How to Link Aadhaar with Bank Account — Step by Step

Quick summary: Linking (or “seeding”) your Aadhaar to your bank account ensures Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), simplifies KYC, and helps in government subsidy transfers. You can link Aadhaar via branch, netbanking/mobile app, ATM, SMS/missed-call or UPI/Aadhaar OTP (where supported). Follow the steps below — and check status via UIDAI if needed.

Why link Aadhaar with your bank account?

Linking Aadhaar with your bank account is required for receiving many government transfers (DBT), subsidy payments (LPG, pensions), and for certain KYC processes. Banks also seed Aadhaar for easier authentication when authorised by you. It’s a one-time seeding process that avoids future hassles when the government or bank needs to verify identity for benefits.

Before you start — prechecks (must do)

• Have your 12-digit Aadhaar number handy (original or copy for branch visits).
• Keep your mobile number active — ideally the same mobile number that is registered with your Aadhaar (OTP is required for many online flows).
• Know your bank account number and IFSC (or keep your passbook/debit card ready).
• If any details (name, DOB, gender) in bank records differ from Aadhaar, be ready to update bank records or Aadhaar — mismatch causes rejection.

Method 1 — Link Aadhaar at your bank branch (Offline)

Most reliable method — bank verifies original Aadhaar and updates your record.

1. Visit the branch where you hold the account.
2. Ask for the “Aadhaar linking / seeding / KYC” form (some banks call it a mandate/consent form).
3. Fill in your account number, Aadhaar number and sign the form. Attach a self-attested copy of Aadhaar and carry the original for verification.
4. Submit the form at the counter. Bank will verify and forward the seeding request to its systems/NPCI mapper.
5. Bank will send an SMS to your registered mobile once processing is complete (usually in a few working days).

Tip: If linking is for DBT, tell the bank officer so they seed your account for DBT mapping specifically.

Method 2 — Link Aadhaar via Netbanking (Online)

Most major banks allow Aadhaar update through internet banking — fast and convenient.

1. Login to your bank’s internet banking portal.
2. Look for options like Profile / Update Aadhaar / My Account / Services / Personal Details / Aadhaar Seeding.
3. Select the account to be linked, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and submit.
4. The bank will usually show the last two digits of your registered mobile and will send an OTP to that number for verification.
5. Enter OTP and confirm. You’ll get an acknowledgment; final seeding usually completes in 24–72 hours (depends on bank).

Method 3 — Link Aadhaar via Mobile Banking App

Steps are similar to netbanking; most bank apps (iMobile, YONO, BHIM, etc.) include an Aadhaar update option under account services.

1. Open your bank’s official mobile app and login.
2. Go to Services / Accounts / Update Aadhaar (wording varies by bank).
3. Enter Aadhaar number → confirm via OTP sent to the registered mobile → submit.
4. Wait for SMS confirmation from the bank.

Method 4 — Link Aadhaar via ATM (Offline digital)

Some banks let you seed Aadhaar using any of their ATMs — useful if you don’t want to visit branch or use netbanking.

1. Go to any bank ATM (preferably your bank’s ATM).
2. Swipe/debit card and enter PIN.
3. Choose Services / Aadhaar Registration / Aadhaar Linking (menu name varies).
4. Enter account type, enter 12-digit Aadhaar and re-confirm.
5. You’ll get an on-screen confirmation; bank processes the request and sends SMS on completion.

Method 5 — Link Aadhaar via SMS or Missed-call (if your bank supports it)

Many banks provide an SMS facility or dedicated missed-c