Airtel Payments Bank today announced the launch of its Instant NFC-Based Balance Update feature for its RuPay On-The-Go Cards, enabled with NCMC. Customers can now instantly check or update their card balance by simply tapping the card on their NFC-powered Android smartphones, thus eliminating the need to visit metro station kiosks and enabling a seamless, fully digital and contactless transit experience.

Mr Ganesh Ananthanarayanan, Executive Director – Business Operations, Airtel Payments Bank said, “At Airtel Payments Bank, our constant focus is to innovate in ways that make everyday transactions simpler and more intuitive for our customers. The overwhelming response during the pilot validated the need for instant balance updates on the go. With this launch, we are proud to bring another industry-first solution that enhances commuter convenience and strengthens India’s digital payments and mobility ecosystem.”

Airtel Payments Bank introduced this feature few months ago to gather real-world usage insights and customer feedback. The pilot saw exceptionally strong adoption and highly positive customer response, confirming the feature’s utility for daily commuters. With this positive feedback, the Bank is now launching it for all users of its RuPay On-The-Go Cards.

With this enhancement, commuters can update or check their card balance in real time by tapping the card on their linked NFC-enabled Android smartphone after logging into their bank account or wallet on the Airtel Thanks app. From ordering and recharging the card to instantly updating or checking the balance, the entire experience is now fully digital, queue-free, and effortless.

Airtel Payments Bank is one of the leading issuers of RuPay On-The-Go Cards, with over 5 million cards issued to date. This launch marks a significant milestone in India’s transit landscape and reinforces the Bank’s commitment to building cutting-edge financial and mobility solutions that improve customer experiences.