In recent years, India has witnessed a digital payments revolution, with Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at the forefront. UPI has transformed the way millions of Indians transact daily, making money transfers and merchant payments a breeze. If you’re new to UPI, this beginner’s guide will walk you through the essentials of using UPI payments apps like the Airtel Thanks App.
What is UPI?
Unified Payments Interface, or UPI, is an instant real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It enables bank-to-bank transfers using a mobile device. The key features of UPI include:
- Interoperability across banks and payment apps
- Instant fund transfers 24/7, including weekends and bank holidays
- Single mobile app for accessing multiple bank accounts
- Secure transactions authenticated by UPI PIN
How UPI Apps Work
To start using UPI, you’ll need a UPI-enabled app and a bank account linked to your mobile number. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Setting Up Your UPI App
- Download a UPI app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
- Open the app and register using your mobile number linked to your bank account.
- The app will send an SMS to verify your number.
- Create your unique UPI ID or Virtual Payment Address (VPA) in the format.yourusername@bankname.
- Set a unique UPI PIN, which is usually a 4-6-digit number. This PIN is required to authorise transactions.
2. Sending Money Using UPI
- Open your UPI app and tap on ‘Send Money’ or ‘Pay’.
- Enter the recipient’s UPI ID or select their saved contact. Alternatively, scan their UPI QR code.
- Enter the amount you wish to transfer.
- Select the bank account to be debited.
- Enter your UPI PIN to authorise the transaction.
- The app will display a success message once the money is transferred.
3. Requesting Money on UPI
- Go to the ‘Collect’ or ‘Request Money’ section in your UPI app.
- Enter the UPI ID or mobile number of the person you’re requesting money from.
- Enter the amount and tap ‘Request’.
- The other user will receive a collect request, which they can approve using their UPI PIN.
- Once approved, the money will be instantly credited to your linked bank account.
UPI Security Features
UPI employs multi-layered security to protect your transactions:
- Two-Factor Authentication: UPI uses your mobile device and UPI PIN as two separate authentication factors.
- Data Encryption: All transaction information is securely encrypted in accordance with RBI guidelines.
- No Need to Share Bank Details: UPI IDs replace sensitive account and IFSC codes during transactions.
Benefits of Using UPI Apps
| Benefit | Description |
| Convenience | Single interface to manage multiple bank accounts |
| Speed | Instant transfers 24/7, 365 days a year |
| Security | Two-factor authentication and data encryption |
| No Extra Charges | UPI transactions are free for users |
| Versatility | Supports P2P transfers, merchant payments, bill splits, etc. |
UPI and the Airtel Thanks App
The Airtel Thanks App for iOS and Android integrates UPI payments, offering a seamless experience for Airtel users. In addition to money transfers, the app lets you:
- Recharge your prepaid mobile and pay postpaid bills.
- Recharge DTH and broadband connections.
- Shop, order food, and avail deals within the app.
- Earn rewards and cashback on transactions.
- Get access to premium content and events based on your Airtel Thanks tier.
By using UPI on the Airtel Thanks app, you can enjoy secure payments while earning Airtel rewards on the side.
UPI has revolutionised digital payments in India, making transactions simpler, faster, and more accessible. By following this beginner’s guide, you can confidently start using UPI payments apps like the Airtel Thanks App for iOS to send money, split bills, and pay merchants securely.
As UPI continues to evolve with new features like AutoPay and UPI Lite, it’s set to become an even more integral part of India’s digital economy. Download the Airtel Thanks app today to experience the convenience of UPI payments alongside a host of other Airtel services and benefits.
