Virtual Payment Address (VPA) – Know the Uses & Benefits

Virtual Payment Address (VPA) is a unique identifier used during transactions. In India, VPA is an integral part of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which has gained popularity as the most common mode of payment in recent years. VPA simplifies online transactions by eliminating the need for bank details and providing enhanced security.

Its versatility allows for easy bill payments and shopping online, while QR code scanning enables convenient payments at local stores. Using VPA lets you enjoy hassle-free and secure electronic transactions. This makes it a convenient option for businesses and online retailers. So, let’s start by understanding what is virtual payment address in detail.

What is VPA or Virtual Payment Address?

VPA, short for Virtual Payment Address, means a unique financial address that sends and receives money through the Unified Payments Interface system. It eliminates the need to share other bank details, such as account numbers and IFSC codes, during transactions. VPA serves as a secure and convenient way to make instant payments.

Similar to how credit / debit cards are used for card payments, a VPA is a unique identifier for UPI transactions. It can be linked to multiple bank card / wallet accounts and serves as a single address for all payments.

For example, your VPA can john@examplebank; this can vary based on your bank. Each bank or PSP may have its own format or naming convention for VPAs. We will cover the format and naming conventions of each major banks and UPI apps below.

Now that you understand what is VPA, let’s discuss how you can create one.

Read More: Unified Payments Interface (UPI): Meaning and How it Works?

How to Create VPA?

Creating a Virtual Payment Address for UPI payments is simple.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a VPA:

• STEP 1: Download the UPI-enabled app from your bank or any other authorised provider.
• STEP 2: Verify the mobile number linked to your bank account.
• STEP 3: Select your bank from the list of available options.
• STEP 4: Set up a UPI PIN if you are linking your bank for the first time.
• STEP 5: Enter a unique VPA of your choice, such as yourname@bankname.
• STEP 6: Link your bank account using the VPA and set it as the default transaction account.

Once your bank account is linked via UPI, you can easily make payments using your VPA. It provides a user-friendly and secure way to transfer funds. With a VPA, you no longer need to remember or share complex bank account details during transactions. Instead, you can simply share your VPA with others to receive money.

How to send money via VPA?

To send money via Virtual Payment Address using your UPI app, follow these simple steps:

1. STEP 1: Log in to your UPI-enabled app.
2. STEP 2: Select ‘Fund Transfer through UPI’.
3. STEP 3: Enter the beneficiary’s VPA, amount, and remarks (if required).
4. STEP 4: Choose the VPA linked with your desired bank account.
5. STEP 5: Confirm the details.
6. STEP 6: Validate the transaction using your MPIN.

Once you have followed these steps correctly, your payment will be processed and sent to the recipient’s VPA instantly. You can easily track the status of your transactions within the UPI app.

Related Read: What Is mPIN & How to Get and Change an MPIN?

How to receive money via VPA?

To receive money via VPA through a UPI-based mobile app, follow these steps:

• STEP 1: Log in to the app and select UPI.
• STEP 2: Click on the “Collect via UPI” option.
• STEP 3: Enter the sender’s or payee’s VPA address.
• STEP 4: Specify the amount and add any remarks if necessary.
• STEP 5: Choose the VPA account you wish to receive money in.
• STEP 6: Submit the details for approval.

Ensure that you have a valid VPA linked to your bank account for seamless transactions.

How does a transaction take place via VPA?

Using Virtual Payment Address means following a simple and secure transaction process.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how a transaction takes place using VPA:

1. Setting up your VPA

The first step is to create your VPA. To set up your VPA, you need to download a UPI-enabled banking app or register on the UPI payment gateway provided by your bank.

2. Linking your bank account

Once you have installed the UPI-enabled app or registered on the UPI platform, you must link your bank account with the app or platform. This can be done by selecting your bank from the list of available options and entering your bank account details, which generally include entering the last six digits of your debit card and expiry date.

3. Creating your VPA

You will be prompted to create a VPA after linking your bank account. You can choose any username followed by the ‘@’ symbol, such as example@bankname. Make sure to choose a unique and easily recognisable username for your VPA.

4. Verifying your VPA

Once you have created your VPA, it must be verified before it can be used for transactions. The VPA validation process may vary depending on the UPI app or platform you use but typically involves confirming ownership of the linked bank account through OTP verification.

5. Initiating a transaction

To initiate a transaction using a VPA, simply provide the sender with your unique VPA instead of sharing sensitive bank details like account number and IFSC code. The sender can enter your VPA information in their UPI-enabled app or platform to send money directly to your linked bank account.

6. Authorising the transaction

Upon receiving a payment request, you will receive a notification on your UPI-enabled app or platform. You will need to authorise the transaction by entering your UPI PIN, a secure 4-6 digit code set by you during the registration process.

7. Completing the transaction

Once authorised, the money will be instantly transferred from the sender’s bank account to your linked bank account. Both parties will receive a confirmation of the successful transaction.

Uses and Benefits of Virtual Payment Address (VPA)

VPA means a unique identifier linked to your bank account, enabling you to send and receive money securely through the Unified Payments Interface.

Here are some key benefits of using VPA for your money transfers:

1. Simplified Transactions

With VPA, you no longer need to share complex bank details like your account number or IFSC code. Instead, you can simply provide your VPA to initiate a transaction. This simplifies the payment process and saves time, especially when dealing with frequent transactions.

2. Enhanced Security

VPA provides more security than fund transfer methods like RTGS or NEFT. When making VPA payments, your bank account details remain confidential, reducing the risk of unauthorised access. Additionally, transactions made through UPI are authenticated using two-factor authentication, further enhancing security.

3. User-Friendly

VPA allows cashless payments to friends, relatives, businesses, merchants and employees without disclosing sensitive bank account details. You can create customised VPAs that can be easily remembered and shared with others when conducting transactions.

4. 24/7 Account Access

With VPA, you have 24/7 access to your account details on the UPI app or any UPI-enabled platform. This lets you conveniently check your balance, view transaction history, and manage funds anytime.

5. Transaction Tracking

Every VPA fund transfer is tracked on the UPI app or platform. This provides useful information about each transaction, such as date, time, recipient’s details, and transaction ID. You can easily track all your payments in one place for better financial management.

VPA suffixes of leading banks in India

When creating a Virtual Payment Address (VPA), it is essential to understand the format of VPAs for different banks.

Here are 5 examples of VPA suffixes for leading banks:

1. State Bank of India: @sbi
2. ICICI Bank: @icici
3. HDFC Bank: @hdfcbank
4. Axis Bank: @axisbank
5. Punjab National Bank: @pnb

It’s important to note that these suffixes may vary depending on the bank and your platform.

VPA suffixes of Top Third Party UPI Apps

Here is a table listing VPA suffixes for some popular third-party applications:

UPI Autopay

UPI Autopay is a convenient feature allowing you to automate regular payments through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system. With UPI Autopay, you can easily set up recurring payments for various needs, such as utility bills, subscription fees, loan instalments, and more. It eliminates manual intervention every month and ensures timely payments without hassle.

Popular issuer banks and UPI apps that support UPI Autopay include State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, PayTM, PhonePe, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay. These platforms provide seamless integration of UPI Autopay into their apps, making it easier for businesses and individuals to send and receive money.

Razorpay also offers UPI Autopay as part of its comprehensive payment solutions. With Razorpay’s UPI offering, you can effortlessly set up recurring payments using VPA. This feature benefits subscription-based services, utility bill payments, loan repayments, and more.

By leveraging UPI Autopay and VPA, you can streamline your payment processes and ensure timely transactions without manual intervention.

Google Pay UPI Transaction Limit

Google Pay, a popular UPI payment app, imposes certain transaction limits. On Google Pay, the maximum number of daily transactions is 10.

Regarding the transaction amount, Google Pay allows you to send up to ₹1 lakh per transaction through UPI; however, if you request money from someone, the per-day limit is set at ₹2,000.

Read More: What are Google Pay Transaction Limits? Updated GPay Limit Per Day

Phonepe UPI Transaction Limit

PhonePe is another prominent UPI payment app with its transaction limits. With PhonePe, you can initiate a maximum of 10 or 20 daily transactions, depending on the bank.

Regarding the transaction amount, PhonePe allows you to send up to ₹1 lakh per transaction through UPI. However, the maximum amount per day a user can request is capped at ₹2,000.

BHIM App UPI Transaction Limit

BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) App also has its own set of transaction limits. You can make up to 10 transactions per day using the BHIM App.

Regarding the transaction amount on the BHIM App through UPI, you can send up to ₹40,000 per transaction.

However, keep in mind that these limits vary across different platforms and are subject to change as per their respective policies.

Related Read: How to Make Your First Transaction Using the BHIM App

Conclusion

Virtual Payment Addresses (VPAs) have become essential to modern payment systems. By providing a unique identifier for user accounts, VPAs enable convenient and secure transactions without having to remember and share complex banking details. You can easily create a VPA to send and receive money via multiple UPI-enabled apps and platforms.

The future of VPAs looks promising in the evolving landscape of digital payments, where they play a crucial role in streamlining transactions and enhancing the user experience. So, explore the benefits of VPAs and leverage them for hassle-free financial transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the full form of VPA?

The full form of VPA is Virtual Payment Address. It is a unique identifier allowing you to securely send and receive money through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system.

2. How do I find my VPA?

To find your VPA, register for UPI services with your bank. Once registered, you can find your VPA in the UPI section of your banking app or by contacting your bank’s customer support.

3. What is the VPA in UPI ID?

The VPA in a UPI ID refers to the Virtual Payment Address. It is a user-friendly identifier that replaces sharing sensitive information like bank account numbers during transactions.

4. What is the format of VPA?

The format of a VPA follows the pattern: [identifier]@[bankname]. For example, if your chosen identifier is “johnsmith” and your bank name is “abc bank,” then your VPA would be johnsmith@abcbank.

5. What is the difference between UPI and VPA?

UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is a system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It allows users to make instant payments using their smartphones.

On the other hand, a VPA means a unique identifier within the UPI system that replaces sensitive information like bank account numbers during transactions.

6. Is it safe to share my VPA?

Yes, sharing your VPA with others for receiving money or making payments is safe. Your VPA contains no sensitive information like bank account numbers or passwords. However, it’s important to be cautious while sharing any personal financial information and only share it with trusted individuals or entities.