At the time of account opening, Indian banks and financial institutions take the initiative to link an individual’s Aadhaar number with accounts as part of their standard procedures. However, if this has not been done in your case, you can do it later using various online and offline methods.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through how to link Aadhaar with your bank account. Keep reading to know more.
As per the Supreme Court ruling, it is not mandatory for individuals to link their Aadhaar numbers with their existing or new bank accounts. However, Aadhaar bank linking is mandatory under certain circumstances: to avail of government subsidies and apply for welfare schemes in India.
Linking your Aadhaar number with a bank account aims to eliminate bank fraud by securing an account holder's financial credentials. This way, you can safeguard yourself from unauthorised transactions and fund transfers conducted by fraudsters impersonating you and providing fake identities to the bank.
Here are the benefits of linking your Aadhaar number with your bank account:
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to link Aadhaar number with your bank account online using your existing bank’s net banking portal:
Step 1: Visit the net banking portal of the bank where you hold an account.
Step 2: Log in using your registered credentials.
Step 3: Navigate to the ‘Link Your Aadhaar’ option on the main page or under the ‘e-services’ option.
Step 4: Select the type of account you hold.
Step 5: Enter the Aadhaar Number and click on the ‘Submit’ button.
Once you go through the steps mentioned above, the bank will process your request to link your UID (Unique Identification Number) with your bank account and notify you via SMS.
Given below is a stepwise process that you need to follow to link the Aadhaar number with your bank account via the mobile app of your bank:
Step 1: Download the mobile app of the bank where you hold an account.
Step 2: Log in using your registered credentials.
Step 3: Navigate to the ‘Services’ tab and click on it.
Step 4: Click on ‘View/Update Aadhaar Card Details’.
Step 5: Enter your Aadhaar number. Re-enter it for verification.
Step 6: Click on the ‘Submit’ tab.
Below are the steps to link Aadhaar with a bank account by SMS:
Step 1: Type the message: UID (Space) Aadhaar number, and send it via SMS from your registered mobile number to your bank’s SMS service number.
Step 2: Alternately, for some banks, you will have to send the last six digits of your account number, followed by the Aadhaar number.
Note: The steps provided above are general steps which may differ from bank to bank. Visit your bank’s website to find out the format of the message to be sent to your bank to link Aadhaar with your account.
Once you send the linking message, you will receive an acknowledgement message on your registered mobile number. Furthermore, the bank representative will verify your details with UIDAI.
Upon successful verification, you will receive a confirmation message specifying your Aadhaar number is linked to your bank account.
Apart from the online mode, individuals have the option to link their Aadhaar with their bank account through the offline method. Below is the step-by-step guide to link Aadhaar with a bank account offline:
Step 1: Give a missed call to the number provided by the bank where you hold an account.
Step 2: Attend the call back made by the bank to register your request.
Step 3: Enter your Aadhaar number carefully.
The bank will send you a confirmation message stating the successful linking of your Aadhaar number with the bank account.
To link your UID or Aadhaar number with the bank account at the nearest branch, follow the below-mentioned steps:
Step 1: Visit a nearby branch of your bank where you hold an account.
Step 2: Obtain an Aadhaar linking application form from a bank representative.
Step 3: Fill in all the required details carefully, including your bank name, bank account number, particulars, Aadhaar number, and contact information.
Step 4: Attach a copy of the Aadhaar card with the application form.
Step 5: Submit the form to the bank representative.
The bank representative will process your application form and verify all details. The bank will notify you via your registered phone number upon successful verification.
Lastly, find out how to link Aadhaar with a bank account using an ATM:
Step 1: Swipe your ATM or debit card on any machine.
Step 2: Enter your PIN.
Step 3: Under the ‘Services’ option. A few options will be displayed on the screen.
Step 4: Select the ‘Aadhaar Registration' option.
Step 5: Specify your account type and enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number. Re-enter it for verification. Click on the ‘Confirm’ button.
Once you go through the steps mentioned above, you will receive a notification on your registered mobile number, specifying the successful linking of your Aadhaar number with your bank account.
To reap benefits from various government subsidies and welfare schemes, linking Aadhaar with a bank account is necessary. The Aadhaar-bank link ensures the direct transfer of funds, enabling account holders to receive financial assistance seamlessly. To achieve this, understanding how to link Aadhaar with a bank becomes crucial.
Indian banks make it easy to link Aadhaar number with accounts using various methods. This helps secure financial credentials, receive government subsidies directly, and access benefits like AEPS. Processes include online through net banking or mobile apps, via SMS, offline through missed calls or visiting the branch, and even using ATMs. Linking Aadhaar with a bank account is essential for subsidies and welfare schemes.