7 Best UPI Apps in India to Make Payments 2024 – Review List

In the bustling landscape of digital payments in India, selecting the best UPI app is pivotal. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) apps have revolutionized financial transactions, offering seamless, instant transfers between bank accounts. Among the myriad options, discerning the finest UPI app can be daunting. However, several standout contenders have emerged, each boasting user-friendly interfaces, robust security features, and an extensive network of supported banks. To embark on effortless digital transactions, discerning users can download UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, and BHIM. With these leading payment apps, individuals can navigate the dynamic realm of UPI transactions with ease and confidence. So, let us learn about these best payment apps in detail.

Table of Content

• What is UPI?
• Top Payment Apps in India
• Awareness of Fake Payment Apps – How to Recognise
• How to Link a Bank Account to UPI?
• FAQ’s

What is UPI?

UPI refers to the Unified Payment Interface, a secure and instant payment system developed by the National Payment Corporation of India. It facilitates an instant bank transfer facility regulated by the Reserve Bank of India. Using top UPI apps, you can make online payments, transfer payments to other accounts, and get rewards for saving extra money. Furthermore, here are a few benefits of using a Unified Payment Interface.

Benefits of Using UPI Apps

• Instant Transfers: UPI transactions are processed in real-time, ensuring instant money transfers between bank accounts. This feature is particularly useful for time-sensitive payments or emergencies.
• 24/7 Availability: UPI services are available 24/7, including weekends and holidays. This constant accessibility allows users to perform transactions whenever needed, without being restricted by banking hours.
• Security: UPI transactions are secure and adhere to strict security standards. Two-factor authentication (usually a combination of PIN and mobile OTP) adds an extra layer of protection, making it difficult for unauthorized users to access your account.
• Linking Multiple Bank Accounts: UPI apps allow users to link multiple bank accounts to a single app, providing flexibility and the option to choose the desired account for transactions. This feature is especially beneficial for individuals who hold accounts with different banks.
• Bill Payments and Recharges: UPI apps often integrate features for paying utility bills, mobile recharges, and other services. This consolidates various payment needs into a single platform, simplifying financial management for users.
• Merchant Payments: UPI facilitates quick and hassle-free payments at various merchants, both online and offline. Users can make purchases without needing physical cards or cash, promoting a cashless economy.
• QR Code Payments: UPI apps support QR code payments, allowing users to make transactions by scanning QR codes. This feature is widely used in retail outlets, making the payment process swift and efficient.
• Cost-Effective: UPI transactions are generally cost-effective compared to traditional banking methods or other payment options. Many UPI services do not charge users for transactions, promoting financial inclusion.
• Transaction History and Notifications: UPI apps provide detailed transaction histories and instant notifications, allowing users to track their spending and stay informed about their financial activities in real-time.

List of Top UPI Apps in India

Learn in detail about all upi apps listed above in detail in this article,

1. Google Pay – Top Payments App in India

A highly secure and most used UPI app in India currently is Google Pay, the best digital wallet for online payments launched by Google. This best payment app in India allows users to scan any particular QR code and make payments easily. With the UPI lite feature, you can make easy pinless small digital payments. Here are some Key features and benefits of using Google Pay the best unified payments interface,

• Rewards & Offers: Cashbacks, online shopping coupons, and offers on every digital payment done you can find a new reward scratch card.
• Security: An UPI application that enables high banking security. It protects every user’s banking information and makes sure there is a verified authentication pattern (biometrics/pin) for a user to log in and use the upi application.
• Business Integration: From small to big business houses in India have integrated upi payments in their businesses for easy transactions.

Google Pay Customer Support Details

• Customer Care Number: 1-800-419-0157

2. PhonePe – Best UPI App to Pay Bills Online

One and best among the popular UPI payment apps in India, Phone Pe. Make seamless and real-time payments using this best payment app. Phone Pe is more than just a money transfer app, you can pay bills, recharge, and more. It’s versatile and robust in terms of features and security. Here are a few major things you can learn about this UPI application,

• PIN-less Payments: easy and secure payments with a limit of 500 and below can be done using this feature on the Phone Pe app.
• Recharges & Bill Payments: PhonePe enables users to recharge their mobile phones, pay utility bills, and make payments for various services directly from the app. This includes electricity bills, water bills, gas bills, and more.
• Insurance & Mutual Funds: Expanded services on a UPI app with secure and limitless options can be found on this best payments app. Users can explore and invest in various financial products through the app.
• QR Code Payments & Secure Transactions: Scan to make secure payments to the merchant’s account. This feature is mainly used for in-store transactions.
• Subscription & Vouchers: Get great offers & discounts on making online payments for OTT subscriptions via PhonePe.

PhonePe Customer Support Details

• Customer Care Number: 080-68727374 / 022-68727374
• Mail-id:  crpc@rbi.org.in

3. Paytm – The Best UPI App in India

India’s leading upi payment app since 2010 by Vijay Shekhar Sharma. A highly secure app that gives various transaction options for users and is also a great platform for online bookings. Here few more important features to learn about Paytm,

• Mobile Wallet: Firstly, Paytm started as a mobile wallet service, allowing users to store money in a digital wallet and make various transactions, including mobile recharges, bill payments, and online shopping.
• Travel Bookings: From bill payments to bookings Paytm carries everything under its roof. You can book flights, trains, buses, and hotel tickets with Paytm and avail great discounts.
• Movie & Event Ticket Bookings: You can book movie tickets for your selected seats events and concerts and also get great offers on these transactions.
• Paytm Payments Banks: Paytm also operates a payments bank, which provides banking services such as savings accounts, fixed deposits, and digital debit cards. Users can manage their banking needs within the Paytm app.

Paytm Customer Support Details

• Customer Care Number: 0120-4456-456

Suggestive Read: Instant Free Paytm Cash Earning Apps

4. MobiKwik – Well Known Payments App in India

One of the leading fintech companies in India and the best among all the upi apps indeed. MobiKwik, India’s digital payment platform has been in the industry since 2009. Here are a few major key features of the best UPI app in India that make it unique,

• MobiKwik Wallet and Supercash: MobiKwik has its digital wallet, and users can earn “Supercash” as a form of cashback. Supercash can be used for future transactions on the platform.
• Insurance and Loans: MobiKwik has expanded its services to include the purchase of insurance and applying for loans. Users can explore and avail of various financial products through the app.

MobiKwik Customer Support Details

• Customer Care Number: 08069808320
• Mail-id:  fraudalerts@mobikwik.com

5. BHIM – The Government UPI App

BHIM stands for Bharath Interface for Money – it is an upi mobile app developed by NPCI. Under the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi BHIM was launched with the aim of cashless transactions and cultivating financial involvement among the citizens. Here are some of the key features of the BHIM UPI app,

• Unified Payments Interface (UPI): Money transfer without the need for IFSC codes and bank details and seamless mode of payments.
• Request Money: You can split bills and request money using the BHIM payments app from family & friends.
• Language Support: The online payment app supports multiple languages so the regional audience in various parts of India gets to be part of new tech.
• Integration with USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data): Apart from the mobile app, BHIM can be accessed through USSD codes, making it accessible even on feature phones without internet connectivity.

BHIM Customer Support Details

• Customer Care Number: 18001201740

6. Amazon Pay

The world’s largest e-commerce company offers digital payment services inside its shopping app. Transactions with third-party merchants, purchases within the platforms, and all kinds of bill payment options. Users can use their Amazon Pay account to check out quickly and securely without entering their payment information each time. Here are some best features of Amazon Pay,

• Alexa Integration: Users who have enabled Alexa services can make payments with voice commands.
• Refund & Purchase Protection: Amazon Pay transactions may be eligible for the same refund and purchase protection policies as regular Amazon purchases. This provides users with a level of confidence when using the service.
• Availability: It is available in multiple countries and supports additional payment methods.

Amazon Pay Customer Support Details

• Mail-id: queries@amazon.com

7. Navi

Being one of the best fintech companies in India is now also a payments app. From insurance bills to mutual funds and instant loans everything is wrapped in one store. Here are some great features of Navi app,

• Cash Loans: Get instant loan approvals by using this payments app and complete the KYC process.
• Mutual Funds & Health Insurance.

Navi Customer Support Details

• Customer Care Number: 8147544555 
• Mail-id: help@navi.com

Suggestive Read: 10 Best Instant Personal Loan Apps

Awareness of Fake Payment Apps – How to Recognise

Recognizing fake payment apps is crucial to safeguarding your financial information and avoiding potential scams. Here are some major tips to help you recognize and avoid fraudulent payment apps:

• Trust official sources
• Research about the UPI App
• Beware of Unusual Promotions
• App Permissions
• Customer Support

How to Link a Bank Account to UPI?

1. Download the UPI-enabled App: Firstly, download a UPI-enabled app from your app store. any of your choices from the mentioned list of the best UPI apps in India.
2. Open the App: Launch the app on your smartphone.
3. Select Bank: Once the app is open, find and select the option to add a bank account. It’s usually located in the settings or profile section.
4. Choose Your Bank: From the list of available banks, select your bank.
5. Verify Your Phone Number: The app will verify your phone number linked to the bank account. Make sure you have access to this number.
6. Enter Details: You’ll be prompted to enter your bank account details like your account number and IFSC code.
7. Create UPI PIN: After entering the details, you’ll be asked to create a UPI PIN. This PIN will be used to authenticate transactions.
8. Linking Complete: Once you’ve entered the necessary details and set up your UPI PIN, your bank account will be successfully linked to UPI.
9. Verification: Some apps might require additional verification steps, which could include confirming through SMS or email.
10. Start Transaction: With your bank account linked to UPI, you can now start making payments, transferring money, and performing various other transactions seamlessly through the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the full form of UPI?

UPI stands for Unified Payments Interface.

2. What is the transaction limit on any UPI app?

The transaction limits in UPI vary on the apps that you have chosen as well as regulations set by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Which can be as follows,

• Per Transaction Limit: The per transaction limit is set at ₹1 lakh (Indian Rupees) for most UPI apps.
• Daily Limit: The daily transaction limit ranges from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakhs, depending on the UPI app and the user’s bank.
• Weekly Limit: The weekly transaction limit also varies, usually ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakhs, depending on the app and the user’s bank.
• Monthly Limit: The monthly transaction limit typically ranges from ₹1 lakh to ₹20 lakhs, again depending on the specific UPI app and the user’s bank.

3. Can credit card bill payments be done using UPI apps?

Yes, several UPI apps allow you to make credit card bill payments.

4. Do UPI apps charge platform fees for recharge or bill payment?

Yes/No Most UPI payments may be charged for mobile recharge payments done using UPI apps, but other UPI apps will not. At the same, certain apps give recharge cashback too.

5. How to check transaction history in UPI apps?

To check transaction history in UPI apps, follow these general steps:

• Open the UPI App: Launch the UPI app on your smartphone.
• Login: Login to your account using your registered mobile number and UPI PIN.
• Find Transaction History: Look for the option to view transaction history. This option is typically located in the app’s menu, under a section like “Transaction History,” “Transactions,” or “Activity.”
• Select Time Frame: Some apps allow you to filter transactions based on a specific time frame, such as today, last 7 days, or custom date range.
• View Transactions: Once you’ve accessed the transaction history section, you’ll see a list of your recent transactions. Each transaction entry usually includes details like date, time, transaction amount, sender/receiver details, and transaction status.

Note, that there might be differences of change in the above steps based on the UPI app you use. but look for the option that says “History” or “Check transaction history”.