State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest public sector bank, has announced the discontinuation of its “mCASH (Sending & Claiming)” facility via YONO Lite and OnlineSBI, effective from 30 November 2025. This development means customers will no longer be able to send money without adding a beneficiary or claim funds through mCASH link-based transfers. The bank is urging users to transition to alternative digital payment channels to ensure secure and uninterrupted financial transactions.
What Was mCASH?
The mCASH service allowed SBI customers to transfer funds to any recipient using only a mobile number or email ID, without requiring prior beneficiary registration. Recipients received a link and an 8-digit passcode to claim the payment into any bank account. The service was widely used for quick peer-to-peer transfers, offering convenience for small, informal transactions.
Reason for Discontinuation
SBI stated that the mCASH facility is being retired due to its legacy infrastructure and comparatively lower security standards. The decision also aligns with evolving regulatory requirements and the bank’s broader push to strengthen its digital banking ecosystem. Customers are encouraged to use alternative transfer methods such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT), and Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS).
Impact and Timeline
From 1 December 2025 onwards, mCASH will no longer function on OnlineSBI or YONO Lite. Customers who rely on the service will need to adapt to other digital transfer methods before the deadline to avoid disruption. The change may particularly affect peer-to-peer transfers that previously did not require beneficiary registration.
Alternative Digital Transfer Options
| Transfer Medium | Highlights | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| UPI | Instant, 24×7, mobile number/QR/ID based | Everyday peer-to-peer payments |
| IMPS | Real-time, any bank, account + IFSC or mobile-MMID | Small value, urgent transfers |
| NEFT | Batch/real-time, beneficiary registration required | Scheduled or non-urgent transfers |
| RTGS | High-value transfers, real-time settlement | Large, time-sensitive payments |
Customer Recommendations
- Familiarize yourself with UPI or SBI’s own UPI app to ensure seamless transactions.
- Register beneficiaries in your banking apps if you previously relied on mCASH links.
- Keep bank account details updated for recipients who previously claimed funds via mCASH.
- Exercise caution to avoid scams during the transition; use only official banking apps and avoid sharing passcodes or links.
The discontinuation of SBI’s mCASH service reflects a shift towards secure, standardized digital payment methods in India. While it may require adjustments for users accustomed to the convenience of mCASH, the move enhances security and aligns with regulatory best practices. Customers who transition proactively to UPI, IMPS, NEFT, or RTGS will continue to enjoy seamless digital transfers beyond 30 November 2025, ensuring smooth financial operations in an evolving digital banking landscape.
