PayNearby has released the sixth edition of the PayNearby Women Financial Index 2026, highlighting a steady rise in digital financial adoption among women across rural and semi-urban Bharat. The report indicates that 38 per cent of women in these regions use Unified Payments Interface at least once a week, primarily for everyday transactions such as groceries, utility bill payments and mobile recharges, reflecting a growing shift towards digital payment habits.
The findings are based on a survey of 10,000 women agents delivering financial and digital services in rural and semi-urban communities. According to the study, 85 per cent of women surveyed identified themselves as the primary savers within their households, signalling a strong culture of financial discipline and responsibility.
The report also reveals increasing openness towards investment options when supported through assisted financial services. Around 44 per cent of women expressed willingness to invest in gold-based savings products through small-ticket systematic investment plans, indicating that gold continues to remain a trusted asset class. Flexible savings instruments such as fixed deposits and recurring deposits also remain highly preferred, with 98 per cent of women indicating willingness to save through these channels, particularly when they offer easy withdrawal options. Mutual funds, however, remain largely underpenetrated, with awareness among fewer than 10 per cent of respondents.
Trust continues to play a significant role in financial transactions. The survey finds that 78 per cent of women prefer conducting financial transactions through women agents, citing comfort, familiarity and ease of interaction. This dynamic is shaping how women engage with financial services, from daily banking activities to longer-term financial planning. The study further notes that 71 per cent of women now operate their bank accounts independently, with the strongest adoption visible among women aged between 18–30 and 31–40 years.
Cash withdrawals remain a crucial service for managing household expenditure. Around 54 per cent of women prefer biometric-based authentication methods for withdrawals, including face authentication, reflecting both convenience and trust in local assisted service providers. The most common withdrawal range typically falls between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,500.
While cash continues to offer immediate access to funds, digital payments are gradually becoming embedded in daily financial routines due to their speed and convenience. Alongside this shift, women are also building financial safety nets by maintaining small but consistent emergency savings. Currently, 32 per cent of women save through formal financial institutions, with the primary savings goals including children’s education, medical emergencies and essential household purchases.
Insurance adoption is gradually expanding as well. The survey shows that 26 per cent of women hold insurance policies, with health, life and accident cover emerging as the most commonly chosen categories. Women agents play a significant role in facilitating access to these products, with around 32 per cent reporting active involvement in enabling insurance enrolments within their communities.
The findings also highlight growing comfort with formal credit. Nearly 73 per cent of women indicated openness to borrowing through formal channels, primarily to support medical expenses, children’s education, agricultural activities, home repairs and small business ventures. Gold loans are also gaining relevance as a short-term liquidity option, enabling households to meet urgent financial needs without selling assets.
Beyond financial services, health-related support is increasingly being accessed through local service points. Around 37 per cent of women are now utilising Swasth health services, including telehealth consultations, sanitary products and basic wellness offerings. The rising demand for hygiene products and health consultations reflects growing awareness around healthcare and the increasing accessibility of essential services within local communities.
Commenting on the findings, Anand Kumar Bajaj, Founder, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, PayNearby, said the results highlight a transition from basic financial access to more structured financial participation among women in rural and semi-urban Bharat. He noted that more women are independently managing bank accounts, maintaining regular savings habits and showing increased interest in insurance, gold-based savings and formal credit.
Jayatri Dasgupta, Chief Marketing Officer, PayNearby and Programme Director, Digital Naari, added that women agents remain central to strengthening last-mile financial inclusion. She emphasised that women increasingly prefer interacting with trusted female service providers, and that engagement is gradually evolving from basic transactions towards structured financial guidance.
Overall, the report suggests that women across Bharat are steadily strengthening their financial agency. Participation is gradually expanding beyond simple transactions to include structured savings, insurance adoption, interest in gold-based investments and purpose-driven use of formal credit, supported by trusted community-based financial networks.
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