AEPS, or Aadhaar Enabled Payment System, lets a customer use their bank account with just their Aadhaar number and a fingerprint. No debit card, no PIN and no trip to the bank. For a shop owner, it turns the counter into a small bank branch.
What customers can do
- Cash withdrawal from their Aadhaar-linked bank account.
- Balance enquiry to check how much money is in the account.
- Mini statement showing recent transactions.
This matters most for people who receive wages, pensions or government benefits in their bank account but live far from a branch or ATM.
What you need at your shop
- An active retailer ID with KYC completed
- An RD-service certified fingerprint device
- A smartphone or computer with a stable internet connection
- Enough cash in your drawer to pay out withdrawals
How a withdrawal works
- Select AEPS cash withdrawal in the app.
- Enter the customer's Aadhaar number and choose their bank.
- Enter the amount and ask the customer to place their finger on the scanner.
- Once the bank approves, hand over the cash and share the receipt.
The withdrawn amount is credited to your wallet, so the cash you pay out comes back to you digitally.
Most banks allow up to ₹10,000 per AEPS transaction. The customer's bank sets the exact limit.
How you earn
You earn a commission on every successful withdrawal, usually higher for larger amounts. Your rate card shows the exact slabs for your plan. Customers who come for cash often buy something else while they're in your shop, so AEPS also brings footfall.
Tips for a smooth start
- Keep the fingerprint scanner clean. Dust is a common reason for a failed scan.
- If a customer's finger is dry, ask them to rub it lightly before scanning.
- Always give a receipt, even for balance enquiries.