹ is a digital form of currency and is a legal tender provided by RBI that is similar to physical cash, but in a digital form.

Is e₹ the same as cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin?

e₹ is an RBI digital currency. It is like cash in a digital form which has a value as per the denomination of the currency. On the other hand, cryptocurrencies like bitcoins are public currencies (not backed by RBI).

How do first-time users register/sign up for e₹?

For the pilot phase, bank will reach out to customers selected for the e₹ pilot program. Customers who wish to participate will follow the steps given below:

• Bank will send a link to the selected customers.

• Customer will be able to download the app from the link.

• Customer will undertake the registration process as guided on the app.

• Customer will load e₹ currency on the app.

• Customer can then send/receive currency from other customers/merchants participating one ₹ pilot.
  
  

How do I register myself on the e₹ app for HDFC Bank?

Once you receive an invite to participate in the Digital Currency Program -

Download the e₹ app for HDFC Bank on your smartphone by clicking on the invite link. Make sure to have an iOS or Android phone with app version (minimum 10X or higher). (Note: Currently, only Android is supported). Your phone should have either pattern or Biometric or face id locking capability.

Select your preferred SIM to be used for registration purposes.

In case of multiple SIMs: SIM slot 1 should be selected.

The SIM slot 1 should have the SIM of the mobile number registered with the bank and linked to the customer account.

After selection of SIM 1, you will need to input the mobile number.

Choose your preferred method of logging into the app, from three different methods available – PIN, Biometric login, or pattern.

You will be prompted to enter your Debit Card details (last 6 digits and expiry date).

Post this, the app will prompt you to set a 6-digit wallet pin. Set the 6-digit PIN for your e₹ wallet to authenticate transactions.

You will see a list comprising all the HDFC Bank accounts linked to your mobile number, from which you can select one account to link to the e₹ wallet.

The app will prompt you to enter the last 6 digits of your Debit Card along with the expiry date of the card associated with the bank account that you have selected.

The bank will authenticate the details provided and link your selected account to e₹ wallet and complete the registration process.

Add money in your e₹ wallet app basis your selection of denominations and the count of denomination currency you want.

After receiving the digital currency, you can start using the digital currency for performing transactions with either users or merchants who will be accepting the digital currency.

If you have not received the invite to participate in the Digital Currency Program:

You can visit your nearest HDFC Bank branch for more details on the e₹ program. Alternatively, you can download the HDFC Bank e₹ app and proceed with selecting your SIM card and mobile number. In case you receive a message stating that the Pilot is full, it indicates that your location is not among the approved cities (refer to Question 9); else, you can proceed with the registration process.

If you are residing in the selective city (as mentioned in question 9) and unable to register in the HDFC Bank e₹ App, then just head to your nearest HDFC Bank branch and transfer your account there. You will then be able to enrol for the e₹ program with your registered mobile number. 

What is a e₹ wallet?

The e₹ App for HDFC Bank can be used by customers to load, store and transact using digital rupee currency in a safe and secure way digitally.

​​​​​​​If you are currently residing in the above-listed cities and are still unable to register, don't worry. Just head to your nearest HDFC Bank branch and transfer your account there. You will then be able to enroll for the e₹ program with your registered mobile number.
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How can I add e₹ to my e₹ wallet?

For the customers in the pilot program, the process to load e₹ currency is as follows:

• You should have the app installed and should have onboarded as per the above process, if not you will need to complete the registration journey mentioned above first.

• You will open the e₹ app for HDFC Bank on your device.

• On the app's landing page, you will see the Load option.

• You will input the amount/denomination of currency you want to load. Alternately, you can select the notes and coin denominations for the value. (The selection is via, swiping up/down; swiping up increases the quantity by 1 and swiping down decreases by 1).

• You will be redirected to the UPI app in your device.

• You will authorise the transaction on UPI.

• On success in UPI, you will receive the requested currency in the app.

• In case you have chosen denominations, then the bank will provide the same equivalent to the value of the load. (In case the bank does not have the denominations or quantity requested, the bank will provide other denominations as per availability with the bank).
  
  

Do I need to provide PAN details for e₹ transactions?

No, customers will not be required to provide PAN details for the RBI digital currency pilot programme.

How do I send payments using the e₹?

For person-to-person transactions -

You will need to login to the app and on the landing page, you will be able to see the Pay option.

On selecting Pay, you can select the beneficiary from the address / contact on the phone, alternatively, in case the beneficiary has shared their QR, you can use the same from the gallery.

After selecting the beneficiary, you need to do the following:

Enter the amount you want to load.

Alternatively, you can select the notes and coins denomination wise for the value. (The selection is via, swiping up/down; swiping up increases the quantity by 1 and swiping down decreases by 1).

You will then be prompted to enter the e₹ wallet pin.

Post confirmation, the notes/coins equivalent to the amount will be credited to the beneficiary’s e₹ wallet. (Note: The beneficiary user can be a digital wallet user of HDFC Bank or any other bank).

Just enter the recipient’s number in the e₹ app, choose the desired amount and hit send. (*NOTE: Beneficiary should also be selected for the e₹ pilot programme.)

You can view your e₹ wallet, that will show the notes/coins count reduced.

Alternatively, you can also see the same in the transaction history in the app.

For person to merchant transactions

You can scan any QR Code and enter below information on prepopulated screen –

Enter the amount you want to load, by entering the same.

Alternatively, you can select the notes and coins denomination wise for the value. (The selection is via, swiping up/down; swiping up increases the quantity by 1 and swiping down decreases by 1).

You will then be prompted to enter the wallet pin.

Post confirmation, the Notes/Coins equivalent to the amount will be credited to the Merchant’s Digital Rupee Wallet.

You can view your Digital Rupee wallet, that will show the notes/coins count reduced.

Alternatively, you can also see the same in the transaction history in the app.

Why do I see so many different denominations in the e₹ App?

The e₹ is just like physical cash, but in a digital form. Therefore, it also has all the same denominations as physical cash.

How to redeem e₹ from wallet and get money back to my linked bank account?

• On the home page of the app, click on Redeem.

• Enter the Amount user wants to redeem or Select denominations by swiping up for the amount you want to redeem. Click on ‘Redeem e₹’.

• Choose the linked bank account to be credited and follow the onscreen instructions.

• Customer will then be prompted to enter the Digital Rupee wallet pin

• Post confirmation, the amount will be credited to the customer’s account with the bank

• Customer can view the wallet, that will show the notes/coins count reduced

• Alternatively, customer can also see the same in the transaction history in the app.

• This transaction will also be visible in the customer statement.
  
  

Why have I not received an invite to participate in the first pilot of Central Bank Digital Currency?

As it is the pilot launched by the Reserve Bank, HDFC Bank has only rolled out invites to few customers who are residing in the selective cities (as mentioned in Question 9) as of now. Invitees would have been received by SMS/Email from the HDFC Bank on their registered mobile nos. and/or email ids. If you are currently residing in any of the approved cities and are still unable to register, it’s fine; just head to your nearest HDFC Bank branch and transfer your account there. You will then be able to enrol for the e₹ program with your registered mobile number. ​​​​​​​

What mobile OS platform does the e₹ app currently support?

Available on both Android & iOS devices

Is Savings Account mandatory for customers to use e₹?

Yes, users who wish to use the HDFC Bank e₹ Wallet need to have an account with HDFC Bank.

Can a non-HDFC Bank customer use e₹?

Non-HDFC Bank customers cannot use the HDFC Bank Digital Rupee Wallet App.

Do I have to maintain a minimum balance of e₹ in my wallet?

No. There are no minimum balance requirements for e₹.

Is there any interest will be paid on my Digital Rupee Wallet balance?

No

Are there any charges/fees on using e₹?

For the pilot, there are no charges or fees on using the e₹.

How do I recover e₹ Wallet in case of loss of phone/ damaged phone or deinstallation of e₹ wallet for CBDC-Pilot ?

• You should have the app installed and should have onboarded as per the above process, if not you will need to complete the journey above first

• You will be prompted for initiating wallet recovery.

• In case your are aware of e₹ wallet pin, you have to input the pin and the balance notes/and coins in the previous device will be available.

• In case you do not remember the e₹ Wallet pin, you can navigate to the profile section.

• Under pin management, you will need to select forgot pin.

• You will need to have Debit card handy.

• You will be prompted to enter the last 6 digits of debit card and expiry.

• You will be prompted for initiating wallet recovery.

You have to input new pin as set above and the balance notes/and coins in the previous device will be available.

Can I use e₹ via ATM cards or Online Banking?

For the pilot, e₹ can be used only via the app provided by HDFC Bank.

Can I transfer e₹ directly to someone else’s bank account or UPI?

The e₹ can only be transferred to other e₹ wallets or any merchant accepting payments.

Will I receive SMS from bank after each transaction?

Yes, you will receive an SMS for every financial transaction involving the e₹.

Can I use this for investment? Will the value of e₹ appreciate/grow?

The e₹ currency loaded or received by the customer will not accrue any interest.

What if I lose/change my phone?

You can recover your wallet by using the same phone number/sim on the e₹ wallet.

What if I enter the wrong wallet PIN during a transaction?

In case you input the wrong PIN more than 3 times as day, then transactions on the e₹ app will be temporarily blocked. Customers need to reset the wallet PIN or wait for 24 hours to unlock.

How to reset wallet PIN?

• Click on Profile in the app.

• Go to PIN settings.

• Click on Forgot PIN

• Enter last 6 digits of HDFC Bank Debit Card and the expiry date.
  
  

While adding e₹ to my wallet, what if account debited but wallet not credited with e₹?

In such cases, your money will be refunded back to your account.

Does the transfer of e₹ happen only during banking hours?

All transactions are instant and are available 24*7.

How to de-register/delete e₹ wallet?

• To de-register the e₹ wallet, first redeem the e₹ to your linked bank account.

• Click on Profile icon on top left corner of the home screen.

• Select De-register option in the menu.

• Prompt will be shown about wallet being deleted, click on continue.

• Authenticate with your wallet PIN and wallet will be de-registered.
  
  

Can I use non-HDFC Bank digital wallet to transact on HDFC Bank enabled merchant location?

Yes, the usage of e₹ is interoperable. 

What do I do if my transaction shows pending on the confirmation screen?

You may have to wait till your transaction get either successful or failed. There is no Pending Transaction status in case of e₹ transaction.
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