How to Link Aadhaar with Bank Account – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Linking your Aadhaar with your bank account is not just a regulatory requirement — it’s essential for receiving government subsidies, Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), and completing KYC for financial services. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to link Aadhaar with bank account via multiple methods, including SMS, internet banking, mobile apps, and visiting your bank branch.

Whether you’re linking Aadhaar for the first time or correcting details, this step-by-step article will ensure you’re updated and compliant.

🧾 Why Linking Aadhaar to Bank Account Is Important

Since the implementation of DBT by the Indian government, Aadhaar has become the backbone of identity verification and benefit distribution. Here’s why linking your Aadhaar is vital:

• ✅ Receive government subsidies directly (e.g., LPG, PM Kisan, pension)

• ✅ Complete your KYC (Know Your Customer) for accounts

• ✅ Avoid deactivation or freezing of bank accounts

• ✅ Use Aadhaar for income tax return (ITR) verification

💡 Even if your bank account is active, it may not be Aadhaar-seeded, so verifying is important.

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🔍 How to Check If Your Bank Account Is Already Linked to Aadhaar

Before proceeding to link, you can check if your Aadhaar is already linked:

✅ Steps to Check Online via UIDAI:

1. Go to: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in

2. Login using your Aadhaar number + OTP

3. Click on “Aadhaar-Bank Linking Status”

4. Enter OTP again to view your status

It will show:

• Bank Name

• Last updated date

• Status: Active / Inactive

❗ If it says “No bank account linked,” proceed with the steps below.

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🧠 What You Need to Link Aadhaar

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🔗 Methods to Link Aadhaar with Bank Account

You can link your Aadhaar via:

1. 📲 SMS (Only for select banks)

2. 💻 Internet banking

3. 📱 Mobile banking app

4. 🏦 Visiting bank branch or ATM

5. 🧑‍💻 Through UIDAI portal for selected banks

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📲 Method 1: Link Aadhaar via SMS

Some banks (like SBI, HDFC, PNB) allow Aadhaar linking via SMS.

🔹 Example (SBI):

• Send SMS:
  UID <Aadhaar number> <Account number>
  to 567676

📌 You’ll receive confirmation via SMS once linked.

🔒 Notes:

• Your mobile number must be registered with the bank

• Not all banks support this feature – check with your bank’s website

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💻 Method 2: Link Aadhaar via Internet Banking

Most nationalized and private banks allow Aadhaar linking online.

✅ Steps:

1. Login to your internet banking account

2. Navigate to ‘Service Requests’ or ‘Aadhaar Seeding’

3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number

4. Submit the request

You’ll get an SMS when the linking is successful.

🔹 Supported Banks:

• SBI

• HDFC

• ICICI

• Axis Bank

• Bank of Baroda

• Kotak Mahindra, etc.

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📱 Method 3: Link Aadhaar via Mobile App

Use your bank’s official mobile banking app:

1. Open the app and go to Settings > Aadhaar Update

2. Enter Aadhaar number

3. Submit and verify with OTP

4. Receive confirmation SMS or email

💡 This method works only if your Aadhaar and mobile number are already linked.

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🏦 Method 4: Link Aadhaar by Visiting the Bank Branch

If you don’t have access to net banking or mobile banking, visit your home branch.

✅ Steps:

1. Carry your original Aadhaar card and a photocopy

2. Carry your bank passbook

3. Ask for the Aadhaar linking form

4. Fill and submit with documents

5. Bank staff will process and provide acknowledgment

⏳ Linking usually takes 1–5 working days.

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🏧 Method 5: Link Aadhaar via ATM (Only Some Banks)

Some banks provide Aadhaar seeding via ATMs.

Example (PNB, Canara Bank):

• Insert ATM card

• Choose Aadhaar Linking / Seeding

• Enter Aadhaar number

• Confirm submission

Check status later using UIDAI.

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🧾 Sample Aadhaar Linking Form Fields (Bank Branch)

• Name of Account Holder

• Aadhaar Number

• Bank Account Number

• Mobile Number

• Signature

Always carry a self-attested copy of Aadhaar.

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🔁 How to Update Aadhaar Linked to Bank Account

If you’ve:

• Changed bank accounts

• Updated your Aadhaar details

• Linked wrong Aadhaar

You can re-link your Aadhaar anytime using the same methods. The latest linked Aadhaar-bank combo overrides older records.

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📞 Bank-wise Aadhaar Linking Helpdesk Numbers

You can also contact your branch for personalized support.

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🔄 Timeline to Link Aadhaar with Bank Account

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⚠️ Common Errors and Fixes

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🛡️ Is It Safe to Link Aadhaar with Bank?

Yes. All data transmission is encrypted. Only authorized banks and UIDAI can access Aadhaar linking data.

But never share Aadhaar number or OTP on third-party websites or unknown apps.

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🧩 Real-Life Example: PM Kisan Payment Blocked

Ravi, a farmer from Madhya Pradesh, didn’t receive his PM Kisan installment because:

• His Aadhaar was not seeded with his bank account.

He visited the local CSC, filled the Aadhaar seeding form, and received his ₹2,000 payment in the next cycle.

✅ Moral: Don’t delay Aadhaar-bank linking if you rely on DBT benefits.

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📚 Related Aadhaar & Government Blog Posts

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❓ FAQs – How to Link Aadhaar with Bank Account

Q. Can I link Aadhaar to my bank account without mobile number?

You need a registered mobile number for OTP verification. For offline linking, mobile is not required.

Q. Is Aadhaar-bank linking mandatory?

Yes, for subsidies, DBT, and PAN verification.

Q. How many bank accounts can I link with Aadhaar?

You can link Aadhaar with multiple banks, but only one account is considered “primary” for subsidy credit.

Q. How do I know if linking was successful?

Check your linking status at https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in

Q. Can I delink Aadhaar from a bank?

You can request your bank to delink Aadhaar if needed. But for DBT purposes, one active link is required.

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✅ Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to link Aadhaar with bank account using SMS, online, app, ATM, or visiting the bank. It’s a quick and essential process for unlocking the full benefits of DBT schemes like PM Kisan, LPG subsidy, scholarships, and more.

💡 Tip: After linking, always check your status on the UIDAI website. Stay updated. Stay eligible.