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Join the era of digital
rupee - India’s CBDC

We are proud to participate in the first pilot of India’s CBDC (e₹)

Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)

CBDC, or Central Bank Digital Currency, is a legal tender issued by the Reserve Bank of India. Also called the “digital rupee” or e₹, it will offer features of physical cash like trust, safety and settlement finality with atomicity (i.e. immediate settlement of transactions) in digital mode.

e₹ represents a direct claim on the central bank. It can be used to carry out transactions or store value digitally, similar to the manner in which currency notes can be used in physical form.

Conversion Rates & Denominations

The conversion rate will be 1 Digital Rupee = 1 Rupee and it will have the denominations as the physical Rupee i.e. ₹2, ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100 , ₹500 and even ₹1, 50 paise and 1 paise coins are also available to perform fraction transaction.

The e₹ will be held in an e₹ wallet issued by banks like IDFC FIRST Bank.

As a bank that’s constantly at the forefront of introducing customer friendly features such as Monthly Interest Credits on Savings Account, ‘never expiring reward points’ on credit cards, lifetime free credit cards etc., we are happy to be a part of this Pilot Initiative of RBI in bringing the digital rupee revolution in India.

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Who can use Digital Rupee (e₹) and how?

IDFC FIRST Bank Customers

Any IDFC FIRST Bank customer with a savings account can use CBDC (Digital Rupee – e₹). Register using your linked mobile number and start transacting instantly.

Your Digital Wallet

Use e₹ through a secure digital wallet on your Android or iOS device. It works like your physical wallet, letting you store and spend Digital Rupee anytime.

For Individuals & Merchants

Retail customers can pay using the IDFC FIRST Digital Rupee mobile app. Merchants can accept e₹ payments through the dedicated CBDC Merchant Portal.

Say hello to e₹ - India’s Digital Rupee

Download Digital Rupee App

How to use IDFC FIRST Digital Rupee (e₹)

How to Register Different Types of Wallets How to Load Wallet How to Pay Digital Rupee (Send) How to Collect Digital Rupee (Receive) How to Redeem Digital Rupee Programmable CBDC (PCBDC) Autoload Profile Section

Step-by-Step guide to Register for CBDC (e₹)

Download the IDFC FIRST Digital Rupee app from Play Store or App Store
Verify your mobile number linked to your bank account
Set your app PIN and complete basic details
Link your bank account using your debit card
Your Digital Rupee wallet is ready to use

Say hello to e₹ - India’s Digital Rupee

Enjoy attractive interest rates, zero-fee banking, and exclusive discounts on dining,shopping, & more.

Download Digital Rupee App

Blogs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Digital Rupee(e₹) i.e central bank digital currency (CBDC)

CBDC stands for Central Bank Digital Currency. It is a digital form of money issued and regulated by RBI, it is also referred as “Digital Rupee” or “e₹”. Unlike cryptocurrencies, CBDCs are backed by the government and have the same value as physical currency. CBDC’s aim is to make payments faster, more secure, and more efficient. CBDCs can help reduce the cost of cash handling and improve financial inclusion.

What are the key features of e₹ ?

The Indian Digital Rupee, or CBDC, is a digital version of the physical currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India. It is legal and can be used for transactions just like cash, but in a secure digital format. It enables instant, real-time payments and a highly secure mode of transaction. The Digital Rupee is designed to be interoperable across platforms like UPI and aims to improve payment efficiency, reduce cash handling costs, and support financial inclusion.

How to raise a complaint related Digital Rupee(e₹) i.e central bank digital currency (CBDC)?

For submitting any complaint to the support team user needs to send mail to digital.rupee@idfcfirstbank.com mentioning the following things for quick response from support team :

1. Registered mobile number

2. Linked account number

3. Date of Txn

4. Txn Ref number

For any disputes /query (technical and non-technical both ) on CBDC you may reach out to :

Name	Email	Level	Remark
Digital Rupee Support Group	digital.rupee@idfcfirstbank.com	Level 1	First Point of Contact
Buddha Srilaxmi(HGS)	buddha.s_hgs@idfcexternalsupport.com	Level 1	First Point of Contact
Joydip Saha	joydip.saha@idfcfirstbank.com	Level 2	If no response in 48 hrs
Umesh Raavi	umesh.raavi_spy@idfcexternalsupport.com	Level 2	If no response in 48 hrs
Pankaj Dhiria	pankaj.dhiria@idfcfirstbank.com	Level 3	If no response in 72 hrs

What are transaction limits of IDFC FIRST Digital Rupee application ?

Category	Type	CBDC Velocity checks
Amount of Load/Day (credits from any savings account (IDFC/non-IDFC)	Amount	Rs. 50,000
No. of Load/Day	Count	20
Amount of Un-Load/Day	Amount	Rs. 1,00,000
(redemption back to linked IDFC SA)	Amount	Rs. 1,00,000
No. of unload/day	Count	20
Inward Transfer/Day	Amount	Rs. 25,000
(receipt of funds from any other CBDC wallet IDFC/non-IDFC)	Amount	Rs. 25,000
No of Inward transfer/Day	Count	30
OutWard Transfer/Day	Amount	Rs. 50,000
(wallet to wallet/UPI to any person or merchant)	Amount	Rs. 50,000
No. of Transfer/day	Count	50
Per Transaction		Rs. 10,000
Amount of Outward P2P Transfer	(Within 30 days)	Rs. 5,00,000
(rolling 30 days limit)	(Within 30 days)	Rs. 5,00,000
Number of Outward P2P transfer	(Within 30 days)	100
Wallet Holding Limit	At Any given time	Rs. 1,00,000
Cooling Period( 1st 24 hrs of registration)	Amount	Rs. 5,000

Can I do fraction transaction with CBDC?

Yes, now you can transact starting from Rs. 0.01 to Rs. 10,000/- in each transaction. Only for CBDC to UPI transaction the amount should be Re.1 and above.

What if I lost my phone which has the CBDC Application installed.

Nothing to worry. You can recover your Digital Rupee wallet by using the same mobile number in your new device.

I have been trapped by fraudsters, whom should I approach?

Immediately contact Cyber Crime Toll Free Number 1930 and report the incident. Also contact bank 24x7 customer care over 1800 10888.

Will e₹ replace cash, debit cards and credit cards?

The e₹ (Digital Rupee) is not meant to replace cash, debit cards, or credit cards, but rather to complement them. It acts as a digital extension of physical cash, offering the same value and trust, but in a more efficient and secure format. Users can use it for everyday transactions just like cash, but through digital wallets or apps. While it reduces reliance on physical currency over time, traditional payment methods will continue to coexist.

How e₹ is different from UPI or other fund transfer mode (NEFT/RTGS/IMPS)?

The e₹ (Digital Rupee) is different from UPI, NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS because it is a digital currency, not just a payment method. UPI and other fund transfer systems move money between bank accounts, while e₹ is like digital cash it doesn’t need movement of money in bank accounts and can be transferred directly between users. e₹ is a token-based system, whereas UPI is account-based.

Is e₹ same as cryptocurrency such as bitcoin?

No, the e₹ (Digital Rupee) is not the same as cryptocurrency as Bitcoin. The e₹ is issued and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India, making it a legal and stable digital currency. Unlike normal cryptocurrencies which are decentralized, not backed by any government, and their value can be highly volatile. Where as e₹ value will also be equal to fiat Rupee which is regualted by RBI.

Who can use e₹?

Any person or Business with an active Bank Account can use the e₹ (Digital Rupee) for digital transactions. It is designed to be accessible via mobile apps or digital wallets, making it easy to use for everyday payments like shopping, bill payments, or peer-to-peer transfers. Banks and financial institutions also use a separate version (Wholesale CBDC) for interbank settlements. The e₹ is meant to be a digital extension of cash, offering the same value and trust in a more efficient form.

I wanted to opt out of CBDC, what is the process ?

You can deregister the wallet from the profile section of the app.

My app is not working, on opening the app its showing user locked ?

General trouble shooting process if you are having android device Long press the app icon, press “I” button, go to “storage an cache “ then  Clear the data, then forced stop the app, then uninstall and reinstall. After installation Try for wallet recovery flow Also ensure that you have sms balance on your registered number before initiating the registration process. If you are using iOS, simply uninstall and reinstall the application.

My app is not working on opening the app its showing user blocked ?

There can be multiple reasons for wallets getting blocked. User needs to send mail to digital.rupee@idfcfirstbank.com mentioning the registered mobile number and linked account number for knowing further details.

How to register/sign up for e₹ for the first time users?

Step-by-Step guide to Register for CBDC (e₹):

Download the App: Install the official Digital Rupee app from the Google Play Store or App Store.

Permissions: Allow SMS, location, and phone call permissions for verification.

Accept Terms: Read and accept the terms and conditions.

Start Registration: Tap on “Start Registration”.

SIM Verification: Select the SIM card linked to your bank account and verify via SMS.

Set App PIN: Authenticate using your device (PIN, fingerprint, or face unlock).

Enter Details: Provide your name and set a wallet for PIN.

Create Wallet: Once done, your wallet will be created.

Link Bank Account: Choose your account linked to your mobile number.

Enter Card Details: Provide the last 6 digits and expiry date of your debit card. Complete Setup: Your wallet is now ready to use.

What is a e₹ Wallet ?

An e₹ Wallet is a secure digital wallet that stores the Digital Rupee (e₹), it works like a mobile wallet but holds digital cash issued by the Reserve Bank of India. Users can send, receive, and store e₹ directly without needing a bank account. It’s designed for easy use in everyday transactions, similar to how you’d use physical cash or UPI apps.

How can I load money in my e₹ wallet?

Step-by-Step guide to Load money into e₹ wallet; Open the e₹ Wallet App of your participating bank – IDFC First Bank Tap the “Load” button on the home screen. Choose Denominations: Select the amount or specific denominations of e₹ tokens you want to load. Select Payment Source: Linked bank account or UPI apps (like PhonePe, GPay, Paytm etc) Confirm Transaction: No PIN is needed to load e₹ tokens—just confirm the source and amount. Receive Tokens Instantly: The digital rupee tokens will appear in your wallet immediately.

How to redeem e₹ from wallet and get money back to my linked bank account?

Open your e₹ Wallet App from your bank – IDFC First Bank. Tap on “Redeem” option displayed on the home screen. Select Amount: Choose the denomination or total amount you want to redeem. Enter Wallet PIN: Authenticate the transaction using your wallet PIN and confirm it. Receive Funds: The equivalent amount is credited to your bank account instantly.

How do I send payments using e₹?

Open your e₹ Wallet App from your bank – IDFC First Bank Tap on “Send” or “Pay” option. Enter Recipient Details: You can send another e₹ wallet using their mobile number or QR code. Enter Amount: Choose the amount or select denominations. Authenticate: Enter your wallet PIN or use biometric verification to confirm. Transaction Complete: The recipient receives e₹ instantly, just like handing over cash.

Why do I see e₹ with different denominations in the app?

You see e₹ in different denominations in the app because it is designed to mimic physical cash in digital form. Just like you carry ₹10, ₹50, ₹100, or ₹500 notes in your wallet, the e₹ wallet holds digital tokens of specific denominations. This helps maintain the cash-like experience—making it easy to send, receive, and manage money in familiar units. It also supports offline and peer-to-peer transactions, where denomination-based tokens make settlement simpler and faster.

Does the transfer of tokens happen only during banking hours?

No, e₹ token transfers do not depend on banking hours. Since e₹ is a form of digital cash, it can be sent or received 24x7, including weekends and holidays.

Will my transaction show “Pending” as it sometimes shows in UPI?

Yes, e₹ transactions may occasionally display a “Pending” status, particularly due to network delays or system processing. While the Digital Rupee is designed for near-instant settlement, such pending transactions are typically resolved and settled within 24 hours. If doesn’t get resolved with this time frame, user can reach to the support team at digital.rupee@idfcfirstnbank.com.

In such scenario making payment through other channels or retrying payment can lead to double payment to the recipient hence user needs inform recipient beforehand.

Will I receive SMS from the bank after each transaction, as I used to get in UPI transactions?

Yes, SMS will be sent for every financial transaction like, Load Redeem Pay Receive

What if the account is debited but the wallet is not credited with e₹ (Digital rupee)?

1. Wait for 48 Hours: In many cases, the transaction may be in a pending state and gets settled within 48 hours or money will be credited back to the Bank account.

2. Check Transaction History: Review your wallet and bank transaction history for confirmation and timestamps.

3. Raise a Dispute:

i. Go to the “Help” or “Support” section in your e₹ wallet app.

ii. Select the transaction and choose “Raise Dispute” or “Report Issue”.

iii. Provide details like mobile number, email id.

4. Contact Bank Support: If the issue persists, contact your bank’s customer care or send mail to digital.rupee@idfcfirstnbank.com.

Can I transfer e₹ directly to someone else’s bank account or UPI VPA?

No, you cannot transfer e₹ directly to a bank account. However, you can send e₹ to any UPI Number via using send to contacts option.

Are there any charges/fees on using e₹?

No, creating and using e₹ or CBDC is free of charge with no hidden chargers at all.

Can I use e₹ via ATM cards or Online Banking?

No. e₹ cannot be directly used via ATM cards or online banking. However, you can redeem e₹ to get amount credited back to your Bank account.

What mobile OS platform does e₹ app currently suppor

Both iOS and Android mobiles support e₹ app

What if I lose/change my phone?

You can recover the existing e₹ or Digital rupee wallet in new mobile

Is e₹ Secure and Private?

Yes, the e₹ (Digital Rupee) is designed to be secure and private. It uses encrypted token-based technology regulated by the Reserve Bank of India, ensuring safe transactions.

Will I be paid interest on my e₹ wallet ?

Yes, the e₹ (Digital Rupee) is designed to be secure and private. It uses encrypted token-based technology regulated by the Reserve Bank of India, ensuring safe transactions. Why I have not received invite to participate in the first pilot of Central Bank Digital Currency - (Digital Rupee - e₹) An invitation is no longer required to access or use the e₹ (Digital Rupee). Any individual with an active bank account at a participating bank can create and use a CBDC wallet instantly, without prior approval or onboarding.

How to de-register/delete CBDC wallet?

Open the Digital Rupee App. Navigate to the Settings or Profile section. Select the option to De-register/Delete Wallet. Confirm your action by entering your wallet PIN. Once confirmed, your wallet will be deactivated, and any remaining balance will be redeemed automatically into your linked bank account.

What if I change my mobile number ?

Please note if you are changing mobile number in your linked Savings account that doesn’t automatically update the mobile number in Digital Rupee wallet. So, user needs deregister the previous wallet with old number, so that available Digital Rupee of the wallet gets redeemed and then user can create a new wallet using new number.

How to reset Wallet PIN if the customer has forgotten it?

Open the e₹ Wallet App. Navigate to the “Forgot PIN” or “Reset PIN” option in the login or security section. Verify Identity: Enter the last 6 digits of your debit card linked to the wallet. Provide the expiry date of the same debit card. Set New PIN: Once verified, enter a new secure 6-digit wallet PIN. Confirm New PIN: Re-enter the new PIN to complete the reset process. Access Restored: You can now use your wallet with the newly set PIN

What if a user entered the wrong Wallet PIN during a transaction?

If a user enters the wrong Wallet PIN more than three times in a day, the e₹ (Digital Rupee) app will temporarily block further transactions for security reasons. To regain access, the customer must either reset the Wallet PIN using their registered debit card details or wait for 24 hours for the automatic unlock.

Whom can I reach out for support/disputes?

Customers can raise disputes directly through the e₹ wallet app using the in-app support or help section. Alternatively, they may contact the bank’s customer care service for further assistance or can reach to the support team at digital.rupee@idfcfirstnbank.com.

Can I use this for investment? Will the value of e₹ be appreciated/grow?

No, the e₹ (Digital Rupee) is not meant for investment purposes, and its value does not appreciate or grow over time. e₹ (Digital Rupee) will always be equal to cash.

How many wallets can a customer hold?

As per current operational guidelines for the e₹ (Digital Rupee), only one wallet can be created and linked to a single mobile number at any given time.

Can a non- Bank customer use e₹ (Digital rupee)?

Yes, through Aadhaar Validation, only if user is PCBDC beneficiary either of Govt DBT or Received PCBDC from any Full KYC CBDC Wallet holder.

Is Savings account mandatory for customers to use e₹ (Digital rupee)?

Yes, Savings account is mandatory for the customer to use IDFC FIRST Digital Rupee Wallet Application and a Current account is mandatory for CBDC Merchants Wallet.

Currently Retail Customers has IDFC FIRST Digital Rupee Mobile Application for both android and iOS and CBDC Merchants it will be portal based access in CBDC Merchant Portal.

Do I have to maintain a minimum balance of e₹ (Digital rupee) in my wallet?

No, there is no compulsion to maintain any minimum balance in e₹ (Digital rupee) wallet.

Can I save my taxes by investing in these tokens?

No, taxes benefit from e₹ (Digital rupee) utilization; it is similar to cash but in digital format.

Is e₹ (Digital rupee) accepted worldwide?

No, as of now e₹ (Digital rupee) is not accepted worldwide, it’s only accepted in India by all banks.

I am getting some technical issues related to e₹ (Digital rupee) App?

In case of any issue, contact the bank’s customer care or visit the branch or can reach out to digital rupee support team at digital.rupee@idfcfirstbank.com.

I will be able to purchase the digital currency using UPI?

Yes, you can load Digital rupees using UPI mode.

Will I be able to use money in 3rd party merchant wallets like PAYTM, Phone pe etc?

No.

What happens in account closure? Will the wallet be closed, too? Will there be any proactive information given to the customer?

Yes. User is not permitted to use IDFC FIRST Digital Rupee Wallet post closure of linked account. Hence users are advised to redeem the available money from digital rupee or spend it then go for wallet deregistration. Post that linked account can be closed.

Will the customer himself be able to transfer digital currency from his wallet to loan account to make payment against EMI?

No.

What is Programmable CBDC (PCBDC).

Its special feature under CBDC. Where every Digital rupee token is programmed for specific purposes enhancing security and efficiency. Currently various State Govt and Reserve Bank of India implementing this feature in several DBT schemes.

There are currently TWO Types of PCBDC :

Sponsor Level :

This segment refers to M2P Transaction where any corporate or govt body disburse certain end use specific benefits to the beneficiary of the scheme. This type of PCBDC is called Sponsor Level PCBDC.

Example : This can be Company Perks or Govt Subsidies.

User Level :

This segment refers to P2P Transaction where any FULL KYC CBDC Wallet Holder can disburse certain enduse specific amount to the beneficiary. Beneficary can be existing CBDC holder and Non CBDC Holder too. This type of PCBDC is called User Level PCBDC.

Example : This can be “ An amount paid by parents to their kids for specific purpose of Book purchase” i.e this PCBDC will only work on book stores and nowhere else. This feature largely can be used for Gifting Purpose in Person to Person where specific end use can be ensured.

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Join the era of digital rupee - India’s CBDC

Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)

Conversion Rates & Denominations

Who can use Digital Rupee (e₹) and how?

IDFC FIRST Bank Customers

Your Digital Wallet

For Individuals & Merchants

Say hello to e₹ - India’s Digital Rupee

How to use IDFC FIRST Digital Rupee (e₹)

Step-by-Step guide to Register for CBDC (e₹)

Choose the wallet that fits your needs

Add money to your Digital Rupee wallet

Send money in seconds

Receive payments easily

Transfer money back to your bank account

Smart money for specific use

Never run out of balance

Manage your wallet and settings

Say hello to e₹ - India’s Digital Rupee

Blogs

Understanding the impact of digital rupee

How to buy Digital Rupee

Central Bank Digital Currency in India: 7 myths busted

Digital Rupee, e₹, and e₹ wallet: Everything you should know about this digital currency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Digital Rupee(e₹) i.e central bank digital currency (CBDC)

What are the key features of e₹ ?

How to raise a complaint related Digital Rupee(e₹) i.e central bank digital currency (CBDC)?

What are transaction limits of IDFC FIRST Digital Rupee application ?

Can I do fraction transaction with CBDC?

What if I lost my phone which has the CBDC Application installed.

I have been trapped by fraudsters, whom should I approach?

Will e₹ replace cash, debit cards and credit cards?

How e₹ is different from UPI or other fund transfer mode (NEFT/RTGS/IMPS)?

Is e₹ same as cryptocurrency such as bitcoin?

Who can use e₹?

I wanted to opt out of CBDC, what is the process ?

My app is not working, on opening the app its showing user locked ?

My app is not working on opening the app its showing user blocked ?

How to register/sign up for e₹ for the first time users?

What is a e₹ Wallet ?

How can I load money in my e₹ wallet?

How to redeem e₹ from wallet and get money back to my linked bank account?

How do I send payments using e₹?

Why do I see e₹ with different denominations in the app?

Does the transfer of tokens happen only during banking hours?

Will my transaction show “Pending” as it sometimes shows in UPI?

Will I receive SMS from the bank after each transaction, as I used to get in UPI transactions?

What if the account is debited but the wallet is not credited with e₹ (Digital rupee)?

Can I transfer e₹ directly to someone else’s bank account or UPI VPA?

Are there any charges/fees on using e₹?

Can I use e₹ via ATM cards or Online Banking?

What mobile OS platform does e₹ app currently suppor

What if I lose/change my phone?

Is e₹ Secure and Private?

Will I be paid interest on my e₹ wallet ?

How to de-register/delete CBDC wallet?

What if I change my mobile number ?

How to reset Wallet PIN if the customer has forgotten it?

What if a user entered the wrong Wallet PIN during a transaction?

Whom can I reach out for support/disputes?

Can I use this for investment? Will the value of e₹ be appreciated/grow?

How many wallets can a customer hold?

Can a non- Bank customer use e₹ (Digital rupee)?

Is Savings account mandatory for customers to use e₹ (Digital rupee)?

Do I have to maintain a minimum balance of e₹ (Digital rupee) in my wallet?

Can I save my taxes by investing in these tokens?

Is e₹ (Digital rupee) accepted worldwide?

I am getting some technical issues related to e₹ (Digital rupee) App?

I will be able to purchase the digital currency using UPI?

Will I be able to use money in 3rd party merchant wallets like PAYTM, Phone pe etc?

What happens in account closure? Will the wallet be closed, too? Will there be any proactive information given to the customer?

Will the customer himself be able to transfer digital currency from his wallet to loan account to make payment against EMI?

What is Programmable CBDC (PCBDC).

Get in touch with us

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Join the era of digital
rupee - India’s CBDC