A Customer Service Point brings basic banking to places without a branch. Here is what is usually available at one. Exact services, limits and charges are set by each bank and its Business Correspondent, so always check with them.
Services at a Glance
Bank CSP
A Customer Service Point (CSP) is a small outlet, often inside an existing shop, where a trained agent offers basic banking on behalf of a bank. The agent works under a Business Correspondent (BC): a company or organisation the bank has appointed, under Reserve Bank of India guidelines, to extend its services to areas without a branch.
Customers remain customers of the bank. Their transactions are recorded in the bank’s own system, and the bank is responsible for its Business Correspondents.
Agents are widely called Bank Mitra. The original site described its model in the Banking+ section of its catalogue.
Kiosk Banking
Kiosk banking is the set-up a CSP uses: a computer or handheld device connected to the bank’s system, a fingerprint reader for identity checks, and a printer for receipts. Transactions are processed in real time.
- PC or laptop with a reliable internet connection
- Biometric (fingerprint) reader
- Printer and scanner
- A counter or small office space
Account Assistance
Many CSPs help customers open basic savings accounts, including zero-balance accounts under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, and complete e-KYC with Aadhaar. Account opening is always subject to the bank’s own checks.
Cash Deposit
Customers can pay cash into their bank account at the counter and receive a receipt straight away. Deposit limits per transaction and per day are set by the bank.
Cash Withdrawal
Withdrawals can be made with the bank’s card or through the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS), which needs only the customer’s Aadhaar number, bank name and fingerprint. Limits are set by the bank.
Money Transfer
Most CSPs can send money to accounts at other banks, typically through IMPS, which is useful for workers sending money home. The original site called its version Tatkal Rupya.
Bill Payment
Many CSP operators also collect electricity, mobile, gas and water bill payments through separate bill payment platforms. These services are usually offered by the operator rather than the bank.
Digital Banking
- AEPS balance enquiry and mini statement
- e-KYC and Aadhaar seeding of accounts
- RuPay debit card requests
- Enrolment in social security schemes such as PMJJBY, PMSBY and Atal Pension Yojana
The social security schemes above appear on the original site’s homepage as “PMJJY, PMSBY & APY”.
Other Services
CSP shops often add non-banking services under separate agreements: mobile and DTH recharge, rail and bus ticket booking, two-wheeler insurance and PAN card applications. The original site described each one in its Product Catalogue.
Services depend on the bank
No two banks offer exactly the same list. Before using or offering a service at a CSP, confirm it with the bank, and never pay for a CSP through a website you cannot verify.