The rise of digital payments has transformed the way people transfer money in India. Among the several methods available today, IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) and UPI (Unified Payments Interface) have become two commonly used platforms for fast and secure fund transfers. While both enable real-time transactions, they function differently in terms of technology, transaction limits, and accessibility. Understanding the difference between IMPS and UPI helps users make informed decisions when transferring money digitally.
What is IMPS?
IMPS, short for Immediate Payment Service, is an interbank electronic fund transfer service developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It allows users to send and receive funds instantly, 24/7, even on bank holidays. Introduced in 2010, IMPS marked a significant shift by enabling real-time money transfers, unlike NEFT or RTGS, which had time constraints earlier.
IMPS transactions can be carried out via:
Mobile banking apps
ATMs
SMS-based banking
Bank branches
Internet banking portals
It requires the recipient’s mobile number and MMID (Mobile Money Identifier) or bank account number and IFSC code to complete a transaction.
Features of IMPS
Some key features of IMPS include:
24x7 Availability: Accessible round the clock, including weekends and holidays.
Immediate Credit: Funds are credited to the beneficiary account within seconds.
Multiple Access Modes: Users can transact using mobile apps, net banking, ATMs, or SMS.
Interbank Transfers: Enables fund transfers between different banks in real time.
Safe and Regulated: Operated under the supervision of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and NPCI.
Requires IFSC or MMID: Transactions need specific banking details like IFSC or MMID.
Transaction Charges: Some banks levy nominal fees for IMPS transfers.
What is UPI?
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is another instant real-time payment system developed by NPCI, launched in 2016. It allows users to link multiple bank accounts and conduct peer-to-peer and person-to-merchant transactions using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA), without the need for bank account numbers or IFSC codes.
UPI is available via mobile applications such as BHIM, PhonePe, Paytm, and several bank apps. It is especially popular due to its simplicity, ease of use, and widespread adoption across businesses and individuals.
Key Features of UPI
Here are the notable features of UPI:
Instant Transfers: Real-time fund transfers directly from one bank account to another.
Uses VPA: No need to share account number or IFSC; transactions are done using a unique VPA.
Supports Multiple Bank Accounts: Users can link and manage several bank accounts in one app.
Bill Payments & More: Allows utility payments, QR code scans, merchant transactions, and donations.
High Security: Secured with two-factor authentication and device binding.
No Charges for P2P Transfers: As per RBI guidelines, UPI peer-to-peer transactions are generally free.
Available 24x7: Operates round the clock, including holidays and weekends.
8 Key Differences Between IMPS and UPI
The table below outlines the major differences between IMPS and UPI across various parameters:
Parameter
| IMPS
| UPI
|
Launched
| 2010
| 2016
|
Initiated By
| Banks, via mobile/net banking
| NPCI, through mobile apps
|
Transaction Medium
| Mobile, internet banking, ATMs, SMS
| Mobile apps using VPA
|
Authentication Method
| MMID/Account Number + IFSC
| VPA + UPI PIN
|
Beneficiary Details Needed
| Bank details (IFSC, A/c no.) or MMID
| VPA only
|
Daily Transfer Limit
| Varies; ₹2 lakh and ₹5 lakh in most banks (RBI limit)
| ₹1 lakh for most users; up to ₹5 lakh in select use cases
|
Charges
| May attract nominal charges
| Generally free for peer-to-peer transfers
|
Business Suitability
| Common for corporate payments
| Used for P2P and merchant payments
|
UPI or IMPS: What Works Best for You?
The choice between IMPS and UPI fund transfer depends largely on your specific requirements.
For large transfers or business payments, IMPS may be preferred due to its higher permissible limits and bank-level integration.
For day-to-day payments, bill splits, or merchant QR code transactions, UPI offers greater convenience and speed.
Internet-free options: IMPS supports SMS-based transfers, which can be useful when data connectivity is poor.
Security: Both methods are considered secure; however, UPI offers additional app-level security layers.
Speed and ease: UPI wins on user-friendliness, while IMPS may be more suitable for those familiar with traditional banking channels.
Conclusion
Both IMPS and UPI are pivotal to India’s digital payment landscape. While IMPS introduced the concept of 24x7 immediate payments, UPI has taken it further with simplified transfers using mobile apps and VPAs. Understanding their distinct features and differences helps users make informed choices depending on the amount, urgency, and purpose of fund transfers.
Whether one opts for IMPS or UPI, both systems reflect the growing efficiency and inclusivity of India’s financial technology ecosystem.