Table of Contents
There was a time when only a handful of Indians had a bank account. Now, even a small vegetable vendor is accepting digital payments. This is only possible through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). With UPI, individuals can send and receive money through their mobile. Moreover, just one mobile application can help handle the transactions of multiple bank accounts. To use UPI and set a UPI PIN, it was mandatory to have a debit card. However, the government has introduced an alternative where you can set your UPI PIN without using a debit card. Read on to find out how to set a UPI PIN without a debit card.
How to Use UPI Without a Debit Card?
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is the umbrella organisation that manages the transaction routing, processing, and settlement services of UPI members. When UPI was first set up, NPCI mandated the use of debit cards to register for UPI and set a UPI PIN. To encourage cashless transactions in India, it introduced an alternative to setting up a UPI PIN without using a debit card.
Users who do not have debit cards can also register for UPI now. They can use their Aadhar card to set up their UPI PIN. The Aadhar-based verification was introduced in September 2021. To use the Aadhar-based verification, you must link your mobile number with your Aadhar Card and bank account. Setting up a UPI PIN with an Aadhar Card is a one-time procedure. In the next section, let’s understand the step-by-step process of setting up a UPI PIN without a debit card.
Step-By-Step Procedure to Set UPI PIN Without Debit Card
The following steps will guide you in setting up your UPI PIN using your Aadhar Card.
- Download a UPI application app such as BHIM UPI, Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm.
- Go to your profile and select ‘Set up payment method’ or ‘Add bank account’.
- Select your bank and verify your phone number with the bank.
- Once the phone number is verified, you will have to set up the UPI PIN.
- Select the Aadhar-based verification option and accept the terms and conditions.
- Validate your Aadhar Card details by entering the first six digits of your Aadhar Card.
- After successfully validating your Aadhar details, set up your four or six-digit UPI PIN.
- You will now need to verify with Aadhar OTP. After verification, re-enter your UPI PIN for confirmation.
- Now, your UPI app is ready to be used for transactions.
You can use the same process to register multiple bank accounts. Make sure you select the right bank. The above procedure can vary slightly for different apps, but the gist remains the same. Once you set up your UPI PIN, shopping and transacting become easy, removing the need to carry cash.
Tips to Ensure Safety While Setting UPI Pin
The following tips will help you set up your UPI Pin safely and securely.
- Choose a strong PIN: Always ensure that the UPI PIN you set up is complex and unique. It should be such that it is difficult for others to guess.
- Use secure devices: When setting up your UPI PIN, make sure you use your own phone or other secured device.
- Keep your PIN confidential: Never write down your UPI PIN anywhere, nor share it with anyone. Just memorise it to avoid any fraud.
- Monitor account activity: If you find unauthorised transactions in your UPI payment history, report them immediately to the concerned authority.
- Beware of UPI frauds: Technology comes with security issues. Although UPI is an advanced interface, it is not safe from cyber fraud. Do not click on any link asking you to pay a certain amount.
Benefits of Setting Up UPI PIN with an Aadhar Card
The following are the benefits of setting up UPI with an Aadhar Card.
- If you do not have a debit card, or you lost it, or it is inactive, then you can still set up your UPI PIN through Aadhar.
- Some users aren’t comfortable linking their debit cards to UPI. By linking Aadhar cards to UPI, they feel safe and secure.
- With cashless transactions, users are not opting for debit cards and are embracing digital-only banking.
- UPI is being used heavily in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where ATMs have still not been reached. In such cases, Aadhar-based verification comes in handy.
- If you feel your UPI PIN is compromised, then you can reset it through Aadhar-based verification.
How to Reset UPI Pin Using Aadhar Card?
You can set your UPI PIN using an Aadhar Card and reset it if you feel your UPI PIN is compromised. The following steps will guide you in resetting your UPI PIN with an Aadhar Card.
- Open a UPI payments app such as BHIM UPI, Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm.
- Go to your registered bank accounts and select the bank account which needs a UPI PIN reset.
- Tap on the ‘Reset Pin’ option.
- Select the Aadhar number linked to the bank account.
- Enter the first six digits of your Aadhar Card to verify your identity.
- You will receive two OTPs, one from UIDAI and the other from the bank.
- Enter both the OTPs and then enter the new fur or six-digit UPI PIN.
- Confirm the UPI Pin by re-entering it.
- Tap on ‘Confirm’ to successfully reset your UPI PIN without using a debit card.
Things to Remember While Setting the UPI PIN Without a Debit Card
Keep the following things in mind before setting your UPI PIN through your Aadhar Card.
- Select the option ‘Aadhar-based verification’ to set up a UPI PIN through Aadhar.
- Ensure your Aadhar number is linked to your mobile number to set up a UPI PIN with your Aadhar Card.
- Link your bank account to the same mobile number that is linked to the Aadhar Card.
- Around 33 major banks currently allow users to set up UPI PINs through Aadhar Cards. Before setting your UPI PIN through Aadhar, make sure your bank supports it.
Banks That Support Aadhar-Based UPI Pin Service
The following banks allow users to set up UPI through Aadhar OTP.
| AU Small Finance Bank | Karnataka Bank Limited |
| Bandhan Bank Ltd | Karur Vysya Bank |
| Bank of Maharashtra | Kotak Mahindra Bank |
| Canara Bank | State Bank of India |
| Central Bank of India | Paytm Payments Bank |
| City Union Bank | Punjab & Sind Bank |
| Dhanalaxmi Bank | Punjab National Bank |
| Equitas Small Finance Bank | SBM Bank |
| ESAF Small Finance Bank | Shivalik Small Finance |
| Federal Bank | South Indian Bank |
| Fino Payments Bank | Suryoday Small Finance Bank Ltd. |
| HDFC Bank | Tamilnad Mercantile Bank |
| ICICI Bank | The Cosmos Co-operative Bank Ltd |
| Indian Bank | UCO Bank |
| Indian Overseas Bank | Union Bank of India |
| IndusInd Bank | Yes Bank |
| Jio Payments Bank |
Benefits of Using UPI for Payments
If you aren’t using UPI for payments already, it’s high time you consider using it, as the entire India is embracing UPI. The following are the benefits of using UPI for payments.
- UPI payments are processed instantly without any delay. This is a better alternative to traditional banking methods, which take a lot of time to process one transaction.
- UPI payments are very easy. You just need the other person’s UPI ID or phone number to pay them. If you are paying a merchant, you can just scan their QR code to make payments.
- Paying through UPI eliminates the need to carry cash. Moreover, you can make the payments using your smartphone.
- UPI payments are very secure as they use multi-layer authentication such as biometric locks and UPI PIN.
- Payments through UPI are completely free of cost, unlike the NEFT or IMPS, which charge you per transaction.
- You can keep track of all your expenses by going to the ‘transaction history’ tab.
Conclusion
UPI has revolutionised digital payments in India, making cashless transactions easier and more secure than ever before. By eliminating the need for debit cards and offering convenient Aadhar-based registration, UPI empowers everyone, regardless of financial background, to participate in the digital economy. Ditch cash, embrace UPI, and experience the future of payments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a UPI without a debit card?
Yes, you can set up a UPI ID without a debit card. When setting up a UPI, instead of choosing a debit card, select an Aadhar Card and enter the necessary details to set up your UPI PIN.
How can I use my Aadhar Card to set up a UPI PIN?
To set up a UPI PIN with an Aadhar Card, select Aadhar-based verification instead of a debit card in your UPI app. Then, enter the first six digits of your Aadhar Card and the OTP to validate and set a UPI PIN.
How do you set up Google Pay (Gpay) without a debit card?
In Google Pay, you can set up UPI without a debit card. First, download the app and register yourself. Then, go to the ‘Payment methods’ tab and select your bank account. After verifying your bank account, select ‘Aadhar-based’ verification and enter the first six digits of your Aadhar Card. Next, enter the OTP to verify your Aadhar Card and set up a UPI PIN. Once the UPI PIN is set, you can start using the Gpay app to make payments.
How long does setting up a UPI PIN with an Aadhar Card take?
Setting up a UPI PIN with an Aadhar Card takes a few minutes only. However, to use this feature, make sure your mobile number is linked to the Aadhar and your bank account.
What are the charges for setting up a UPI ID?
Setting up a UPI ID is free of cost. You need not pay any money to set up a UPI ID for yourself.
What is the daily transaction limit on UPI Apps?
The daily transaction limit for UPI apps varies between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 1 lakh. You can check with your bank to find out what the transaction limit on your UPI is.
Can I set up a UPI ID without a debit card and Aadhar Card?
The NPCI doesn’t allow you to set up a UPI ID without a debit card or an Aadhar Card. The only two ways to set up your UPI ID are through your debit card or Aadhar Card.
