PhonePe - India's Payment App

PhonePe is a mobile payment platform using which you can transfer money using UPI, recharge phone numbers, pay utility bills, etc. PhonePe works on the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) system and all you need is to feed in your bank account details and create a UPI ID. There is no need to recharge the wallet, because the money will be directly debited from your bank account at the click of a button in a safe and secure manner.

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The best thing about UPI is that it is a 24/7 service and can be used even on bank holidays and weekends. The app can be downloaded on both Android and Apple phones.

This is a safe and secure application that will help cater to all your banking needs under one roof in a convenient manner. Thee will be no need to go through the cumbersome process of registering a beneficiary, entering bank account details such as account number or IFSC code . All that is required is a Virtual Payment Address (VPA), using which money can be sent at anytime and from anywhere.

PhonePe App

phonepe

PhonePe Private Limited is a leading e-commerce payment platform in India. The digital wallet company was founded in December 2015. This platform offers services in over 11 Indian regional languages. As a user, you can use the app and book cabs, book hotel services, order food online, pay for your Redbus tickets, and also pay for your flight tickets.

How to Download PhonePe

The app can be downloaded from Google Play Store. The app can be downloaded on all Android platforms. The app is also available on iOS platforms.

How to Register and Set Up PhonePe on Your Mobile

Step 1: Download the app and launch it

Step 2: Follow the initial instructions to allow SMS-based mobile verification. Click on 'Let's Get Started'

Step 3: Key in details such as name, email id and choose a 4-digit password

Step 4: Go on to choose a VPA by clicking on 'Create New VPA'

Step 5: Proceed to choose the bank, after which the app will auto detect bank account details

How Does PhonePe Work?

PhonePe operates on NPCI’s UPI 2.0, partnering with multiple banks like ICICI, HDFC, and Axis Bank for seamless transactions. Users link their bank accounts via a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) (e.g., yourname@ybl) to send/receive money instantly. All transactions are secured with UPI PIN and RBI-approved encryption.  

Here is a list of what you can do with PhonePe:

  1. Shop online on a list of e-commerce platforms and pay through UPI
  2. Pay utility bills
  3. Send and receive money from your phone contact list using UPI
  4. Recharge mobile and DTH connections
  5. Check bank account balance
  6. Register beneficiary
  7. Handle more than one bank account
  8. Become eligible for cashbacks
  9. Split bills

How to Make PhonePe UPI Payments?

Step 1: Open the PhonePe app. Click on 'My Money' and tap on 'UPI Bank Accounts'

Step 2: Select 'Add New Bank Account' and choose your bank

Step 3: Choose the mobile number which you have registered with the bank

Step 4: After the bank account has been verified, you will see all details of your bank account

Step 5: Click on 'Set BHIM UPI PIN'. Key in the last 6-digits of your card and also the expiry date.

Step 6: After your card has been verified, you will receive an OTP on your mobile number. Type in the OTP and PIN of your card

Step 7: Generate a new UPI PIN. Your bank account will become linked to the BHIM UPI ID.

PhonePe Customer Care Number

  1. In case, you need any assistance regarding PhonePe, you can call on 080-68727374 or 022-68727374
  2. To escalate any existing complaints, you can send them a message to support.phonepe.com
  3. You can also direct your complaint to the regulatory authority by sending a message at support.phonepe.com

Features of PhonePe

  1. Recharge and pay bills: Just like other mobile wallet apps in the market, it is possible to pay utility bills and recharge your mobile number through PhoenPe. It is very easy to recharge your phone using this app. To do so, go to the 'Recharge' tab, enter the amount, choose the bank account and pay for the same at the click of a button.
  2. Split a bill with a friend with PhonePe: Going for dinner, the movies, or a trip and wondering how to split the bill? This feature is available on PhoenPe. To split a bill, go to the 'Split a bill' option. This is a very easy and convenient option to split expenses when you go out as a group.
  3. Send, transfer funds using QR code: One of the other features of the PhonePe app is the option to send and receive money using a QR code option. You can simply scan the QR code using the camera of your smartphone.
  4. Single app for UPI: The main advantage of the app is that it is one stop solution for all UPI transactions. This means that you can have a bank account with any bank and still use the PhonePe app to link multiple bank accounts in the same app. This eliminates the need to install multiple apps.

Benefits of PhonePe

  1. Safe to use
  2. User-friendly
  3. Available in many local Indian languages such as Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Assamese, Gujarati, etc
  4. Available round the clock
  5. Immediate money transfer
  6. Instant discounts and cashbacks on transactions
  7. No hassle of remembering bank account details such as IFSC code

As per new rules it is mandatory to complete the KYC verification process to continue using all services offered by digital payment applications such as this. Each user will have a unique password and no transaction can be authenticated without providing the valid passport. Apart from sending money, users will also be able to generate a 'Collect' request through this application. Remember it is required to keep in mind that you should not share your UPI pin with anyone at any point of time to be safe. UPI is a type of payment system that is coined by NPCI in an effort to drive digital growth as far as payments are concerned.

How Secure is PhonePe?

PhonePe is a highly secure digital payment platform regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and built on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) infrastructure. It employs multiple layers of security to protect user data and transactions:

Key Security Features:

  1. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Every UPI transaction requires a UPI PIN, offering an added layer of protection.
  2. End-to-End Data Encryption: All data shared on the platform is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.
  3. Device Binding: Your PhonePe account is linked to your device and SIM, reducing fraud risk.
  4. App Lock and Biometric Login: Users can set up fingerprint or face recognition for added login security.
  5. Instant Fraud Monitoring: PhonePe uses AI-based systems to detect and block suspicious activities in real-time.
  6. PCI-DSS Compliance: The app complies with Payment Card Industry standards to securely handle card details.

How to Transfer Money through PhonePe

Step 1: Open the PhonePe app

Step 2: Go to the 'Send' option on the main screen

Step 3: Key in the VPA of payee

Step 4: Enter the transaction amount

Step 5: Select the bank account from which you want the money to be debited

Step 6: Verify details and send

How to Collect Money through PhonePe

Step 1: Log on to the app

Step 2: Navigate to the home screen and click on the 'Request' option

Step 3: Enter the VPA of the person from whom you want to request money.

Step 4: Enter the transaction amount and also enter the deadline within which the request has to be cleared

Step 5: Click on the request option after verifying details

PhonePe KYC Process

It is mandatory to complete the Know Your Customer, or KYC, process if you want to use PhonePe for all your financial transactions. This can easily be done online using your smartphone and the PhonePe mobile application. There are no charges for this and it is completely free.

Steps to Complete Your PhonePe KYC:

Here are the steps you need to follow to successfully complete your PhonePe KYC process:

Step 1: Open the PhonePe mobile application on your smartphone

Step 2: Using your login credentials, log into your PhonePe account

Step 3: On the bottom of the app interface, tap on the tab called "My Money"

Step 4: Under the menu for Wallets/Gift Vouchers, tap on "PhonePe Wallet"

Step 5: Tap on ''Continue'' on the ''Complete Your KYC'' pop-up

Step 6: Click on "Provide Basic Details"

Step 7: A list of documents you can choose as verification option will be displayed under the drop-down menu- select one of them

Step 8: Enter the required details for confirmation

Step 9: Once complete, "Basic Details Updated Successfully" will be displayed on the screen.

You will get a notification on your registered mobile number that confirms that KYC has been successfully completed for your PhonePe account.

Explore Investment Options on PhonePe

  1. The PhonePe Super Fund helps you choose the best fund from multiple Mutual Fund Companies. You can choose from Moderate Fund, Aggressive Fund and Conservative Fund. A professional fund manager will track your portfolios and will make adjustments in your allocations based on the market conditions.

Why Choose Super Funds on PhonePe?

  1. The Super Fund will easily classify and help you invest in top funds.
  2. This will help you have flexibility between Moderate, Aggressive, and Conservative funds.
  3. You only need to concentrate on the best fund and then, the professional fund managers, will track the investment and adjustments as and when the market conditions change.

COVID-19 Insurance Options on PhonePe

The 'Corona Care' is an affordable coverage program which has been launched by PhonePe. The insurance package gives you financial assistance in case you might need treatment for Coronavirus. The insurance plan at Rs.199. This comes with a cover of Rs.50,000 and it is now available at any hospital which provides Coronavirus treatment.

Benefits of the insurance:

  1. You do not need health screening before buying the policy via PhonePe
  2. This covers 30 days of pre-hospitalisation and also post-hospital costs
  3. The PhonePe policy can be bought at anytime and anywhere
  4. The documents for the policy will be issued immediately

Savings Products Available on PhonePe

The 'Liquid Fund' tool was released on the PhonePe app and it comes with simplicity and accessibility just a Savings Account. Within a few minutes, you can invest by making a deposit of Rs.500 every month.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance Plans on PhonePe

The 'all-in-one travel policy' will cover the costs which come from travel accidents.

  1. Fraud at home, up to Rs.1,00,000 while travelling
  2. Trip cancellations cover up to Rs.20,000
  3. Cover up to Rs.10,000 lost checked-in baggage
  4. Cover up to Rs.10,000 for missed connecting flights
  5. Cover up to Rs.1,50,000 for accidental hospitalization expenses Cover up to Rs.10,000 for OPD expenses

Get International Travel Insurance at PhonePe

You can now avail international travel insurance from PhonePe, making it the first digital payment channel in India to provide this. PhonePe has entered into a partnership with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, which is one of India's leading general insurance companies, for the same. You can buy travel insurance on the app whether you are a business traveller or a tourist. You can also save your travel insurance policy certificate along with other details on PhonePe which will facilitate easier renewal of payment in future.

PhonePe Business

PhonePe for Business allows payments across over 70 BHIM UPI apps. As a BHIM UPI App user, you can trigger a merchant payment by using the "PhonePe for Business - Accept all digital payments". The merchant account for PhonePe is stable and convenient.

Features of PhonePe Business

The following are the features of PhonePe Business: 

  1. PhonePe Business offers top notch payment experience with higher success rates. 
  2. The users will get access to seamless and reliable platform which can handle heavy transactions. 
  1. It provides 24/7 customer support. 

How to Create a PhonePe Merchant Account

Step 1: First, install the PhonePe Business app

Step 2: Tap on 'Sign up' and key in your name and mobile number. Click on 'Get OTP'

Step3: Type in the OTP on and your address. Click on 'Save'

Step 4: Type in your business name and the category. Select 'Submit'

Step 5: Choose your bank account for accepting payments

Step 6: A message will be generated from your mobile's message application

Step 7: Once you submit the message, the bank's details will be updated to your PhonePe Merchant account

Step 8: You will receive a PhonePe Merchant QR code

How to Make Payments Through the PhonePe App

You can carry out transactions in the PhonPe app by following any of these methods:

  1. UPI Debit Card
  2. UPI Credit Card
  3. Via linked Bank account
  4. Using PhonePe Wallet

How to Remove Your Bank Account Details from PhonePe

Step 1: Open the PhonePe app

Step 2: Click on 'Account Section'

Step 3: Select 'Bank accounts'

Step 4: You will be able to see all of your bank accounts. Select the account you want to delete.

Step 5: You will see a pop-up message. Click on the message to unlink

Step 6: The bank account which you have selected will be removed from the app.

How to Delete Your PhonePe Account from Your Mobile Phone?

  • Open the PhonePe app
  • Click on 'My Account'
  • Select 'Help'
  • Choose the topics and tap on 'PhonePe account'
  • Choose the account, and click on 'deleting an account'
  • Select 'contact us'
  • Key in the details that you want to delete
  • The support team from PhonePe will confirm the reason for deleting the account
  • After the verification is complete, your account will be deactivated within 2 to 3 days

What is the UPI Lite Feature on PhonePe?

UPI Lite X on PhonePe enables offline payments up to ₹500 without bank connectivity. Funds are debited from an on-device wallet (max balance: ₹2,000). Supported by 50+ banks, it’s accepted at all UPI QR codes nationwide.  

How to Activate the UPI Lite Feature on the PhonePe App?

Activating UPI Lite feature on PhonePe application is very simple. You only need to load Rs.2000 into your Lite account and make payments below Rs.200 with a single tap. Follow the steps mentioned below: 

Step 1: Open your PhonePe application. 

Step 2: Check for ‘UPI Lite’ option present on the application's home screen. 

Step 3: Enter the amount you wish to add in your PhonePe wallet. 

Step 4: Enter your UPI PIN and your UPI account will be successfully enabled. 

How to Add Bank Account to PhonePe on Your Mobile

Step 1: Open the PhonePe app

Step 2: Go to the menu and the Bank Account tab. Click on 'Add New Bank'.

Step 3: Choose the bank account from which money needs to be debited from the available bank list

Step 4: PhonePe will auto detect account details immediately and link the account with the app

Step 5: The next step is to set up the UPI pin. To do this click on the 'set UPI pin' option

Step 6: Key in the last 6 digits of the ATM/debit card pin and choose the expiry date. Use OPT and set up UPI pin.

How do I Send Money to Myself Through PhonePe?

The following are the steps to do PhonePe self-transfer: 

  1. Open your PhonePe app. 
  2. Go to the ‘Transfer Money’ section and click on the ‘Self Account’. 
  1. Now, choose the account that you wish to send money. 
  2. Next, enter the amount and choose the account from which you want to transfer the money. 
  3. Finally, enter your UPI PIN to complete the transaction.

PhonePe UPI vs PhonePe Wallet: What's the Difference?

While both PhonePe UPI and PhonePe Wallet allow digital payments, they differ in how transactions are processed:

Feature

PhonePe UPI

PhonePe Wallet

Linked To

Directly linked to your bank account

Preloaded with money from your bank

Transaction Type

Real-time bank-to-bank transfers

Wallet-to-wallet or wallet-to-merchant payments

UPI PIN Required

Yes

No

Usage Restrictions

Works with any UPI-enabled bank

Accepted only where PhonePe Wallet is supported

Withdrawal

No need — pulls from bank directly

You must transfer funds to your bank to withdraw

Use UPI for larger transactions and money transfers.

Use Wallet for faster small-value payments like mobile recharge, bill payments, or QR code scans.

How to Use PhonePe Without Internet

PhonePe can be accessed without an internet connection using the USSD code: *99#, a service powered by NPCI’s UPI:

Steps to Use PhonePe Without Internet:

  • Dial *99# from the mobile number linked to your bank account.
  • Select “Send Money” from the options.
  • Enter the UPI ID, mobile number, or bank account of the receiver.
  • Enter the amount to be transferred.
  • Confirm using your UPI PIN.

Requirements:

  1. A UPI-activated bank account.
  2. Registered mobile number on the same SIM card.
  3. Basic GSM mobile (smartphone not required).

Note: The USSD service may charge a nominal fee per session and supports limited functionality compared to the app.

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FAQs on PhonePe

  • Is IFSC code required for sending money?

    No. There is no need for any bank details to send or receive money. The only piece of information that is required is the VPA.

  • Can I check UPI Lite transaction history?

    Yes, you can check UPI Lite transaction history. 

  • Will I get an SMS for my transactions?

    Yes, you will be notified about your transactions through SMS.  

  • What are the various payment options in PhonePe?

    There are two payment options in PhonePe: Bank Account and PhonePe wallet

  • In case a customer's bank account is not live with UPI can he/she transact?

    Transactions cannot be made in the PhonePe app unless the user adds his/her bank account in the app.

  • What is the transaction limit in PhonePe?

    The upper limit for PhonePe wallet transactions is Rs.10,000 on a monthly basis. The cap for bank account transactions is Rs.1 lakh per transaction

  • Are there any transaction charges for PhonePe users?

    No. At present there are no charges levied.

  • Is it possible to link multiple bank accounts in PhonePe?

    Yes. This can be done by going to the main menu, bank accounts and clicking on 'add new bank account'.

  • Is it necessary to have a bank account to use PhonePe?

    Yes. One cannot use PhonePe without having an active and valid bank account.

  • What if funds are debited from my account but due to some error it does not reach the payee?

    In such a case, the funds will be credited back into the account of the payee. If the funds are not credited back within 48 hours, please contact the customer care.

  • What is a VPA?

    VPA or Virtual Payment Address is like an email id or type of identification that is used to specifically initiate both collect and send requests in the UPI platform. A VPA is a unique id that a user can choose during the registration process.

  • Can I split a bill using PhonePe? If yes, how?

    When you go out with friends and you want a split a bill, PhonePe can be used to split the bill easily. To do so, you need to click on 'split a bill' option, enter in the VPA along with payment amount and verify transaction details.

News on PhonePe

UPI Payment rolled out by PhonePe for Indian travellers in Sri Lanka

As part of this partnership, PhonePe customers will now be able to pay via UPI by scanning the LankaPay QR codes at the merchants. According to the fintech giant, the payments will be made in Indian Rupees at the current exchange rates to facilitate the digital payments process. LankaPay boasts of having more than 4 lakh merchant partners all over the island of Sri Lanka. The fintech giant announced the new offering at a press conference in Colombo, where it was hosted by the Indian high commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jh, and the governor of the Central bank of Sri Lanka, Nandalal Werasinghe. 

16 May 2024

Indian travellers can access PhonePe UPI for 8,000+ Singapore merchants

PhonePe partners with The Singapore Tourism Board, allowing Indian travellers to use UPI payments in Singapore. This builds upon the existing UPI linkage between India and Singapore. Under the partnership, joint marketing efforts will promote seamless UPI experiences. Indian travellers can now make secure payments across 8,000+ merchants in Singapore using the PhonePe app. 

4 April 2024

GPay and PhonePe gains customers rapidly

In India's UPI market, Google's GPay and Walmart Inc.'s PhonePe have performed the best since the Reserve Bank of India banned Paytm Payments Bank earlier this year. The National Payments Council of India (NPCI) has released new data showing that these two companies' UPI services are quickly surpassing Paytm in terms of user base. According to NPCI data, the UPI transaction volumes of GPay and PhonePe increased by 7.7% and 7.9%, respectively, in February. NPCI data shows that PhonePe processed 6.1 billion UPI payments while GPay reported 4.7 billion UPI payments.  

8 March 2024
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