Airtel Payments Bank targets over 10 million NCMC cards in 2 years
Airtel Payments Bank NCMC Cards: Targeting 10 Million Users by 2026
Table of Contents
Key Highlights
- 2.5 million NCMC cards issued to date
- Target: 10 million cards by 2026
- Partnerships with 5 major metro systems
- Three card variants available
NCMC Cards Overview
National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC), launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2019, represent a significant leap forward in digital payments for public transport. These RuPay On-The-Go Cards enable seamless, contactless payments across various transportation modes, including metro trains, buses, shared cars, ferries, and autos.
NCMC Card Benefits
- Interoperable across all metro systems
- Contactless tap-and-pay functionality
- Seamless inter-city travel
- Digital transaction tracking
Current Status and Growth
Airtel Payments Bank has emerged as a key player in the NCMC ecosystem, having issued 2.5 million cards to date. The bank’s ambitious target of reaching 10 million cards by 2026 reflects the growing adoption of digital payment solutions in public transport. This expansion aligns with the government’s vision of creating an integrated public transport payment system.
Available Card Variants
Airtel Payments Bank offers three distinct NCMC card variants to cater to different customer needs:
Card Options
- RuPay On-the-Go Card: NCMC-enabled debit cards for savings account customers
- Pre-paid Cards: Specifically designed for wallet customers
- PPI-MTS Cards: Specialized cards for public transport payments
Metro Rail Partnerships
Airtel Payments Bank has established strategic partnerships with major metro systems across India, including:
Metro Partnerships
- Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
- Airport Express Line
- Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL)
- National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)
- Gujrat Metro Rail Corporation
- Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) – Singara Chennai Card
Future Outlook
The success of NCMC cards has created a unique opportunity for Airtel Payments Bank to expand its digital banking services. Many customers who purchase NCMC cards subsequently open digital bank accounts, demonstrating the potential for cross-selling financial products. This trend supports the government’s vision of financial inclusion and digital transformation in India’s public transport sector.
Strategic Advantages
- Enhanced customer acquisition through transport payments
- Opportunity for cross-selling digital banking services
- Alignment with government’s digital India initiatives
- Support for smart city development
As Airtel Payments Bank continues to expand its NCMC card portfolio, the focus remains on providing seamless, interoperable payment solutions that enhance the public transport experience while driving financial inclusion across India.