Ans. Yes, it is mandatory for a PPI issuer to allow interoperability. It is mandatory for the PPI issuer to give the holders of full-KYC PPIs interoperability through authorised card networks and UPI. All modes of acceptance (including QR codes) and PPI issuance are required to be interoperable by March 31, 2022.

Ans. Interoperability is allowed only for full-KYC PPIs.

Ans. If the PPI is issued in the form of wallet, interoperability across PPIs shall be enabled through UPI. If the PPI is issued in the form of card, the card shall be affiliated to the authorised card network for interoperability.

Ans. Bank PPI issuers shall be guided by RBI circulars DBR.No.Leg.BC.78/09.07.005/2017-18 dated July 6, 2017 or DCBR.BPD.(PCB/RCB).Cir.No.06/12.05.001/2017-18 dated December 14, 2017, as applicable on Customer Protection – Limiting Liability of Customers in Unauthorised Electronic Banking Transactions.

Ans. The framework to limit the liability of customers (PPI holders) against unauthorised transactions in PPIs issued by non-bank issuers is given in paragraph 17 of the MD-PPIs and has come into effect from March 01, 2019. The FAQs given below relate to PPIs issued by non-bank PPI issuers.

Ans. Except for the PPIs issued under the arrangement of PPI-MTS as per paragraph 10.2 of MD-PPIs, the framework is applicable to all PPIs issued by authorised non-bank PPI issuers. Even in PPI-MTS, the cases of contributory fraud / negligence / deficiency on the part of the issuer are covered.

Ans. For the purpose of this MD, electronic payment transactions can be–

1. Remote / Online payment transactions: Transactions that do not require physical PPIs to be presented at the point of transactions e.g. wallets, card not present (CNP) transaction, etc.; and

2. Face-to-face / Proximity payment transactions: Transactions that require physical PPIs to be present at the point of transactions e.g. transactions at ATMs, PoS devices, etc.).

Ans. In order to get protection under this framework, it is mandatory for the customer (PPI holder) to register for SMS alerts.

Ans. It is mandatory for non-bank PPI issuers to send an SMS alert to the customer for any payment transaction in his / her account. In addition, an e-mail alert may also be sent, wherever registered. The transaction alert should have a contact number and / or e-mail id on which the customer can report unauthorised transactions or notify the objection.

Ans. Non-bank PPI issuers shall provide customers with 24x7 access via website / SMS / e-mail / dedicated toll-free helpline for reporting unauthorised transactions and / or loss or theft of the PPI. Further, a direct link for lodging of complaints, with specific option to report unauthorised electronic payment transactions shall be provided by non-bank PPI issuers on the mobile app / home page of their website / any other evolving acceptance mode.