UPI: Currently, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has emerged as the leading digital payment method in India, with widespread usage for various financial transactions. UPI is now prevalent in numerous locations, ranging from shopping malls to grocery outlets.
UPI Circle feature
Traditionally, payments were made by a single individual using one UPI account. However, this has changed with the recent introduction of the UPI Circle feature within the UPI payment application. This innovation allows multiple users to make payments through a single UPI account.
In essence, this feature enables not only the primary UPI account holder to conduct transactions but also allows family members, such as spouses and children, to make payments from that account. In simpler terms, individuals who are not directly linked to the bank account can also perform UPI transactions on behalf of the account holder.
With this feature, the UPI account holder can grant permission for others to make payments from their account. The primary user, who possesses both a bank account and a UPI account, can establish a UPI circle and include other individuals. All members added to this circle will have the ability to execute UPI payments.
As for the number of participants, currently, up to five individuals can make payments using a single UPI account. This feature was launched last year and is presently accessible through the Bhim app, with plans for gradual availability on other UPI applications. To enable someone to make payments from your UPI account, you must add them as a secondary user by entering their UPI ID. If the UPI ID is unknown, you can also scan their QR code. Should the primary UPI user grant full payment delegation to a new member of their UPI circle, that secondary user can make payments without needing a PIN, up to a specified limit. Conversely, if the secondary user is given partial payment delegation, they will require the primary user’s approval for each transaction.