E-payments have revolutionized the way we transact by making payments quick, secure, and convenient. Digital payment apps like BHIM, Paytm, Google Pay (Tez), and PhonePe have become integral to everyday life. Each application uses the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) or wallet-based systems to transfer funds.
BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money)
BHIM is a government-backed UPI app developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It allows users to make instant bank-to-bank payments.
Steps:
- Download & Install: Download the BHIM app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Mobile Verification: Open the app and verify your mobile number linked with your bank account via SMS.
- Set Passcode: Set a 4-digit login passcode for app security.
- Add Bank Account: Select your bank from the list. The app fetches the bank account linked with your mobile number automatically.
- Set UPI PIN: If not already set, create a UPI PIN using the last 6 digits of your debit card and the expiry date.
- Send Money:
- Tap Send.
- Enter the recipient’s UPI ID, account number + IFSC, or scan their QR code.
- Enter the amount and remarks (optional).
- Enter your UPI PIN to confirm.
- Transaction Complete: You’ll receive a success confirmation along with transaction details.
BHIM is simple and has no wallet feature—direct bank-to-bank transfer makes it light and secure.
Paytm
Paytm started as a mobile wallet and has evolved into a full-fledged payments platform supporting UPI, wallet, and bank transfers.
Steps:
- Download & Register: Download Paytm from the Play Store/App Store. Register using your mobile number.
- Login & KYC: Login with OTP. Complete KYC (Know Your Customer) if required to use full features.
- Add Money to Wallet (Optional): You can load your wallet using debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.
- Link Bank for UPI: To make direct bank payments, link your bank account to Paytm UPI.
- Set UPI PIN: If not already done, set your UPI PIN using your debit card details.
- Make Payment:
- Choose to pay via Wallet, UPI, or Bank Transfer.
- For wallet: Tap on “Pay”, scan the QR code or enter the mobile number.
- For UPI: Choose UPI, enter the recipient’s UPI ID or mobile number.
- Enter amount and message.
- Enter UPI PIN to confirm.
- Transaction Confirmation: You’ll see transaction success/failure message immediately.
Paytm is versatile as it offers both wallet and UPI features for flexibility.
Google Pay (Tez)
Google Pay, formerly known as Tez, is a UPI-based payment app by Google. It enables direct bank transfers without the need for wallets.
Steps:
- Download & Set Up: Download Google Pay from the Play Store/App Store.
- Mobile Verification: Sign in with your Google account. Verify your mobile number through OTP (should be linked to your bank account).
- Screen Lock or PIN: Set screen lock or Google PIN for security.
- Add Bank Account: Choose your bank. Google Pay auto-fetches account linked to your number.
- Set/Enter UPI PIN: Enter debit card details to set or confirm UPI PIN.
- Send Payment:
- Tap Pay.
- Select from contact list or enter mobile number/UPI ID.
- Enter amount, purpose, and proceed.
- Enter UPI PIN to complete.
- Get Receipt: Confirmation appears instantly with transaction details.
Google Pay is highly secure, supports multiple accounts, and provides cashback offers for transactions.
PhonePe
PhonePe is a popular UPI app owned by Flipkart. It supports UPI, recharges, bill payments, and more.
Steps:
- Download & Register: Install PhonePe from the Play Store/App Store. Sign up using your mobile number.
- Verify Number: Verify the number via OTP (linked to your bank account).
- Secure App: Set an app lock using phone’s screen lock or separate PIN.
- Link Bank Account: Select your bank from the list. The app fetches accounts tied to your number.
- Create/Confirm UPI PIN: Use debit card details to set or verify UPI PIN.
- Make a Payment:
- Tap To Contact, To Bank/UPI ID, or Scan QR.
- Enter the recipient’s details or scan their QR.
- Fill in the amount and any note.
- Confirm with UPI PIN.
- Receive Confirmation: Transaction success or failure notification appears.
PhonePe supports multiple payment modes including UPI, wallet, and card payments. It’s user-friendly and supports regional languages.