'Free' BHIM app charges Rs 1.50 after download, say users

[Optimus_Prime]

The indigenous digital payments app BHIM shot to instant fame after it was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week. One of the top trending apps on the Google Playstore, over 10 lakh people have downloaded it so far.
However, users noticed that the so-called 'free' app deducts Rs 1.50 from their mobile phone balance. When the app is downloaded, users receive a verification code, and the amount is instantaneously deducted from the balance.

After downloading, the user has to go through a tedious process of answering highly technical questions.
Acoording to complaints, transactions fail even after completing this procedure. Furthermore, contrary to its claims of facilitating offline transactions, the app seems unable to do do without internet connectivity.
App users complained that they found BHIM a 'typical government app' owing to its poor user interface . It also hangs frequently. The general conensus is that BHIM is 'below expectations'.
Given the fanfare around its launch and high popularity on app stores, several apps developed by private companies with names like ModiBhim, Modi ka Bhim, Bhim 2017, Bhim Talk, Bhim Cashless, Bhim Data Saver etc are flooding the playstore.

Bhim: 'Free' BHIM app charges Rs 1.50 after download, say users - Times of India

 

[Sai Jai]

I think itz sms charge for mobile number verfication for registration ..

 

[dipak]

yes its sms charge. but there have a problem if u use dual sim , there have no option to choose ur ph no. sometimes sms verification go from another ph no. which not registered ph no of bank, by the way it not activate .

 

[Siva]

In the latest version, there's an option to choose the sim you want to use for verification. However, the app itself looks very unpolished and improperly developed. We are still not able to register the axis bank account. In another mobile, it doesn't even go to the verification page, just hangs.

 

[Sarkar]

Why do you want BHIM ? :huh

Axis bank's own app is nice and much better than SBI Pay whose graphics and animation sucks. UBI app is also nice.

 

[thisisjagan]

PhonePe is very user friendly and awesome

 

[Siva]

Why do you want BHIM ? :huh

Axis bank's own app is nice and much better than SBI Pay whose graphics and animation sucks. UBI app is also nice.

Why anyone wants BHIM? Every bank has their own app. We are trying to test it's advertised features and the hype that was created. Turns out it certainly isn't worth our valuable time.

 

[Jp2211]

Use registered sim as primary sim...means in slot 1...

 

[Karthik]

yes for me 4.50 RS deducted

 

[Sarkar]

Why anyone wants BHIM? Every bank has their own app. We are trying to test it's advertised features and the hype that was created. Turns out it certainly isn't worth our valuable time.

If we use 3rd party app like this and transaction failed and money doesn't return to the bank then whom should we contact and raise complain ? Third party app provider or my bank?