UPI has completely transformed the way India makes payments. From small tea stalls to big malls, UPI is now the most trusted and widely used digital payment method. But what if your elderly parents, children, or household staff could make payments without having their own bank account? This is exactly what the new UPI Circle feature by NPCI makes possible.
UPI Circle is designed to make digital payments more inclusive, simple, and family-friendly. It allows one primary UPI user to share limited access of their bank account with trusted people, known as secondary users. This means your loved ones can make payments directly from your account, safely and with your control.
UPI Circle is a feature introduced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Under this system, the primary user is the person who has a bank account and UPI set up. This user can create a “circle” and add secondary users such as parents, children, relatives, or close friends.
Once added, these secondary users can make UPI payments using the primary user’s account. They do not need to link a bank account or go through complicated KYC processes. All payments are routed from the primary user’s bank account, giving complete transparency and control.
Earlier, UPI Circle was only available on the BHIM app. But now it has become interoperable, which means it can be used across major UPI platforms such as:
Google Pay
PhonePe
Paytm
BHIM
This allows the primary user and secondary user to use different apps and still remain connected through UPI Circle.
Many elderly people find digital payments confusing. With UPI Circle, they only need to scan a QR code to pay. No need to remember PINs, account numbers, or app navigation.
Parents can give children controlled access to money. Pocket money stays in check, and unnecessary spending can be avoided. It also teaches kids responsible digital spending habits.
Weekly or daily expenses can be paid easily without handling cash. This reduces cash dependency and brings transparency.
Young students or freelancers who do not yet have bank accounts can still participate in digital payments using a trusted family member’s account.
Open Your UPI App (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm or BHIM)
Go to UPI Circle / Family / Manage Users section
Add the mobile number of the person you want to include
Set spending limits for safety
Confirm and approve the request
Once approved, the secondary user can start making payments using your account.
UPI Circle makes digital payments more inclusive and flexible. It bridges the gap for people who are not tech-savvy or do not have banking access. It also strengthens financial trust within families.
Financial experts believe that this feature will:
Reduce cash usage
Improve digital literacy
Promote responsible spending
Increase financial inclusion in rural and semi-urban areas
While UPI Circle is convenient, it also comes with responsibility. Keep these points in mind:
Add only trusted people to your circle
Set daily or monthly limits
Monitor transactions regularly
Remove users if access is no longer needed
Being cautious ensures that convenience does not turn into risk.
UPI Circle is another step forward in India’s digital payment journey. It is simple, smart, and designed for real-life family needs. Whether it is your parents buying groceries, your child paying at a bookstore, or your driver filling fuel, UPI Circle makes payments easy and secure.
With the right controls and awareness, this feature can truly change how families manage money in the digital age.
