The Bill Fetch API allows apps to retrieve bill details for customers. For example, if a customer wants to check their electricity bill, this API fetches the required information like bill amount and due date.
How Does It Work?
Here’s how the API works:
You send a request with details like the customer’s mobile number or account number.
The API responds with the bill details, such as the amount and due date.
Let’s look at an example.
Example Request
Imagine a user named John wants to check his electricity bill. The app sends the following request:
<BillFetchRequest>
<Head>
<apiVer>1.2.0</apiVer>
<reqTs>2025-01-08T10:30:00</reqTs>
<txnId>TXN12345</txnId>
<refId>REF67890</refId>
</Head>
<Txn>
<msgId>MSG98765</msgId>
<txnTs>2025-01-08T10:30:00</txnTs>
<riskScore>LOW</riskScore>
</Txn>
<Customer>
<custParam1>9876543210</custParam1> <!-- John’s mobile number -->
</Customer>
<Agent>
<imei>123456789012345</imei>
<ip>192.168.1.1</ip>
</Agent>
</BillFetchRequest>
What’s Happening Here?
: Contains basic info like API version and unique transaction IDs.: Includes John’s mobile number.
: Includes device details like IMEI and IP address.
Example Response
The API sends back this response:
<BillFetchResponse>
<Head>
<apiVer>1.2.0</apiVer>
<resTs>2025-01-08T10:31:00</resTs>
<txnId>TXN12345</txnId>
<refId>REF67890</refId>
</Head>
<BillDetails>
<billerId>BILLER123</billerId>
<billAmount>500.00</billAmount>
<billDueDate>2025-01-15</billDueDate>
<customerName>John Doe</customerName>
</BillDetails>
</BillFetchResponse>
What Does This Mean?
Bill Amount: ₹500.00
Due Date: 15th January 2025
Customer Name: John Doe
This info can now be displayed to John in the app.
Key Features
Real-Time Updates: Get the latest bill info instantly.
Custom Parameters: Add extra details using .
Security: Transmit data securely using HTTPS.
Pro Tips for Developers
Use Valid Timestamps: Always use the YYYY-MM-DDTHH:mm:ss format.
Validate Your XML: Use an XML Schema (XSD) to ensure requests and responses are structured correctly.
Handle Errors Gracefully: If the API returns an error, show a friendly message to the user.
Real-Life Use Case
Scenario:
A mobile app lets users pay their utility bills. When a user enters their account number, the app uses the Bill Fetch API to get the bill details. If everything checks out, the user can proceed to payment.
Conclusion
The BBPS Bill Fetch API is a powerful tool for integrating bill services into your app. By following the simple XML structure and best practices, you can deliver a seamless experience for your users.
Have questions? Leave a comment or refer to the official BBPS documentation for more details!
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