You might already be using UPI for your payments, but do you know what a UPI ID really is? UPI ID stands for Unified Payments Interface Identifier. It is a virtual payment address that acts as your financial identity when you transfer or receive money through UPI. Rather than sharing your bank account number and IFSC code every time, you can simply share your UPI ID to complete transactions quickly and securely. A typical UPI ID looks something like ‘yourname@bankname’, where the prefix is your chosen ID and the suffix identifies the bank or payment app. This format allows your UPI ID to be mapped to your bank account without exposing sensitive information. Whether you are paying a friend, splitting a bill, or receiving payments from clients, your UPI ID simplifies the process for all digital transactions while maintaining a layer of privacy.
Importance of UPI ID in digital transactions
If you are using digital payment apps, the importance of a UPI ID becomes clear every time you send or receive money. It functions as a unique address that replaces the need for bank details in financial transactions. This significantly reduces the hassle of entering long account numbers or worrying about mistyped IFSC codes. You can think of your UPI ID as your digital banking nickname—quick, consistent, and easy to remember. It also adds a layer of abstraction, helping protect your actual account details during transactions. Additionally, your UPI ID links you to multiple services, such as merchant payments, peer-to-peer transfers, and even utility bill payments. Because the UPI ecosystem is interoperable across different banks and apps, your UPI ID works seamlessly in most digital environments. For Indian users moving towards cashless systems, a UPI ID is not just a tool; it is the digital key to simplified and accessible banking.
How to create a UPI ID
Before you begin using UPI services, you will need to know how to create a UPI ID linked to your bank account. This process is typically done through your mobile banking app or any UPI-enabled third-party app. You will need an active mobile number linked to your bank.
Here is how you can create a UPI ID quickly and safely:
Download a UPI-enabled app
Choose any UPI-enabled app such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, or your bank’s mobile app. These apps allow you to register and create a new UPI ID with just a few taps.
Register using your mobile number
Make sure the number you register with is linked to your bank account. The app will verify your number by sending an SMS for authentication during the process.
Add and verify your bank account
Select your bank from the list provided in the app. Your account linked to your mobile number will be auto-fetched and verified using your debit card details or net banking.
Create your UPI ID
Once verification is complete, you will be prompted to create your UPI ID. You can customise the prefix and select a suffix such as @okaxis or @oksbi depending on the app and bank.
Set your UPI PIN
You will be asked to set a 4 or 6-digit UPI PIN. This PIN is required to authorise transactions securely.
Benefits of using a UPI ID
Once you know what is UPI ID, it becomes easier to see why it is so widely used. Your UPI ID does more than just help with transactions—it improves your entire digital payment experience. It reduces complexity, adds convenience, and increases privacy across digital platforms.
No need to share bank account details
With UPI ID, you no longer need to disclose your account number or IFSC code. This adds an extra layer of security and makes payment processes more private and quicker.
Interoperability across apps and banks
A single UPI ID works across multiple apps and platforms. Whether you are using a bank app or a third-party app, your UPI ID remains consistent and functional.
Instant transactions anytime
UPI services operate 24x7, including weekends and holidays. With just your UPI ID, you can send or receive money instantly, avoiding delays associated with traditional bank transfers.
Easy merchant and utility payments
Most utility providers, shops, and service apps accept payments via UPI ID. You simply enter your UPI ID, authorise the transaction, and receive confirmation—no need to log in separately.
Safe and authenticated access
All UPI ID-based transactions are protected by your UPI PIN. This ensures that even if someone knows your UPI ID, they cannot use it without proper authorisation.
How to change your UPI ID?
If you are wondering how to change your UPI ID for personal or security reasons, it is a simple process you can do within your UPI-enabled app. You may want to change your UPI ID to reflect a preferred name, for privacy, or to update your app suffix.
Changing your UPI ID is possible through most mobile apps. Here is how you can do it:
Open your UPI-enabled app
Launch the app through which you originally created your UPI ID. This could be your bank’s app or a third-party platform like PhonePe or Google Pay.
Go to your profile or settings
Look for the account or profile section within the app interface. Tap on it to see your linked bank accounts and existing UPI IDs.
Select the bank account
Choose the account linked to the UPI ID you wish to change. The app will display your current UPI ID(s) along with an option to manage them.
Create a new UPI ID
Select the option to create a new UPI ID. You may be allowed to choose a different prefix and suffix combination depending on availability and app compatibility.
Verify and save the new UPI ID
Once created, your new UPI ID may require verification or reconfirmation. After it is saved, you can set it as your default ID for all future transactions.
Test your new UPI ID
Before using it widely, try sending or receiving a small amount to ensure your new UPI ID is functional and correctly linked.
Multiple UPI IDs linked to one account?
If you use multiple payment apps or need different aliases, you may wonder if you can have more than one UPI ID for a single bank account. The answer is yes. Most apps and banks allow you to create multiple UPI IDs linked to the same account.
Here is how you can link and manage multiple UPI IDs for better flexibility:
Use different UPI apps
Install two or more UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm. Each app allows you to create a separate UPI ID that links back to the same bank account.
Generate new UPI IDs within the app
Some apps allow you to generate more than one UPI ID even within the same interface. For example, you may create ‘yourname@okhdfcbank’ and ‘alias@okhdfcbank’.
Set a default UPI ID for each app
If you have multiple UPI IDs across apps, you can select a default one in each app. This ID will be used automatically during outgoing transactions.
Use different IDs for different purposes
You may use one UPI ID for personal transfers, another for work payments, and a third for online shopping. This helps you stay organised and track your expenses better.
Monitor all IDs for security
Even though they all link to one account, keep a close watch on activity across each UPI ID. Set up notifications to stay informed about all transactions.
Conclusion
Your UPI ID acts as a digital identity that connects you to seamless, real-time payments across platforms. Whether you are sending money to friends, paying bills, or shopping online, your UPI ID simplifies the experience while maintaining account privacy. You can create, customise, change, and even manage multiple UPI IDs with ease—giving you full control over how you handle digital transactions. Understanding what is UPI ID and knowing how to create UPI ID or change it helps you participate confidently in India’s growing digital economy.