The BHIM App is one of the many UPI payment apps available in India. Having crossed the 16 million downloads mark within its first year of launch, BHIM strives to facilitate the creation of a cashless economy in India, along with expanding financial inclusion.

What is BHIM app?

BHIM is an app that allows users to make digital payments using their smartphones. The app is available for Android and iOS devices. It allows users to send and receive money, as well as make payments for goods and services.

Why should you use the BHIM app?

Like most UPI payments apps, BHIM offers the following services:

  • QR code generation for vendors that enables customers to simply scan and pay them
  • QR Code generation for individuals to scan and receive P2P payments
  • Fraud prevention features like timeouts following 90 seconds of no activity
  • Hindi and English language support
  • Transaction histories available as and when required

Some of the benefits of using the BHIM app include:

  • Real-time transfer of money straight into the user’s bank account
  • Strong security measures in the form of 2-factor authentication to prevent frauds
  • Consolidation of all payments (received and sent) within a single platform
  • No traditional banking restrictions such as working hours or holidays. Users can conduct payments any time they choose to do so

In a nutshell, BHIM offers rudimentary UPI services ideal for people with very basic needs. Of course, users looking for more advanced business features like sending payment links via SMS or email, analyzing consumer behavior through advanced dashboards, generating GST-compliant invoices and API-driven automation can consider Razorpay for more comprehensive payment solutions. BHIM, on the other hand, is sufficient for simple day-to-day transactions.

How to download and register yourself on the BHIM app?

The government has listed 10 easy steps that consumers can follow in order to download and register themselves on the app. These steps are as follows:

1 Open Google Play or the App Store and search for the BHIM app. Click on the app in the list and then click on the download button.
2 Choose the language you prefer.
3 Choose the mobile number that is registered with your bank to set up your BHIM account.
4 Set a 4-digit password and use that to log into your account.
5 Select the Bank Account option and link the bank account that you wish to use.
6 You will be asked to set up a UPI pin. Set the same as per your choosing.
7 Select the Profile option on the app. You can set your virtual payments address here. The BHIM app allows two VPAs per user.
8 Select a VPA as your primary address. Skip this step if you have only one VPA.
9 Generate a QR Code. Individual users can use this code to let friends and family scan and pay them. Vendors can use this for customers. They can also print their QR Codes and display them in their stores to enable scan and pay options.
10 Proceed to send or receive payments. You can use your IFSC number, QR Code, VPA, or account number to enable the transactions.

While these steps work for consumers with smartphones, there is a separate set of steps for consumers who do not have smartphones or regular internet access. The following table illustrates these steps:

1 Open the dial pad and use the keys to dial *99#
2 An automated voice will guide you to select the language you prefer. Once you set the language, punch in your 4 digit IFSC code, short bank code, or the first 4 digits of your bank account to register.
3 If you have multiple bank accounts registered on your mobile number, select the account that you wish to use.
4 Enter the last 6 numbers of your debit card, press the space button, and then enter your birth details in the MM/YY format, followed by your card expiry date also in the MM/YY format. Press the reply button once you are done.
5 Enter your desired UPI PIN number and confirm it.

With these steps, your registration on the BHIM app will be complete. In order to conduct transactions in offline mode, all you need to do is dial *99# to be directed to the landing section of the offline app. You will then receive instructions in the form of an SMS. Replying to this will enable the transaction that you desire.

If you are using the non-smartphone version of BHIM, it is important to note that even though the app does not charge transaction fees, you will be liable to pay the SMS charges set by your mobile carrier.

Additionally, the BHIM App also has a detailed FAQs page to help consumers find answers to any queries.

Conclusion

The BHIM App offers an easy-to-use platform for users across India to facilitate UPI payments. Vendors and consumers alike stand to gain from certain features, like zero transaction fees and QR code generation the most.

Author

Saurin heads Content at Razorpay. He's a fintech enthusiast who enjoys long walks in the Bangalore weather. He says he's a "cool dad" (those are his words, his son has refused to comment). He writes primarily on personal and business finance, and a little bit on marketing.

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