The latest Supreme Court judgement on 26th January has kept bank account opening out of the Aadhar ambit. However, we still await the legislative decision. Again, the SC has only said that it is not mandatory to link Aadhar with bank account but the banks still have the discretion to insist on doing so. Also, the government may pass enabling legislations to ensure that such details are captured for the benefit of a better audit trail and tracking of fund flows.
Account holders can link Aadhaar with bank accounts online as well. This can be done either through the bank’s mobile application or through internet banking. However, to avail the facility, the user should be registered with the bank for the service. Here is how to go about and link Aadhar with bank account. It is always advisable to get it done.
How to link bank Account with Aadhaar through Internet Banking
The process is quite simple. You first need to log in to your online banking account using your 2 factor authentication which includes your password and second authentication.
The specific location of the Aadhar link in your secured account will differ from bank to bank. However, banks have kept the link in a conspicuous place only. In case of problems, you can check with your bank branch or call centre. Then click on the “Update Aadhaar with Bank accounts” sub-section.
At this stage you will be asked to once again authenticate with your password to ensure that there is no misuse of your Aadhar linking. Then a page will open where you will be asked to enter your Aadhaar number twice.
Once that is done, just click on the “Submit” button after entering your Aadhaar number. If all the requisite details are matching, then immediately you will see a message confirming the linking of your Aadhaar with bank account. The linkage may be refused if there is some mismatch in key data points like name, date of birth etc.
You can also link your bank and Aadhar with your bank’s mobile app
In case your bank provides you an app that can be downloaded and used in the linking of your bank account with Aadhar. The process for linking the Aadhar card and bank account is the same as the internet banking case. Once it is done you will get an acknowledgement on the screen and you will also get a confirmation by SMS and also by email.
How to link your Aadhar card and bank account offline?
In case you are not too comfortable with online banking, you can also get your Aadhar updated through an ATM or by just walking into your banks nearest branch. Remember that you must get the account linked with Aadhaar to prevent the deactivation of the bank account. Here is how it can be done easily:
Fill the bank account / Aadhaar linking application form. You can either download this form from the bank’s website or get the form at the branch itself. Clearly mention your bank account details as well as your Aadhaar number properly in the form along with other relevant details.
Ensure to attach a self-attested photocopy of your Aadhaar card with the form. Submit the form and the Aadhaar copy at the counter where you may be asked to furnish your original Aadhaar card for verification. Ensure to carry the original Aadhar card with you for verification.
Once the application is found to be ok in all respects, it will be accepted and it takes a couple of days to link your bank account with Aadhaar. Once linked, you will be notified on your registered mobile number.
You can also walking the ATM of your bank and link with Aadhar. Access the bank’s ATM to link Aadhaar with the bank account. You just have to swipe the card and enter your 4-digit pin and then the entire process from there on is totally menu driven.
Finally, it also possible to link Bank Account with Aadhaar through SMS. An account holder can get his bank account linked with Aadhaar through SMS as well. However, not all banks provide this facility. Moreover, the SMS format along with the number is different for different banks. So check out the details with you bank and its availability before trying out this method.