What is UPI ID: How to Create or Find your UPI ID?

In today’s fast-paced digital world, where convenience and speed are paramount, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become a game-changer for financial transactions in India. UPI ID, or Unified Payments Interface Identifier, is a critical component of this digital payment system.

Let’s understand what is UPI ID, how to create one, find it, change it, and most importantly, how to use it to carry out seamless transactions.

What is UPI ID?

A UPI ID, or Unified Payment Interface ID, is a distinct identifier within the UPI system, designed to streamline digital transactions. It serves as a recognisable address, enabling users to send and receive money effortlessly.

What is UPI ID example?

A UPI ID, or Unified Payments Interface ID, is a distinctive identifier for bank accounts in India. It typically follows a format like this:

For instance:

Your UPI ID might appear as “abcdef@ybl.”

Alternatively, it could be “90876543@okicici.”

In this format, “abcdef” can represent your name, email address, or mobile number, while the “@ybl” and “@okicici” parts indicate the initials of your respective bank. UPI IDs play a crucial role in facilitating seamless transactions and simplifying the payment process, including using UPI payment links.

Related Read: What is UPI and How it Works?

Features of UPI payments

UPI payment apps provide a straightforward solution to a fundamental issue. They incorporate several valuable features, including:

Reliability:

The UPI payment gateway, initiated by NPCI, ensures the trustworthiness of payment transfers. It mitigates the risk of money loss due to internet disruptions or issues with websites or portals, making transactions more secure.

Real-time transfers:

One of the noteworthy aspects of UPI is its ability to facilitate real-time transfers. This means that users can send payments to recipients within seconds, simplifying everyday tasks such as grocery shopping or settling debts among friends.

Inclusivity:

UPI promotes inclusivity by offering options for transactions even without a smartphone or an internet connection. This inclusiveness allows individuals from all walks of life to partake in digital transactions. Furthermore, the availability of regional language support makes the process even more user-friendly.

No minimum transaction limit:

Another advantage of UPI is the absence of a minimum transaction limit. This makes it highly suitable for conducting small transactions. Moreover, as of now, UPI transactions do not entail any transaction charges, further enhancing the overall convenience and cost-effectiveness.

How to create a UPI ID?

Understanding how to create a UPI ID is a vital first step in embracing digital payments. In this guide, let’s walk you through creating a UPI ID using well-known payment apps such as the BHIM app, Google Pay, and PhonePe.

Create a UPI ID in BHIM App

• Step 1: Begin by downloading the BHIM app or any other UPI-compatible application you choose.
• Step 2: Once you have installed the BHIM app, select your preferred language and proceed to accept various prompts. You’ll encounter a “Verify Mobile Number” request.
• Step 3: After completing the verification process, you’ll be prompted to select your preferred bank from the list.
• Step 4: The app will automatically retrieve details like your bank name, IFSC code, and account number. If you have multiple accounts linked to the same mobile number, you can choose the account you wish to link to the app.
• Step 5: To enhance security, you must set a unique UPI ID and a 4-digit or 6-digit PIN. Once this is done, you’re all set to embark on your UPI transactions securely!

Create a UPI ID in Google Pay

• Step 1: Open the Google Pay app on your smartphone.
• Step 2: Tap on your profile picture or name at the top.
• Step 3: Select ‘Add bank account.’
• Step 4: Choose your bank from the list of available options.
• Step 5: Google Pay will verify your phone number with an OTP.
• Step 6: Once verified, select the bank account you wish to link.
• Step 7: Set a UPI PIN for this account.
• Step 8: Your UPI ID is now ready, and you can use it for transactions.

Create a UPI ID in PhonePe

• Step 1: Launch the PhonePe app on your phone.
• Step 2: Tap on ‘My Money’ at the bottom.
• Step 3: Select ‘Bank Accounts.’
• Step 4: Click on ‘Add a new bank account.’
• Step 5: Choose your bank, and PhonePe will verify your phone number via OTP.
• Step 6: Link your bank account and set a UPI PIN.
• Step 7: Your UPI ID is now created and linked to your account.

Related Read – What is IFSC Code?

The 99# service has been introduced to extend banking services to individuals nationwide. It allows banking customers to access these services simply by dialling 99#.

Registering through *99#

• Step 1: Dial “*99#” on your phone and place the call.
• Step 2: Select your preferred language.
• Step 3: Enter your bank’s name or the initial 4 digits of your IFSC code.
• Step 4: Choose the bank account you want to link.
• Step 5: Input the last 6 digits of your debit card and its expiry date.
• Step 6: Set your unique UPI PIN.
• Step 7: Confirm your UPI PIN, and you’re all set to start using your UPI ID!

How to Find UPI ID?

On how to get your UPI ID, you need to open the UPI app on your phone and click on the three lines in the top left corner. Select “Profile” and your UPI ID will be displayed at the top of the screen.

Find UPI ID in BHIM app:

• Step 1: Log in to your account using your app password.
• Step 2: Navigate to the main screen and select the “Profile” option from the drop-down menu. Here, you can access your UPI ID along with your QR Code.

Find UPI ID in Google Pay

• Step 1: Launch the Google Pay app.
• Step 2: Tap on your profile photo at the top right corner.
• Step 3: Select “Bank Account” from the options.
• Step 4: Choose the bank account linked to your UPI ID.
• Step 5: You can locate your associated UPI ID under the section labelled “UPI IDs.”

Find UPI ID in PhonePe

• Step 1: Open the PhonePe app.
• Step 2: Tap on ‘My Money.’
• Step 3: Under ‘UPI IDs,’ you can see your UPI ID associated with your bank account.

How to Change UPI ID?

If you ever need to change your UPI ID, perhaps for security reasons or personal preferences, here’s how you can do it:

Change UPI ID in BHIM app

• Step 1: Launch the BHIM app and access your profile.
• Step 2: Tap on the “Settings” option.
• Step 3: Look for the option to modify your UPI ID.
• Step 4: After making the required changes to your UPI ID, confirm the alterations by tapping “Confirm.”

Change UPI ID in Google Pay

• Step 1: Launch the Google Pay app.
• Step 2: Tap on your profile photo.
• Step 3: Select “Payment Methods.”
• Step 4: Choose the bank account for which you wish to view the UPI ID.
• Step 5: Locate the UPI ID linked to the selected bank account.
• Step 6: To add a new UPI ID, tap the ‘+’ icon next to your desired UPI ID.

Change UPI ID on PhonePe

• Step 1: Open the PhonePe app.
• Step 2: Tap on ‘My Money.’
• Step 3: Under ‘UPI IDs,’ click on your existing UPI ID.
• Step 4: You can change your UPI ID by selecting the ‘Change UPI ID’ option.

Generating UPI PIN

Generating a UPI PIN is a crucial step to ensure the security of your digital transactions. Here’s a brief overview of the process:

• Launch the app on your smartphone, such as Google Pay or PhonePe, that supports UPI services.
• Look for the option that allows you to set your UPI PIN. It is usually located in the ‘Banking’ or ‘My Account’ section.
• From the list of linked bank accounts in your UPI app, select the bank account for which you want to set the UPI PIN.
• The app will send a one-time password (OTP) to your registered mobile number for verification. Enter this OTP to proceed.
• After verifying the OTP, you will be prompted to set a 4 or 6-digit UPI PIN. Choose a PIN that is unique and easy for you to remember, but not easily guessable. Confirm the PIN, and it is now successfully set for your chosen bank account.

How to Set UPI PIN?

Setting up a UPI PIN is the first step when you start using UPI-based services. It ensures the safety of your digital transactions. Here’s how to set your UPI PIN:

• Open your UPI-enabled app (e.g., Google Pay or PhonePe).
• Select ‘Set UPI PIN.’
• Choose your bank account from the list.
• The app will send an OTP to your registered mobile number.
• Enter the OTP.
• Set your 4 or 6-digit UPI PIN.
• Confirm the PIN.
• Your UPI PIN is now successfully set.

How to Send Money Using UPI ID?

Sending money using a UPI ID is the primary purpose of having one. It simplifies transactions and eliminates the need for cumbersome bank details. Here’s how to send money using a UPI ID:

• Open your UPI-enabled app.
• Select the ‘Send Money’ option.
• Enter the recipient’s UPI ID.
• Input the amount you want to send.
• Add an optional note or message.
• Review the transaction details.
• Confirm and enter your UPI PIN.
• The money will be sent instantly.

How to use your UPI ID?

Your UPI ID, also known as VPA (Virtual Payment Address), is the information you provide to customers or family members when they need to make payments to you. It’s a convenient alternative to sharing your bank account number.

Think of it like sending a text message. To do so, you typically enter a recipient’s name or number. In the same way, the UPI ID serves as the recipient’s unique identifier.

When you want to send money to someone, all you need is their UPI ID, without the necessity of knowing their bank account number. Just input their UPI ID into your app and initiate the payment.

If you are a small business owner looking to accept payments via UPI, be sure to check out the provided link below for more information.

Frequently asked questions: