A survey by digital financial services network PayNearby indicates that women in rural and semi-urban areas across Bharat are increasingly adopting digital payments and taking a more active role in managing household finances.
According to the PayNearby Women Financial Index 2026, 38% of women in these regions use Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at least once a week, mainly for everyday expenses such as groceries, utility bills and mobile recharges. The report is based on a survey of 10,000 women agents who provide digital and financial services in rural and semi-urban communities.
The findings suggest that women are playing a central role in household savings, with 85% identified as the primary savers in their families. At the same time, 71% of women reported operating their bank accounts independently, particularly among those aged 18–30 and 31–40.
Trust in local service providers appears to influence financial behaviour. The survey found that 78% of women prefer to conduct transactions through women agents, citing comfort and trust. Biometric authentication is also widely used for cash withdrawals, with 54% of respondents preferring methods such as fingerprint or face authentication. Typical withdrawal amounts range between ₹1,000 and ₹2,500.
Formal financial participation is expanding but remains limited in some areas. Only 32% of women reported saving through formal channels such as fixed deposits or goal-based savings products. Insurance coverage stands at 26%, primarily health, life and accident policies.
The survey also found growing interest in investment options. About 44% of respondents indicated willingness to invest in gold-based savings products through small-ticket systematic investment plans (SIPs) when guided at local service points. However, awareness of mutual funds remains below 10%.
Access to credit is also evolving. Around 73% of women said they would consider formal credit for needs such as medical expenses, education, agricultural inputs, home repairs and small business activities.
Beyond financial services, the report notes increased use of community-based health services. About 37% of women reported accessing services such as telehealth consultations and hygiene products through local service points.
Anand Kumar Bajaj, founder, managing director and chief executive officer of PayNearby, said the findings reflect a shift toward more structured financial participation among women in rural and semi-urban areas. Jayatri Dasgupta, the company’s chief marketing officer, said women agents continue to play an important role in expanding access to financial and health services within communities.
