PhonePe, one of India's leading digital payment platforms, has announced a new fee structure for inactive wallets. Starting next month, users who have not used their PhonePe wallet for more than 12 months will be charged a Rs 100 fee. This move aims to encourage active usage and reduce the number of dormant accounts on the platform.
Why Is PhonePe Charging This Fee?
According to a company spokesperson, the fee is intended to cover the maintenance costs of inactive wallets and to promote regular usage. The charge will apply to wallets that have had no transactions for a continuous period of one year. Users will be notified via email and in-app alerts before the fee is levied.
How to Avoid the Rs 100 Fee
To avoid the charge, users simply need to perform at least one transaction from their PhonePe wallet every 12 months. This can be a small payment, such as recharging your mobile phone, paying a utility bill, or transferring money to a friend. Even a minimal transaction will reset the inactivity counter.
- Make a small recharge or bill payment using your PhonePe wallet.
- Transfer a nominal amount to another user or bank account.
- Use the wallet for online shopping or food delivery.
What Happens If You Are Charged?
If the fee is deducted, users can contact PhonePe customer support to request a reversal, but the company has not guaranteed refunds. It is advisable to keep the wallet active to avoid any inconvenience.
Additional Tips for PhonePe Users
PhonePe also recommends linking your wallet to a bank account for seamless transactions and setting up auto-recharge for regular payments. This ensures your wallet remains active without manual effort.
The new policy is part of PhonePe's initiative to streamline its services and reduce operational costs associated with dormant accounts. Users are encouraged to review their wallet activity and take necessary action to avoid the fee.
