Those days are long gone when one had to carry money in cash or stand in a long queue for a transaction.
Sending and receiving money has become instant, secure, and convenient with UPI (Unified Payments Interface). Pay bills, recharge your mobile, shop online, or split the bill with friends – it is all made easy with UPI payment apps.
However given so many options, selecting the correct app proves to be confusing. In today’s blog, we have listed the 12 best UPI payment apps that give you smooth transactions, excellent security, and good rewards to help you out.
What is UPI?
UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is a digital payment system built by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) that allows users to send money instantly between bank accounts with the help of a mobile phone. It is available 24/7 and facilitates smooth transactions without the need for bank account information. Rather, payments are made through a UPI ID, mobile number, or QR code.
How UPI Works?
- Connect your bank account to a UPI-enabled app (such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.).
- Generate a unique UPI ID or use your mobile number.
- Enter the recipient’s UPI ID, mobile number, or scan a QR code.
- Verify the payment with a UPI PIN.
- The money is transferred instantly without account numbers or IFSC codes.
Why Should One Use UPI Payment Apps?
If you still use cash or regular bank transfers, it’s time to switch to UPI payment apps. They make transferring and receiving money extremely easy, quick, and safe. Here’s why you should begin using them:
- Instant Money Transfers – No longer do you need to wait hours or even days for your money to be transferred to someone. With UPI, the money is transferred immediately, even during weekends and holidays.
- No Bank Details Needed – No need for remembering account numbers and IFSC codes anymore. All that’s needed is a mobile number, UPI ID, or even a simple QR code for a payment to be made. As easy as sending an SMS.
- Secure and Safe – Two-factor authentication and encryption protect every transaction. Moreover, you do not need to provide your bank details, cutting the chance for fraud.
- No Hidden Charges – All UPI payments are free or low-cost in comparison to debit/credit card payment apps. You can send and receive money without any surprise charges.
- Control Multiple Bank Accounts with a Single App – Whether you have multiple accounts across various banks, you can add them all to one UPI app. You don’t need to download several banking apps—everything in one app.
- Cashless & Contactless Payments – Simply scan a QR code at a store, restaurant, or local vendor and pay immediately. No cash to carry or POS machine touch.
- Works Across Multiple Banks & Apps – UPI is not app-specific or bank-specific. Whether you use Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, Amazon Pay, or BHIM, you can send money to anyone, irrespective of the app they are using.
- Pay Bills & Recharges at One Location – No more toggling between multiple apps. Pay electricity bills, gas bills, mobile recharges, DTH services, and even credit card bills using UPI—all from one app.
- Easy Refunds & Simple Transaction Tracking – In case of a failed payment, the refund is automatic. And, you have a complete transaction history to track all your payments in one location.
- Supports a Digital & Cashless Economy – Using UPI helps reduce dependency on cash and promotes a more transparent, digital way of handling money. It’s fast, efficient, and the future of payments.
List of 12 Best UPI Payment Apps
1. Google Pay
Google Pay is a mobile payment app created by Google, enabling consumers to make quick, secure, and convenient online and offline purchases.
It facilitates contactless payments, peer-to-peer money transfers, and bill payments conveniently, integrating well with Android smartphones and Google services.
Consumers can add their bank account, debit/credit card, and UPI IDs to make payments easily. Google Pay also provides rewards, cashback, and loyalty programs to improve user experience.
With strong security features such as encryption and fraud protection, it provides secure transactions. Companies can use Google Pay for smooth checkout experiences and efficient payment processing.
Features:
- Contactless Payments
- Peer-to-Peer Money Transfers
- Bill Payments & Recharge
- Bank Account & Card Integration
- UPI Support (in India)
- Rewards & Cashback Offers
- Secure Transactions with Encryption & Fraud Protection
- Seamless Integration with Google Services
- Business Payment Solutions
- Multi-Platform Accessibility (Android & Web)
Website: https://pay.google.com/about/
2. Paytm
Paytm is India’s most popular digital payment platform, which provides a suite of financial products and services like mobile recharges, bill payments, money transfers, and e-commerce.
Paytm facilitates payments through UPI, wallets, debit/credit cards, and net banking to make transactions a breeze.
Additionally, Paytm offers services such as Paytm Wallet, Paytm Postpaid (buy now, pay later), and Paytm Bank, making it highly convenient for customers. Paytm can be used by businesses as well for QR-based payments, POS solutions, and payment gateways.
With robust security features, cashback benefits, and support for multiple merchants, Paytm has emerged as a reliable platform for online transactions in India.
Features:
- UPI, Wallet, and Card Payments
- Mobile Recharge & Bill Payments
- Money Transfers & Bank Integration
- Paytm Wallet & Paytm Postpaid (BNPL)
- Paytm Payments Bank Services
- QR Code & POS Payment Solutions
- Online Shopping & Merchant Services
- Investment & Insurance Options
- Cashback & Rewards Offers
- Secure & Fast Transactions
Website: https://paytm.com/
3. Freecharge
Freecharge is an Indian digital financial services platform providing mobile recharges, bill payments, UPI transactions, and financial products.
Acquired by Axis Bank, Freecharge enables customers to make convenient payments via UPI, debit/credit cards, and net banking. Freecharge also offers personal loans, digital credit, and investment options, thus proving to be a multi-purpose financial tool.
Organizations can integrate Freecharge for payment services, and the users are rewarded with cashback, rewards, and a safe transaction experience. With its friendly interface and large merchant network, it is highly regarded for digital payments in India.
Features:
- Mobile Recharge & Bill Payments
- UPI & Money Transfers
- Debit/Credit Card & Net Banking Support
- Personal Loans & Digital Credit
- Investment & Insurance Services
- Merchant Payment Solutions
- Cashback & Rewards Offers
- Secure & Fast Transactions
- User-Friendly Interface
- Integration with Axis Bank Services
Website: https://www.freecharge.in/
4. MobiKwik
MobiKwik is a prominent digital wallet and financial services provider in India providing mobile recharges, bill payments, UPI transactions, and money transfers.
It facilitates payment through wallets, debit/credit cards, and net banking to provide a smooth experience to customers. MobiKwik also offers services such as “Zip” (Buy Now, Pay Later), personal loans, insurance, and investment. MobiKwik’s payment gateway can be used by businesses for safe and efficient transactions.
With robust security options, cashback rewards, and merchant integrations, MobiKwik remains a go-to digital financial solution in India.
Features:
- Mobile Recharge & Bill Payments
- UPI & Money Transfers
- MobiKwik Wallet for Quick Payments
- Zip (Buy Now, Pay Later) Service
- Personal Loans & Credit Services
- Insurance & Investment Options
- Merchant Payment Solutions & Payment Gateway
- Debit/Credit Card & Net Banking Support
- Cashback & Reward Offers
- Secure & Fast Transactions
Website: https://www.mobikwik.com/
5. CRED
CRED is a members-only club in India that is meant for people with good credit scores, rewarding them for timely payment of credit card bills.
It allows effortless usage of multiple credit cards and offers spending monitoring along with CRED Coins to be redeemed for discounts and offers. The platform also includes functions such as CRED Cash (immediate credit line), rent payments, utility bill payments, and investments.
With robust security, AI-driven insights, and top-notch rewards, CRED enhances money management as well as encourages good credit habits.
Features:
- Credit Card Bill Payments & Rewards
- CRED Coins & Exclusive Offers
- CRED Cash (Instant Credit Line)
- Rent & Utility Bill Payments
- Expense Management & Credit Score Tracking
- Investment & Financial Planning Options
- AI-Based Spending Insights
- Exclusive Access to Premium Brands & Deals
- High-Security & Data Privacy Measures
- Members-Only Platform for High Credit Scores
Website: https://cred.club/
6. Tata Neu
Tata Neu is a Tata Digital-built super app that presents a single digital ecosystem that encompasses different Tata Group services in e-commerce, payments, travel, grocery, health, and others.
The platform enables users to shop from Tata brands such as BigBasket, Croma, Tata 1mg, IHCL, and AirAsia India and earn and redeem NeuCoins as rewards. It also offers financial services like UPI payments, loans, insurance, and investments.
With a frictionless and safe user experience, Tata Neu brings together convenience, rewards, and extensive services in one app, hence providing a one-stop solution for digital payments and lifestyle requirements.
Features:
- Unified Super App for Multiple Services
- Shopping Across Tata Brands (BigBasket, Croma, Tata 1mg, etc.)
- NeuCoins Rewards & Loyalty Program
- UPI Payments & Digital Transactions
- Personal Loans, Insurance & Investments
- Travel & Hotel Bookings
- Grocery, Healthcare & Lifestyle Services
- Seamless & Secure User Experience
- Exclusive Deals & Offers
- Integration with Tata Digital Ecosystem
Website: https://www.tata.com/business/tata-digital/tata-neu
7. PhonePe
PhonePe is one of India’s top digital payment platforms, facilitating smooth transactions using UPI, debit/credit cards, and wallets.
It facilitates instant money transfers, bill payments, mobile recharges, and online/offline purchases. PhonePe also provides financial services such as insurance, mutual fund investments, and the purchase of gold. Companies use PhonePe’s payment solutions for secure and convenient transactions.
With its friendly interface, cashback rewards, and robust security features, PhonePe has established itself as a reliable platform for digital payment and financial services in India.
Features:
- UPI-Based Money Transfers
- Bill Payments & Mobile Recharges
- Debit/Credit Card & Wallet Support
- Online & Offline Merchant Payments
- Insurance & Mutual Fund Investments
- Gold Buying & Wealth Management
- Instant Loan & Financial Services
- Cashback & Reward Offers
- Secure & Fast Transactions
- User-Friendly Interface
Website: https://www.phonepe.com/
8. PayZapp
PayZapp is the digital payment and mobile wallet platform of HDFC Bank that makes transactions secure and easy. Through PayZapp, users can pay for recharges, bills, shopping, travel bookings, and more.
PayZapp facilitates money transfers through UPI, debit/credit cards, and bank account links. Customers can also view special cashback offers and offers on several transactions.
With robust security functionalities, one-tap payments, and multi-merchant integration, PayZapp gives HDFC Bank customers as well as other consumers a seamless and hassle-free digital banking experience.
Features:
- UPI & Digital Wallet Payments
- Mobile Recharge & Bill Payments
- Debit/Credit Card & Bank Account Integration
- Online Shopping & Travel Bookings
- Money Transfers & Fund Transfers
- Exclusive Cashback & Discounts
- Secure & One-Click Payments
- Merchant Payment Solutions
- HDFC Bank Integration & Benefits
Website: https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/ways-to-bank/mobilebanking/payzapp
9. Amazon Pay
Amazon Pay is an online payment service by Amazon that facilitates secure, quick, and easy payments on both online and offline channels.
It lets customers pay through their Amazon accounts, bank accounts, debit/credit cards, and UPI. Amazon Pay facilitates bill payments, mobile recharges, shopping, and money transfers with cashback and rewards.
Companies can use Amazon Pay as a payment gateway for easy payments. With robust security controls, one-click payments, and voice payments through Alexa, Amazon Pay provides a more secure digital payment experience for both users and merchants.
Features:
- Seamless Payments Using Amazon Account
- UPI, Debit/Credit Card & Bank Account Integration
- Bill Payments & Mobile Recharges
- Online & Offline Shopping Payments
- Money Transfers & Fund Transfers
- Cashback, Rewards & Discounts
- Amazon Pay Later (Buy Now, Pay Later Service)
- Merchant Payment Gateway Solutions
- Secure & Fast One-Click Transactions
- Voice-Enabled Payments via Alexa
Website: https://pay.amazon.com/
10. iMobile Pay
iMobile Pay is ICICI Bank’s mobile banking and digital payments app that provides a wide array of banking and financial services.
It enables users to operate their accounts, transfer funds through UPI, pay bills, recharge mobile, and shop online/offline. The app facilitates debit/credit card payments, investment, loan management, and insurance services.
Even non-ICICI Bank customers can use iMobile Pay for UPI transactions and payments. With state-of-the-art security features, customized banking solutions, and a user-friendly interface, iMobile Pay provides a hassle-free and secure online banking experience.
Features:
- UPI-Based Money Transfers
- Bank Account Management & Transactions
- Bill Payments & Mobile Recharges
- Debit/Credit Card Payments & Management
- Online & Offline Merchant Payments
- Investment, Loan & Insurance Services
- Personalized Banking Services
- Secure & Encrypted Transactions
- Access for Both ICICI & Non-ICICI Customers
- User-Friendly & Intuitive Interface
Website: https://www.icicibank.com/mobile-banking/imobile
11. BHIM Axis Pay
BHIM Axis Pay is a mobile payment app based on UPI by Axis Bank that lets users transfer and receive money in real-time using their UPI ID or mobile number.
It facilitates easy fund transfers, bill payments, and mobile recharges without bank account information. The app supports multiple bank account linking, merchant payments, and UPI AutoPay for automatic recurring payments.
With robust security capabilities, simple transaction monitoring, and a user-friendly interface, BHIM Axis Pay offers a quick, secure, and hassle-free digital banking experience for Axis Bank and non-Axis Bank customers alike.
Features:
- Instant UPI-Based Money Transfers
- Send & Receive Payments via Mobile Number/UPI ID
- Bill Payments & Mobile Recharges
- Link Multiple Bank Accounts
- Merchant Payments & QR Code Transactions
- UPI AutoPay for Recurring Payments
- Secure & Encrypted Transactions
- Transaction History & Easy Tracking
- Available for Axis & Non-Axis Bank Customers
Website: https://www.axisbank.com/bank-smart/axispay-upi-app/bhim-axis-pay-upi-app
12. Airtel Thanks App
Airtel Thanks App is a holistic digital application by Airtel providing an array of services such as mobile recharge, bill payments, UPI transactions, and entertainment.
It enables customers to monitor their Airtel account, enjoy exclusive rewards, and take advantage of customized offers. The app facilitates UPI money transactions, FASTag recharge, and financial products such as insurance and loans.
Moreover, users can stream material from the likes of Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, and Wynk Music. With a safe and simple interface, Airtel Thanks raises the digital experience for both Airtel and non-Airtel users.
Features:
- Mobile Recharge & Bill Payments
- UPI Money Transfers & Banking Services
- FASTag & DTH Recharge
- Exclusive Rewards & Cashback Offers
- Airtel Account Management
- Insurance, Loans & Financial Services
- Entertainment (Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, Wynk Music, etc.)
- Merchant Payments & QR Code Transactions
- Secure & Encrypted Transactions
Website: https://www.airtel.in/airtel-thanks-app
How to Choose the Right UPI Payment App?
With all these UPI payment apps out there, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. The silver lining? Most of them have the same features, but some stand out in terms of differences. Here’s what to search for:
Security & Reliability: The key aspect is security. Opt for an app that has good encryption, two-factor authentication, and fraud protection. Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM are all used by millions and possess bank-level security to ensure your money is safe.
Ease of Use & Interface: A good UPI app should be simple, fast, and easy to navigate. If the app feels cluttered or confusing, making payments can become frustrating. Try out a few and see which one feels the most user-friendly for you.
Compatibility with Your Bank: Most UPI apps cover all the big banks in India, but it’s always best to double-check if your bank is covered before registering. Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm support nearly every bank.
Speed & Performance: Some apps are quicker at processing transactions than others. If you make frequent urgent payments, choose an app that is reputed for speedy and seamless transactions without failure or delay. Google Pay and PhonePe are popular for their dependability.
Cashback & Rewards: If you’re a discount enthusiast, choose an app that provides cashback, rewards, or special offers. Paytm and Amazon Pay often have promotions where you can earn cashback, vouchers, and discounts on payments.
Customer Support: Just in case things go awry, good customer support can do you a big favor. Ensure that the app has a well-responding help center, chat support, or helpline. BHIM UPI and PhonePe have a reputation for resolving issues rapidly.
Extra Features: Others do more than mere UPI payments. If you require bill payment, mobile recharges, credit card payments, or investment opportunities, apps like Paytm, PhonePe, and Amazon Pay provide more than mere money transfers.
Conclusion
UPI payment apps have transformed how we manage digital transactions, which are now speedy, secure, and convenient.
Be it money transfer, bill payments, recharging your mobile, or buying things online, these apps give you a seamless experience. Your preference decides which UPI app you should go for—Google Pay and PhonePe are all about speed and reliability, while Paytm and Amazon Pay offer fantastic cashback and rewards.
No matter what app you decide to use, UPI promises a cashless, streamlined, and extremely secure means of carrying out daily transactions, and online payments have never been easier.
FAQs
1. Are UPI payments secure?
Yes, UPI payments are extremely secure with end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication (UPI PIN + phone number). Always be careful, though, and never share your UPI PIN with anyone.
2. Is there any transaction limit on UPI payments?
Yes, most banks limit daily transactions at ₹1 lakh per user. Some banks and apps have smaller limits, so it’s wise to contact your bank.
3. Can I make international transactions using UPI?
UPI is meant for domestic transactions in India. NPCI has begun to extend UPI payments to some countries, so some international transactions are allowed through certain platforms.
4. How do I report fraud or unauthorized UPI transactions?
If you see an unauthorized transaction, report it immediately via the app’s customer care or call your bank’s fraud helpline. You may also file a complaint on NPCI’s UPI grievance portal.
5. Can I pay with UPI without an app?
Yes, you can pay via USSD-based UPI by calling *99# from any mobile phone (even without internet) to send money, check account balances, or see mini-statements.
