The Surprising Rise of UPI in Everyday Life

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) – Overview

UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is a real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016. It enables instant fund transfers between bank accounts through mobile apps, revolutionizing digital payments in India.

Key Features of UPI

✅ Instant Transfers – 24/7, real-time money transfers between banks.

✅ Single Identifier – Pay or receive money using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) (e.g., yourname@upi) instead of sharing bank details.

✅ No Need for Account Details – No IFSC code or account number required for transactions.

✅ Multiple Bank Accounts in One App – Link and manage several bank accounts in a single UPI app.

✅ Wide Acceptance – Works for P2P (person-to-person), P2M (person-to-merchant), online shopping, bill payments, etc.

✅ No Additional Charges – UPI transactions are free for users (though some merchants may charge fees).

✅ QR Code Payments – Scan and pay via UPI QR codes at shops.

How UPI Works?

• Download a UPI App (e.g., PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, BHIM).
• Link Bank Account – Register using your mobile number (linked to your bank account).
• Set UPI PIN – Create a secure 4-6 digit UPI PIN for authorizing transactions.
• Start Transacting – Send/receive money via:
• VPA (Virtual Payment Address) – e.g., name@upi
• QR Code Scan
• Mobile Number (if linked to UPI)
• Bank Account + IFSC

Popular UPI Apps in India

📱 Google Pay (GPay)

📱 PhonePe

📱 Paytm

📱 BHIM (NPCI’s official app)

📱 Amazon Pay

📱 Cred, WhatsApp Pay, etc.

UPI Transaction Limits

• Per Transaction Limit: ₹1 lakh (some banks may have lower limits).
• Daily Limits: Varies by bank (usually ₹1-2 lakhs per day).

Security in UPI

• UPI PIN required for every transaction (never share it!).
• No need to share bank details – VPA keeps data secure.
• Two-factor authentication (device binding + UPI PIN).

UPI 2.0 – Advanced Features

• Overdraft Facility: Allows transactions even with low balance (via OD accounts).
• Signed QR Codes: More secure merchant payments.
• One-Time Mandate: For recurring payments (subscriptions).

Global Expansion of UPI

🌍 Accepted in: UAE, Singapore, France, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, etc.

🌍 UPI International: Allows Indians to pay abroad via UPI-linked apps.

Why is UPI So Popular?

✔ Fast & Easy – No cash or cards needed.

✔ Interoperable – Works across all banks and apps.

✔ Cost-Effective – No transaction fees for users.

✔ Government-Backed – Supported by RBI & NPCI.

Conclusion

UPI has transformed digital payments in India, making cashless transactions seamless. With features like QR payments, instant transfers, and high security, it’s now one of the most preferred payment methods.

BHIM UPI:

BHIM UPI – A Brief Overview 

BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) is a UPI-based payment app launched by NPCI in 2016 to promote digital transactions in India. It allows users to send/receive money instantly using VPA (Virtual Payment Address), mobile numbers, or QR codes.

Key Features:

✔ Simple & Secure – Government-backed, no wallet required.

✔ Multiple Bank Support – Link multiple accounts in one app.

✔ UPI Payments – Instant transfers 24/7 with UPI PIN.

✔ QR Code Scan & Pay – Easy merchant payments.

✔ Request Money – Send payment reminders to contacts.

✔ Low Data Usage – Lightweight and user-friendly.

Transaction Limits:

• Per Transaction: ₹1 Lakh (varies by bank).
• Daily Limit: Typically ₹1-2 Lakhs.

BHIM UPI is widely used for P2P transfers, bill payments, and online shopping, offering a secure and convenient alternative to cash. It supports Aadhaar-based payments (AePS) and works across all UPI-enabled banks.

Download: Available on Google Play Store & Apple App Store.

How to do offline UPI payment?​ / How to make offline UPI payment?​

How to Do Offline UPI Payment 

Offline UPI payments allow transactions without internet using USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) or NFC (Near Field Communication).

Steps for USSD-Based UPI (No Internet Needed):

• Dial *99# from your mobile (linked to bank account).
• Select your bank from the list.
• Choose UPI option and enter your UPI PIN.
• Enter recipient’s VPA/mobile number and amount.
• Confirm payment – You’ll receive an SMS confirmation.

NFC-Based UPI (Tap & Pay):

• Requires NFC-enabled phone & merchant terminal.
• Tap your phone on the terminal, authenticate via UPI PIN.

Limitations:

• Only basic P2P transfers (no QR scans).
• Daily limit: ₹1,000–₹5,000 (varies by bank).

Offline UPI is useful in low-network areas, ensuring digital payments for all.

UPI Lite Indian Bank​:

UPI Lite by Indian Bank – Quick Guide 

UPI Lite is a feature by Indian Bank (and other banks) that enables small-value, instant UPI payments without requiring a UPI PIN for faster transactions.

Key Features:

✔ Instant Payments – No PIN needed for small transactions (up to ₹500).

✔ Offline Mode – Works even with low/no internet.

✔ Pre-Funded Wallet – Load money from your bank account (max balance: ₹2,000).

✔ No Failed Transactions – Deducts from UPI Lite balance directly.

How to Activate?

• Open your Indian Bank UPI app (or BHIM/other UPI apps).
• Go to UPI Lite section & link your account.
• Add money (up to ₹2,000) to UPI Lite wallet.
• Start making quick payments (no PIN for amounts ≤₹500).

Transaction Limits:

• Per Transaction: ₹200 (no PIN) / ₹500 (with PIN).
• Daily Limit: ₹4,000.

Ideal for metro/toll payments, small shops, and quick transfers.

Wearable ATM Cards and offline UPI:​

Wearable ATM Cards & Offline UPI – Quick Guide 

Wearable ATM Cards

• Contactless payment devices (rings, watches, bands) linked to your bank account.
• Works like a debit card via NFC – just tap to pay at POS terminals.
• Features:

✔ No need to carry physical cards.

✔ Secure (tokenization protects card details).

✔ Supported by banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI.

Offline UPI Payments

• USSD (*99#): Dial from any mobile (no internet) to send money via UPI.
• NFC Tap & Pay: Works at NFC-enabled terminals (e.g., metros, tolls).
• UPI Lite: Wallet-based UPI for small offline payments (₹200–₹500, no PIN).

Key Benefits

✔ No Internet Needed – USSD/NFC ensures payments in low-connectivity areas.

✔ Fast & Secure – Wearables use tokenization; UPI Lite avoids transaction failures.

Ideal for: Travelers, rural areas, quick retail payments.

Where to find UPI ID in google pay?​ / How to find UPI ID on google pay?​ / How to check UPI ID on google pay​?

Where to Find UPI ID in Google Pay 

To locate your Google Pay UPI ID, follow these steps:

On Android/iOS:

• Open Google Pay App → Tap your Profile Picture (top-right).
• Select "UPI IDs" under your name.
• Your default UPI ID (e.g., yourname@okbank) will be displayed.

Alternate Method:

• Go to "New Payment" → Choose "Self Transfer" → Your UPI ID appears.

Key Notes:

✔ You can have multiple UPI IDs (bank-linked or GPay-specific).

✔ To change/remove a UPI ID:

→ Go to Profile → Bank Account → Select Bank → Edit UPI ID.

✔ For merchant payments, share this ID or scan a QR code.

Need Help?

• If UPI ID isn’t visible, check if your bank account is linked properly.

Contact Google Pay support for troubleshooting.

UPI Payments Meaning:​

UPI Payments – Meaning & Basics 

UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is India's real-time digital payment system, enabling instant money transfers between bank accounts via mobile apps. Developed by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India), it eliminates the need for cash, cards, or account details.

How It Works?

• Virtual Payment Address (VPA): A unique ID (e.g., name@upi) replaces bank details.
• QR Codes/Phone Numbers: Scan or enter a recipient’s UPI ID to pay.
• UPI PIN: A secure 4-6 digit code authorizes transactions.

Key Features:

✔ Instant & 24/7 – Transfers happen in seconds.

✔ Interoperable – Works across all banks & apps (e.g., GPay, PhonePe).

✔ No Fees – Free for users (merchants may charge).

✔ Multipurpose – Bills, online shopping, P2P transfers.

Popular UPI Apps:

• Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM.

UPI revolutionized digital payments in India, making transactions fast, secure, and cashless.

IPO UPI mandate not received​:

IPO UPI Mandate Not Received? Here’s What to Do 

If you haven’t received the UPI mandate request for your IPO application, follow these steps:

1. Check UPI App Notifications

• Open your BHIM, GPay, PhonePe, or bank UPI app.
• Look under "Pending Approvals" or notifications.

2. Verify Application Details

• Ensure your correct UPI ID was entered in the IPO form.
• Check if your bank account is linked to the UPI ID.

3. Retry via ASBA Portal

• Log in to your bank’s ASBA/net banking and resubmit the mandate request.

4. Contact Broker/Bank

• Reach out to your broker or bank’s IPO desk for reprocessing.

5. Last-Minute Fix

• If the mandate fails, modify your IPO bid before the deadline.

Common Reasons

❌ Incorrect UPI ID

❌ App notifications disabled

❌ Bank server delays

Need urgent help? Share details—I’ll guide you! 😊 (Always act before the IPO closing time!)

Cred UPI Credit Card:​

CRED UPI for Credit Card Payments – Quick Guide 

CRED, a popular credit card rewards app, now supports UPI payments via RuPay credit cards (as per RBI’s UPI-credit card linkage). Here’s how it works:

1. Link RuPay Credit Card to UPI in CRED

• Open CRED app → Go to "UPI" section.
• Select "Link RuPay Credit Card" (if eligible).
• Set a UPI PIN via your bank’s OTP verification.

2. Pay via UPI Using Credit Card

• Scan any UPI QR or enter a VPA (e.g., merchant@upi).
• Choose your RuPay credit card as the payment method.
• Authorize with UPI PIN (no extra fees).

Key Benefits:

✔ Earn CRED coins/rewards on UPI spends.

✔ No need to carry debit cards or use net banking.

✔ Works at all UPI merchants (offline/online).

Limitations:

• Only RuPay credit cards (Visa/Mastercard not supported yet).
• Daily limits apply (set by bank).

(Note: UPI credit card payments may not qualify for reward points in some cases.)

UPI ID on google pay:

How to Find & Manage UPI ID on Google Pay 

Locating Your UPI ID:

• Open Google Pay (GPay) → Tap your profile picture (top right).
• Under your name, check "UPI IDs" – your primary ID (e.g., username@okbank) appears here.
• Alternatively, go to "New Payment" → "Self Transfer" to view it.

Changing/Adding a UPI ID:

• Navigate to Profile → Bank Account → Select Bank → "Edit UPI ID".
• Create a new ID (e.g., customname@okbank) if your bank allows multiple IDs.

Key Notes:

✔ Each bank account linked has a unique UPI ID.

✔ For payments, share this ID or scan a UPI QR code.

✔ If issues arise, ensure:

• Your mobile number matches the bank’s records.
• The bank supports UPI (most Indian banks do).

Need help fixing UPI ID errors or setting up a new one? Ask me! 😊

Can you pay your credit card bill through any UPI?​

Paying Credit Card Bills via UPI – Simplified 

Yes! You can pay credit card bills via UPI, but with certain conditions:

1. Direct UPI Payment (Best for Most Users)

• Open any UPI app (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.).
• Select "Credit Card Bill Payment" under bills/recharges.
• Enter credit card number, bank, and amount.
• Pay via linked bank account (treated like a regular bill payment).

2. UPI Credit Card Linking (Limited Use)

• Only RuPay credit cards can be linked to UPI (e.g., via BHIM/CRED).
• Lets you pay merchants via UPI (not for bill payments).

Key Points:

✔ No extra charges for UPI credit card bill payments.

✔ Instant settlement (unlike NEFT/IMPS delays).

✔ Not all banks accept UPI for card bills (check app options).

Pro Tip: Use apps like CRED for rewards on card bill payments! (Always verify payment success via bank SMS/app notification.)

How to find google pay UPI ID by mobile number?​

How to Find Google Pay UPI ID Using Mobile Number 

To locate your Google Pay UPI ID, follow these steps:

1. Open Google Pay App

• Log in using the mobile number linked to your bank account.

2. Check Profile Section

• Tap your profile picture/icon (top-right corner).
• Under your name, select "UPI IDs" – your primary ID (e.g., username@okaxis) will appear.

3. Alternative Method

• Go to "New Payment" → "Self Transfer" – your UPI ID will display automatically.

Key Notes:

✔ Your UPI ID is tied to your bank account, not just your mobile number.

✔ If no UPI ID appears:

• Ensure your mobile number matches bank records.
• Re-link your bank account in Google Pay (Profile → Bank Account).

Need Help?

• Contact your bank to confirm UPI activation.
• For errors, use Google Pay Help Center.

Tip: Create a simple UPI ID (e.g., name@upi) for easy sharing! 

How to recharge FASTag using UPI?​

How to Recharge FASTag Using UPI 

Recharging your FASTag via UPI is quick and easy. Follow these steps:

1. Open Your UPI App

• Use GPay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, or any UPI-enabled app.

2. Navigate to FASTag Recharge

• Go to "Recharge/Bill Payments" → Select "FASTag".
• Choose your FASTag issuer bank (e.g., ICICI, HDFC, Paytm Payments Bank).

3. Enter FASTag Details

• Input your Vehicle Number or FASTag Wallet ID.
• Enter the recharge amount (minimum ₹100).

4. Pay via UPI

• Select UPI as the payment method.
• Choose your linked bank account and approve with UPI PIN.

5. Confirmation

• You’ll receive an SMS/email confirming the recharge.
• Check balance via your FASTag issuer’s app or NHAI portal.

Pro Tips:

✔ Save your vehicle details for faster future recharges.

✔ Low balance? Enable auto-recharge if supported.

How to recharge ICICI FASTag using UPI?​ / How to recharge ICICI FASTag through UPI?

How to Recharge ICICI FASTag Using UPI 

Recharging your ICICI FASTag via UPI is simple and instant. Here’s how:

Steps to Recharge:

• Open a UPI App (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, etc.).
• Go to "Recharge/Bill Payments" → Select "FASTag".
• Choose ICICI Bank as the issuer.
• Enter:
• Vehicle Number (or FASTag ID)
• Recharge Amount (min. ₹100)
• Select UPI as payment mode → Choose your bank.
• Approve the transaction with your UPI PIN.

Confirmation:

✔ Instant SMS/email from ICICI.

✔ Check balance via:

• ICICI FASTag App (Google Play)
• NHAI Portal (fastag.ihmcl.com)

Need Help?

Ensure your vehicle details are correct.

For failed transactions, retry or contact ICICI Customer Care (1860-267-7777).