NUUP (National Unified USSD Platform) is a mobile banking service provided by NPCI (National Payment Cooperation of India) which works on the USSD technology. Customers can avail of basic mobile banking services of various Bank just by dialing the short code *99# from their mobile phone, irrespective of the telecom service provider, mobile handset capability or the need for a mobile internet plan.

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a transmission protocol used by GSM cellular telephones to communicate with the Telecom Service Providers (TSP). Though similar to Short Messaging Service (SMS), USSD messages however create a real-time connection which remains open, allowing a two-way exchange of data.You need to first register yourself for the Mobile Banking Channel and ensure that your current mobile number is also updated with the Bank.

On dialing the short code *99# you will be first prompted to input the bank's IFSC code i.e. IBKL or SBIN/BKID after which an interactive menu with various banking services will be displayed on the screen. You may then select the relevant banking service from the list of options available.

Benefits of NUUP (USSD) service

           An interactive session oriented service
           Simple and easy to use
           Works on almost all GSM handsets
           GPRS connection not required
           Works even while on the move
           More secure than SMS

Services currently available

           Balance Enquiry
           Mini Statement
           Fund Transfer to Mobile Number (MMID based)
           Fund Transfer to Account Number (IFSC based)
           Know your MMID

In coming days bank account holders will be able to access their accounts, transfer funds, check balances and request cheque books by simply dialing *99# from their basic mobile phones,including the most basic GSM handsets.

While some bank have already rolled out similar services for example in SBI it is *595# but now *99# will be a universal code to access account details across all banks.  *99# connectivity is under the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) platform where each dial-in results in a live connection with the bank's server.
This is similar to the system used in pre-paid phones to check balances. The user's numerical literacy would be enough to operate the account .Best feature that I liked is that it not based on SMS or GPRS connectivity,  so there's no charge on the user end.