UPI Circle: In the journey towards Digital India, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is no longer just a payment app, but has become a vital necessity for every Indian. In 2026, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) introduced a revolutionary feature called UPI Circle.
Have you ever imagined that your elderly parents or young children, who don’t have their own bank accounts or are tech-phobic, could also make secure payments using your bank balance? Yes, now with “UPI Circle,” a primary user can delegate the power to make payments to trusted individuals.
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What is UPI Circle
UPI Circle is a feature that allows the primary account holder to use the UPI linked to their bank account as a “Circle.” You can add family members, such as children, parents, or domestic helpers, as secondary users. Once added, these secondary users will be able to make payments directly from your account by scanning a QR code.
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The best part is that this feature is no longer limited to the BHIM app; you can seamlessly use it across all major platforms like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm. This technology is interoperable, meaning primary and secondary users can connect even if they use different apps.
Who will benefit the most
UPI Circle is specifically designed for those who want to avoid the complexities of digital banking. It’s a boon for elderly parents, as they don’t need to remember complex bank details and can make payments from their account with just a scan. Similarly, you have complete control over your school-going children’s pocket money, curbing their wasteful spending.
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The hassle of giving cash to domestic helpers or drivers for weekly expenses is eliminated. Furthermore, students or freelancers who currently don’t have an active bank account can also experience digital freedom.
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Security and Responsibility
Security is a top priority in digital payments, and the primary user’s control over the UPI circle is paramount. Experts believe this feature will bridge the digital divide and bring financial independence to families. The primary user can set the maximum amount a secondary user can spend each month, keeping the budget under control.
However, this powerful feature also comes with a significant responsibility, as the money is deducted from the primary account. Therefore, the primary user should only add people to the circle whom they trust implicitly to avoid any fraudulent transactions or fraud.