Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with NPCI Bharat BillPay (NBBL), a wholly owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), to enable recharge facilities for its RuPay On-The-Go cards integrated with NCMC (National Common Mobility Card).
Through this partnership, customers can top up their cards using any Bharat Connect (BBPS platform)-enabled apps.
Types of NCMC-Enabled Cards Offered
Airtel Payments Bank offers three variants of RuPay cards enabled with NCMC:
- RuPay On-The-Go Card:
- Linked to a savings account.
- Functions as a NCMC debit card.
- Supports regular debit transactions (shopping, online purchases, ATM withdrawals).
- Prepaid Cards for Wallet Customers:
- Works like a prepaid phone: load money first, then spend.
- Not linked to a bank account.
- PPI-MTS Card (Prepaid Payment Instrument for Mass Transit System):
- Specifically designed for public transport payments.
- Allows direct fare payments across metros, buses, parking facilities.
All card types are made from eco-friendly e-PVC material, promoting sustainability.
Strategic Partnerships
Airtel Payments Bank serves as both an acquiring and issuing partner for several metro networks:
- Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
- Airport Express Line
- Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL)
- National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)
- Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation
- It also partnered with Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) to launch Singara Chennai Card.
Benefits to Customers
Multiple Payment Options:
- Use for regular debit/prepaid transactions (shopping, online payments).
- Use for offline NCMC transit transactions (metro, buses, parking) via tap-and-pay technology.
- Option to issue concession and monthly passes (where supported) through the card.
Time-saving and convenience:
- Eliminates need to stand in long recharge or ticket queues.
- Single card works across multiple transport operators and cities.
About National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)
- Launched by NPCI in 2019 to promote seamless transit payments across India.
- Functions as an interoperable card for multiple forms of transport: metros, buses, ferries, shared cabs, etc.
- Can also be used for retail payments, toll payments, parking fees.
- Supports contactless, tap-and-pay transactions.
The NCMC program aims to:
- Facilitate cashless, contactless transactions.
- Promote integrated and convenient commuting across cities.
- Reduce dependence on multiple cards or tokens for different transit systems.