Best mobile recharge offers for June 2018

Usage of the internet has been on a rise of late. We require mobile data almost 24X7: at office, college, home or anywhere else. It has almost replaced the television sets at home. In a workaholic city like Mumbai, the common man has no luxury of sitting on the couch to watch any live event. Most of the times you will spot office goers watching a movie/football/cricket match on their mobile phone either through their telecom networks TV apps or other television channel apps.

These apps have special offers that run every month. Here are some of the offers on mobile recharge for June 2018:

1) BSNL’s Monsoon plan: BSNL has a unique scheme running for prepaid mobile users. Their ‘monsoon offer’ is for limited period that lasts from June 16 to August 18. It triples the users mobile data in this period. The validity period for each of the following mentioned plans varies. Some of them are:
- Plan 186: 1GB data tripled to 3GB data
- Plan 485: 1.5GB data tripled to 3.5GB data
- Plan 999: 1GB data tripled to 3GB data

2) Jio’s ‘Double Dhamaka’ offer: JioTV app, a dedicated Live TV app for Reliance Jio users, has announced a ‘Double Dhamaka’ offer where the mobile users receive 3GB data every day on selected plans until June 30. The scheme has been rolled out specially for the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2018. Customers can also seek additional mobile recharge data for either INR 149, INR 349, INR 399 or INR 499. Users receive additional benefit of high-speed internet and free voice SMS.

3) Idea’s ‘jeeto bejhijak’ scheme: Over the past few months, telecom companies have been nothing less than a genie providing best offers on mobile recharge. Idea Cellular has come up with ‘jeeto bejhijak’ scheme concentrating on mobile data. It assures INR 20 cashback for every prepaid customer by recharging for INR 100. The scheme is applicable for recharge offer of INR 199 and above as well.

4) Paytm offer: One of the leading mobile recharge apps, Paytm, has a special cashback offer of INR 20 running for the month. The user has to insert the promo code of MONTHLY20 on recharging their phone. 

5) HDFC PayZapp offer: HDFC’s PayZapp is a complete payment solution for mobile recharge, booking movie tickets, paying utility bills, etc. One of the offers running for the mobile recharge on their end is INR 25 cashback on recharging 4 times in June. All the user has to do is include the promo code ‘ACTIVE.’

So, if you have been missing out on all FIFA action or finding the mobile data plans expensive, go for the above schemes to keep your pockets light.

6 tips to secured mobile banking

With every industry etching their mark in the digital world, the banking profession is not behind. Today, customers need flexibility and ease of services, irrespective of the date, day and time. One of the major boons the banking industry has received through technology is the availability of their services online as well as on customers’ smartphones.

Although net banking is one service that is widely used, mobile banking is slowly finding its way to the top. Finance companies are building customer-centric solutions to ensure the mobile experience is smooth and trustworthy.

Customers are not as convinced to use mobile internet banking to that of net banking. The rectangular box comes with several complications and challenges. Mobile apps generally contain many security layers and should support different Android, iOS and Microsoft versions. Below are 6 tips to a secured banking over smartphone:

1) Additional security feature: A 4-digit password would not suffice in today’s time. Any hacker can crack the code and log in to your bank account. It is crucial to have an additional layer of security such as fingerprints or One-Time Password (OTP). This way nobody can deceive your account. 

2) Use of NFC-embedded SIM card: An NFC-based SIM card is a way of downloading all your credit/debit card information into the Near Field Communication (NFC) SIM card. You can protect your account’s overall information without the usage/swiping of your card. It also means you are storing all your account information to the mobile internet banking.


3) Real-time SMS and email alerts: One of the best ways to secure mobile banking is by linking your accounts to an updated mobile number and email id. In case any fraudulent activity takes place, the bank will alert you over SMS or email. This way your account information will not get compromised.

4) Behaviour analysis: Your laptop, tablet or smartphones have your email and account details stored in the device. Whenever a secondary person tries to log in to your account or email from another location, you get notified about the same. You bank raises the red flag if they notice any suspicious activity.

5) Secure access: Users should use secured connections such as HTTPs that will store customer’s information safely between the browser and website. This avoids malicious activities as well.

Mobile banking can get better and safe if banks keep adopting newer technologies. Banks should also educate the customers and encourage them to use banking via smartphones.

4 best mobile banking apps in India

Finding time to go to the bank is next to impossible. In fact, visiting a bank branch has become a chore. Again, passbook needs to be updated; new chequebook orders have to be placed, ATM cards have to be blocked in case they go missing. The list is endless.

Precisely why mobile banking app invention is one thing we all will be thankful for forever. Mobile banking operations started in India in 2002. Everything such as bank transactions, checking bank statements, paying credit card and utility bills, can be done by a click.

Time-saving and convenient, these apps are now massively popular. Listed below are the brands who are the face of banking app industry:

1) HDFC mobile application:HDFC is one of India’s leading banks today. It holds 4.2 rating and has over 10 million downloads on Google Play store. It allows the customers to view their account summary, transfer funds, make credit card payment, etc. Their app is also available in Hindi catering to the mass audience. HDFC app has a ‘LITE' version that makes it compatible with those using low internet speed. However, the ‘LITE’ version does not cover all the aspects. Nevertheless, the regular services are covered under it.

2) ICICI Bank’s iMobile application:ICICI was the first bank to launch full-fledged banking app services in India in 2008. The Google Play has rated ICICI bank’s app 4.5. It is one of the highest rated mobile banking apps in India. Apart from paying bills, the app allows users to open fixed and recurring deposits. Consumers can also manage life insurance policies here. Apart from the iMobile app, ICICI bank also launched the iWear smartwatch app. With Apple and Google smartwatches used heavily, ICICI bank users can access their account and check their last 3 bank transactions, current balance and credit card accounts on their hand.

3) Axis Bank’s mobile application: Axis bank’s app is known for its stability. It has over 5 million downloads and holds 4-star rating on Google Play store. Apart from the regular features, Axis bank users can time their credit card payment, covert them into EMIs, block cards and replace them, temporarily deactivate the debit card, set limit on debit card purchases. The customers can also autopay bills for over 200 utility services through the app. Axis bank’s app is also social-media friendly as users can email and Tweet directly from the app.

4) SBI’s Anywhere Personal Application: The app was previously called ‘State Bank Freedom App.’ The Anywhere Personal app provides essential banking services. The bank has 3.9 rating on Google Play. One of the salient features of the app is mCash. Through this medium, users can transfer funds to a mobile number or email id. It also has the mPassbook feature through which the users can check their past 150 transactions. They, too, have a smartwatch app for the smart users.

So, ensure that you install a mobile banking app today and start using it.

Advantages of making a bill payment online

With the advent of technology, our efforts towards household chores are almost negligible nowadays. Earlier, people used to stand in long queues to pay any bill, be it mobile or utility services. Today, one can quickly log into their mobile network or LPG website and make bill payment in a jiffy.

Earlier, many were sceptical to conduct online bill payment. Now, there are secure gateways and several encryption keys that make payment safe. It is specially convenient for those who live a fast-paced life.

There are several advantages of making bill payment either online or via apps. Here are some of them:

1) Saves time and effort: This aspect comes to play for those who use bill payment app. With the help of our mobiles phones, we can pay our bills anytime and any day. In fact, online merchants accept either credit/debit card or cash on delivery payment modes. So with your handset, you can make payments using either MasterCard or Visa.

2) Eco-friendly: Another advantage of online bill payment is you save a lot of paper. Precisely why banks and other service providers send statements or bills via email. Less paper means fewer envelopes minus the hassle for you. It is safe to say that online process is environment-friendly.


3) Safe and secure: With more and more users thronging the internet, online merchants are using the SSL mechanism to conduct safe and secure payments. The level of encryptions today is so high that it is impossible to perform fraudulent activities online. 

4) Consolidation of record: Some people do maintain records of their bills, be it payment slip of utility bills or any shopping receipt. Through the internet, the receipt is saved over your email once the payment is made.

5) Convenience: Bill payment app allows you to control on when to pay the bills and how much you wish to pay for each bill. You also have the liberty to change your expense choices or even cancel it.

6) Deals and offers: Customers can grab last minute deals while making payments. Recharge websites especially run offers now and then. Banks, too, give away deals periodically. This way you can go light on your pockets.

Every service provider today has their portals. They are associated with recharge websites such as Paytm and Freecharge or banking apps such as HDFC or ICICI. Bill payment has never been so easy and quick before.

Different modes to pay utility bills

Did you miss out on your last utility bill payment? Wish you had an assistant to get the task done? In the past few years, there has been a paradigm shift in the way transactions have been taking place. Technology backed with high-speed internet has played a crucial role in this move. Online has become a way of life across different age groups and generations nowadays. One of the changes is paying off utility bill through internet.

Paying utility bill online has its set of benefits:

1) Saves time, energy and money as the task of standing in long lines is nullified
2) It is convenient. Bills can be paid anytime and at any point
3) Eliminates many errors
4) Helps you manage and control your finances
With more efficient methods introduced in technology, you can pay utility bill through different mediums:

1) Bharat Bill Payment System: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which is an umbrella organisation for all retail bill payment, launched BBPS. It was introduced to reduce cash transactions and encourage digital payments. Once the customer pays the amount, he/she will receive a receipt instantly. At present, BBPS caters to utility services such as electricity, gas, telephone, water and DTH payments.

2) FreeCharge: It is one of the portals that changed the industry of digital payment. You can electronically pay DTH and mobile bills. You can also recharge your mobile, DTH, mobile, gas, electricity connections. FreeCharge runs several deals and offers every month that allows users to pay less than the billing amount.

3) HDFC PayZapp: HDFC’s PayZapp is a one-stop payment solution. With just one click you can make your payments by connecting your debit/credit cards with the wallet. It also caters to other aspects such as movie tickets, grocery shopping, gift cards, etc.

4) Bijli Bachao: Government has facilities such as Mahavitran and Bijli Bachao in place to pay your electricity bills. Bijli Bachao’s online service allows you to pay the amount for almost every electricity bill.

5) Suvidha: It is always a blessing to have a website that provides you with all in one service. Suvidha is one such portal. Here one can pay all sorts of utility bill such as gas, landline, data card, etc. You can also make your insurance payments here.

Utility bill payment was always considered a daunting task until digitalisation made its way. So, will cash-based transactions fade away? Will the new digital payment system turn the country into a dominant force?

What is internet banking? 8 reasons for its rise

Money is becoming increasingly electronic. We do not find long queues at the cash counter in bank branches anymore. You can now access your accounts and get done financial transactions instantly through his/her tablet, computer or smartphones. Internet banking has become an acceptable norm for millions of Indians for a decade. 

What is internet banking?

The internet has changed the way we shop, eat, cook and interact. It also controls the way we save and invest. Internet banking, a concept established in India in 1999, allows the users to check their recent account operations, schedule bill payments, apply for loans, transfer funds and lots more. In short, internet banking has changed the face of the banking industry as well as banks services towards customers.
We give you 8 reasons why more and more users are increasingly using this approach:

1) Effective management of cash flow: You are the master of your expenses. For example, you can arrange for alerts for impending responsibilities catering to the banks services.

2) Control of government remittance: Filing tax returns or government remittance manually is time-consuming. With the help of online banking, you can fill the form then and there as well as schedule your outflow. That way you can avoid late payment charges.

3) Easy access to accounts: One of the significant benefits of internet banking is easy access to accounts. You can check your bank balance or recent transactions anytime from morning to night or during holidays as well.

4) Application for loans: It is an intensive and lengthy process. It also involves plenty of paperwork. However, loan applications are not a task anymore. Provide all the information regarding your account and the bank will check your credit score, helping you get the loan instantly.

5) Making online bill payments: Another practical use of managing expenses online is paying mobile or utility bills in hassle-free fashion. You can set up automatic bill payment for the ones that do not change. You can even catch hold of deals and offers to receive discounts at the time of making payment.

6) Transfer of funds: You can save your trip to banks by merely transferring money from one account to the other quickly. When accessing accounts online, ensure all your bank accounts are listed. This makes it easier to move the funds swiftly. This way you can also check the available funds before the outflow of funds.

7) Mobile apps: It is not humanly possible to carry your laptops or computers wherever you go. Just like online recharge portals, banks too have their mobile applications. In fact, some of the banks have synced their apps with smartwatches as well. This way, you can carry your bank in your pocket or on your hand.

8) Deposit cheques: Cheques can be deposited in many ways apart from visiting the bank branch or dropping it in the drop box. One of the fastest and comfortable options is the remote cheque deposit. Here you take a snapshot of the cheque and submit it to your bank manager.

Just like a 24-hour medical shop aids a patient at any point of the hour, similarly, internet banking comes to the rescue for those who cannot physically visit a branch at the time of emergencies. 

Two-wheeler loan – all you need to know

Owning a personal vehicle has become a necessity in today’s fast-paced life. Reaching our destinations has become next to impossible with commuters thronging the local transports, long queues in the bus stop and super expensive cabs occupying the road. If we keep aside the day-to-day work commute, a two-wheeler is required for weekend getaways or hangouts with family and friends as well.

A bike can be rode by all age groups. In fact, women, too, are ruling the streets with their scooters. Bikes are affordable and custom-made for anyone and everyone. However, if you are looking for more fuelled or trendier bikes, the price of the vehicle might soar up. In such cases, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea to purchase a two-wheeler instantly. Here is where two-wheeler loans come into the picture. 

What is a two-wheeler loan? 

The loan allows users to purchase a vehicle of their choice with affordable repayment options. By paying monthly instalments, the credit can be paid-off. This way your pockets are also light. Be it travelling for work or merely flashing in front of your friends; a bike loan is at your disposal instantly.

Who offers bike loans?

Who comes to your mind while applying for a two-wheeler loan? Family, banks or financial institutions? Following are the entities who offer the mortgage:
Banks: Public/private banks, commercial banks, scheduled/non-scheduled banks, all provide a bike loan. You can avail the loan if you are/not the customer of the bank.

Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC): They are similar to banks and offer services such as loans, deposit schemes, etc. These institutions are associated with bike dealers to provide the two-wheeler loans in a hassle-free manner.

What are the types of two-wheeler loans?

1) Secured: This kind of loan is availed by keeping any collateral as a security against the loan. You can save an asset that is equivalent to the value of the loan as security. The processing of a loan gets faster in such cases. It also leads to lower interest rates. If you fail to repay the amount, there are chances you might lose out on the ownership of the vehicle.

2) Unsecured: Unlike secured loans, you need not pledge any security for this loan. You can avail the loan if you meet the eligibility criteria. However, the interest rates tend to be higher while acquiring such loans.

Are you eligible for a bike loan?

1) You should be a resident of India to avail the loan
2) You should fall under the age bracket of 18 to 60 years
3) Unlike other personal loans, a two-wheeler loan requires minimum income level. This factor is subject to vary from bank to bank
4) Stability in a profession is a must. You should be employed with an organisation for at least 2 years
5) You should carry a decent credit score to get the loan

What are the benefits of two-wheeler loans?

1) Finance margin: While applying for a two-wheeler loan, majority of banks require you to make mere 10 per cent of down payment.

2) Flexibility: The loan can be paid off as per your financial requirements. Tenures, however, range between 1 to 2 years, making it easy for you to pay back.

3) Credit score: A two-wheeler loan builds up your credit score as these loans are relatively easy to pay off. If the amount is cleared within the stipulated time, it becomes more comfortable for you to apply for other investments.

4) Extra coverage: Many times, banks and financial organisations cover additional expenses such as insurance, bike accessories, etc. It is one of the most attractive features of a bike loan.

If the above information does not lure you enough to purchase a bike, then nothing will. Go to the market and get the bike of your choice. However, keep the helmet on.