New Delhi, June 18: PhonePe users may soon have to pay an extra charge if they keep their wallets inactive for a long period. The digital payments platform has announced a ₹100 quarterly maintenance fee for wallets that remain inactive for 12 months. The amount will be deducted directly from the wallet balance.
The move has sparked strong reactions online, with many users expressing anger over the new charge.
Who Will Be Affected?
The fee will apply only to users whose PhonePe wallets remain inactive for at least one year. Users who continue to use their wallets regularly will not be affected by the charge. According to the company, the maintenance fee will be deducted every quarter from the available wallet balance.
How Can Users Avoid the Fee?
PhonePe users can avoid the charge by simply reactivating their wallet before it reaches the 12-month inactivity period. Any transaction or wallet activity may help keep the wallet active and prevent the fee from being applied. Users are advised to check their wallet status and ensure it remains active.
Why Is PhonePe Introducing the Charge?
PhonePe says the fee is meant to cover the costs of maintaining inactive wallet accounts. Many financial and digital service providers charge maintenance fees on dormant accounts after long periods of inactivity. However, the announcement has not gone down well with many users.
Users React Online
The d ecision has triggered criticism on social media platforms.Several users questioned why they should pay a fee for keeping money in a wallet that they already own. Others called on PhonePe to reconsider the decision and provide more clarity about how the fee will be implemented.
What Users Should Do Now
PhonePe users should review their wallet activity and check whether their account has been inactive for an extended period. Keeping the wallet active can help users avoid the new quarterly maintenance charge. The announcement serves as a reminder for users to regularly monitor their digital wallets and payment accounts.