Banking Service: Getting a new debit or credit card could soon become much faster for bank customers. A new ATM-based solution is being developed that can allow customers to receive personalised RuPay debit cards, credit cards and National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) directly from an ATM.
The initiative aims to remove the need to visit a bank branch for card issuance or wait several days for a card to arrive by post. If implemented widely, it could make card issuance quicker and more convenient for customers.
ATM Can Do More Than Cash Withdrawals
Traditionally, ATMs are mainly used for withdrawing cash, checking balances and performing a limited number of banking transactions. The proposed system could significantly expand these capabilities.
The new solution is based on an open-source Android-powered ATM platform designed to issue personalised cards at the machine itself. This means customers could potentially receive a usable RuPay card immediately after completing the required process.
The system could also support cardless cash withdrawals through UPI, allowing customers to access cash without physically carrying a debit card.
How Will Instant Card Issuance Work?
Under the proposed setup, customers would be able to use an ATM equipped with the new technology to request and receive a personalised card.
Instead of waiting for a card to be manufactured and delivered through traditional channels, the machine would handle the card issuance process. This could substantially reduce the waiting time between opening an account or requesting a card and actually receiving it.
The solution is designed to support different types of cards, including:
- RuPay debit cards
- RuPay credit cards
- National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC)
ATMs Could Offer More Banking Services
The initiative is not limited to instant card issuance. The technology is also being developed with the potential to support additional banking services.
In the future, these ATM-based digital banking units could provide facilities such as:
- Cheque deposits
- Bank account opening
- Loan applications
- Card issuance
- Cash withdrawal
- UPI-based cardless transactions
This could turn ATMs into multi-purpose digital banking centres rather than machines used only for cash transactions.
Where Could These Digital Banking Units Be Installed?
Banks may consider placing such machines in locations that experience heavy customer traffic. Potential locations include airports, transport hubs, educational campuses and corporate parks.
The model could also prove useful in places where establishing and operating a complete bank branch is difficult or commercially impractical.
Nine Banks Testing the Initiative
The initiative is currently being evaluated by nine banks in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and ATM manufacturers.
The participating banks are:
- State Bank of India
- Bank of Baroda
- Union Bank of India
- Punjab National Bank
- Bank of India
- Central Bank of India
- UCO Bank
- Slice Small Finance Bank
- Airtel Payments Bank
The participation of both large public-sector banks and private-sector, payments-focused institutions could help assess how effectively the technology works across different banking models and customer groups.
How Instant ATM Card Issuance Could Change Banking
One of the biggest advantages of the proposed system is the reduction in the waiting period for customers. Currently, obtaining a new debit or credit card can involve an application, processing time, manufacturing and delivery.
Instant issuance could simplify this process by allowing customers to receive a personalised card at the service point itself.
For banks, the technology could create an additional self-service distribution channel. For customers, it could mean faster access to cards and other financial services without depending entirely on traditional branches.
ATMs Are Evolving Into Digital Banking Hubs
India’s banking infrastructure is increasingly moving towards digital and self-service solutions. ATMs are gradually expanding beyond their traditional role of dispensing cash.
With technologies such as instant card issuance, UPI-based transactions and digital banking services, future ATMs could become one-stop financial service points.
If the initiative is eventually rolled out on a wider scale, it could improve access to banking services, particularly in high-traffic locations and areas where traditional branches are less accessible. It also reflects the growing demand for faster, convenient and self-service banking experiences.