Top 10 Best Upi Apps For Secure Online Payments

The global economy is moving more and more towards a cashless one. This has widened the scope of UPI payments. In this scenario, a lot of UPI payment apps have emerged. Let us now discuss the top 10 UPI Payment Apps in India. 

What Are UPI Payment Apps?

The UPI or the Unified Payment Interface is a platform through which you can make online payments or cashless transactions from your mobile phone by adding multiple bank accounts on your app. It makes the process convenient for users who hold multiple bank accounts but do not want to log into their system or bank apps to make the payment. UPI comes with several functionalities like easy checking of the remaining balance in your account, making payments in a second by scanning the QR code, adding accounts to your UPI app, etc. 

Top Best UPI Apps in India 2024

1. Google Pay 

Google Pay is at the top of the list among the best UPI apps in India. The transactions on Google Pay are really quick. It is the foremost app to provide the ease of proximity feature. It has a great user interface, top class reward schemes and offers, an appropriate safety framework, and a feature loaded package. Even when the wallet option is not there, you do not have to upload the KYC documents. All you need to do is link your phone number with your bank account. With 2000 plus online merchant partners in India alone, Google Pay owns more than 35% of market shares in UPI transactions.

Some of the key features of Google Pay are as follows: 

• You don’t need KYC documents since the wallet option is not available. All you need is a bank account and a mobile phone. 
• Google Pay is the first app to use NFC technology
• In-app Google Play and Google Ad payment options are available. 
• Before payment, you can chat using Google Pay
• It has an amazing user interface. 
• In-app purchases opportunity are available 
• This app supports 8 Indian languages
• Users will also be able to set alerts or reminders and make periodic payments for DTH, utility bills, etc. in future. 
• It has the Google Pay Safe shield feature, using which you can secure your UPI payments using biometrics. 
• It has the unique Tez mode, which lets the receiver get the money without revealing the details. 
• It has the chat feature, and this is useful for first time transactions. An invoice can also be sent in the chat. 
• Transactions made through Tez have multi-layer encryption, and it is protected by Tez shield. 
• The cash mode enables users to transfer money to Tez users in range without entering their mobile number or bank details. This lends additional security to the transactions. 

2. PhonePe

It started in 2015 and is amongst the most widely used apps in the country. It is easily accessible to people across various regions as it is available in 11 different languages. It performs all the tasks of normal UPI apps. You can add money to its wallet for instant payments.

Some of the key features of PhonePe are as follows: 

• Instant payment is possible 
• You can check your account balance with just a click
• It can be used to pay credit card bills
• It provides various cashback and reward offers. 
• Gold can also be purchased
• The upper limit for money transfer is Rs. 1 lakh
• Using PhonePe, you can make payments for DTH, landline, broadband, water bill payment, and data card. 
• You can also make store payments using PhonePe
• You don’t require a PIN or password to open the app. 
• There is a separate icon to transfer cash to your other account. Bank balance can be checked using this. 
• You can easily find a recent recipient while transferring money. 
• Paying bills and recharging are also very easy. 
• It considers negative feedback and works towards improving it.

3. BHIM App

This app is a really useful one and supports 20 different languages. Thus it is accessible to people from various geographical regions and even in very remote areas.

Some of the key features of BHIM are as follows: 

• Endorsed by the regulatory guidance of RBI 
• You can verify your payment before finalizing it 
• It supports 20 plus languages
• You can send money by adding the account number and IFSC codes. 
• No extra fees or transaction charges are applicable. 

4. Paytm

Paytm is one of the most popular apps that has created confidence with merchants. It has become the go-to app for online transactions for small businesses such as local groceries, clothing, hardware shops, and more. The app offers an additional layer of security on the triple layer, thus giving enhanced protection to customer data while making an online transaction. The number of UPI users with this platform increased by 15 percent in 2022 alone.

Some of the key features of Paytm are as follows: 

• Superfast UPI payments
• QR code payments are readily available at the merchant’s shop. 
• You can get offers, cashback, and reward points on the transaction made.
• The app offers an elevated triple layer of protection. 
• You can make quick transactions through Paytm UPI Lite. These transactions never fail even during rush hours. 

5. CRED

CRED is one of the best UPI apps for payments. You can use the app to scan and pay via UPI. It can be used to pay at stores, transfer money to anyone, pay utility bills, credit card bills, monthly rent, and more. You can also verify your credit score for free and enhance it using the app. You will get 100% cashback when using the app and use CRED coins to win amazing rewards, discounts, and other offers.

Some of the key features of CRED are as follows:

• Simplified UPI payments 
• You can split bills and make payments with ease.
• You will get enhanced UPI security and privacy provisions. 

6. Freecharge

This is a popular UPI app that offers safe and seamless payments online. It is a subsidiary of Axis Bank and has over 100 million users across the country.  It provides a safe transaction experience for UPI users without any delays or failures. A unique UPI ID can be created and linked to the bank accounts. This helps in making secure payments. The app allows users to transfer money, pay bills, recharge mobile or DTH, and invest in digital gold among other features. Freecharge also gives cashback rewards and exclusive deals for users. 

• Freecharge provides Buy Now Pay Later options and personal loans based on CIBIL^TM scores. 
• Small businesses can use Freecharge to distribute gift cards to customers and send payment reminders. 
• Freecharge extends banking services, helps in managing financial goals, and gives financial ratings. 

7. iMobile App

iMobile Pay is an UPI app provided by ICICI Bank. It helps in making secure and smooth online payments. It offers over 400 banking services and is accessible by both ICICI Bank customers and non-customers. Users can create a unique UPI ID, which can be linked to their bank accounts. It helps in making secure payments. The app enables users to transfer money, pay bills, invest in digital gold, and recharge mobile/DTH.

Some of the key features of iMobile app are as follows: 

• Helps in purchasing tickets for movies, travel, events, etc. with ease.
• Facilitates the recharging of mobile and DTH services. 
• Helps in making payments for credit cards, rentals, and utility bills.   
• Facilitates investing in diverse financial products such as mutual funds, gold, and equity. 

8. Mobikwik

Mobikwik is one of the highest rated UPI payment apps on the Play Store and iOS app store. Applications like Uber, Zomato, Dominoes, and IRCTC use the Mobikwik payment gateway. It is very popular and has a great user interface. You can earn reward points on mobile recharges or bill payments, which can be redeemed later. The Mobikwik app provides in-app digital loans up to Rs. 1 lakh without any documentation. You can invest in direct mutual funds and make in-app health insurance purchases using the Mobikwik app. It offers various cashback and reward schemes in several merchant websites.

Some of the key features of Mobikwik are as follows:

• You can earn payback points from recharge or utility bill payments. These can be redeemed for future use. 
•  It gives numerous cashback offers
• You can avail In-app digital loans of up to Rs. 1.00 lakh without any documents.
• Buy Life Insurance powered by ICICI Lombard and Aegon Life. Buy the best life term insurance at Rs 20, and get an insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh.
• By setting the auto recharge feature, you can recharge repeatedly without the need to do it manually.

9. PayZapp

PayZapp is yet another popular UPI app offered by HDFC Bank. It is well known for the various cashback offers and reward schemes across the different merchant websites. It has an in-app Visa virtual debit card to make payments. The app is planning to launch proximity payments that use a soundwave communication just like Google Pay. The wallet option in PayZapp is offered to all e-commerce websites in India. You also have the option for VPA ID, QR code money transfer, and a PayZapp business account.

Some of the key features of the PayZapp are:

• It has several cashback offers. 
• It has a Visa virtual debit card for online payments. This simplifies transactions. 
• It uses a VPA ID and QR code for the money transfer option.   
• You can pay whenever you want once you link your debit and credit card. You do not have to reload the money again and again. 
• After Google Pay, it is the only UPI app to launch proximity payment. So, you do not need a VPA ID.  
• “Device ID & call information” is used to save the user’s devices in the trusted list if users choose to. It is also used for push notification services. 

10. Pockets By ICICI Bank

Pockets is an innovative UPI money transfer app by ICICI Bank. It can be used as a digital bank account too. It is a virtual digital wallet that can be changed into a savings account. This makes opening a new savings account hassle free. It offers a free virtual visa debit card and a physical debit card, which users can avail of.  It comes with an user interface that can be used easily. It provides a one-click add fund option along with VPA ID and QR code money transfer. Also, the wallet can be accessed with ICICI Bank net banking. Pockets uses an Audio QR technology named ToneTag to pair devices and make contactless payments. It also has multiple offers and discounts with several merchants.

Some of the key features of Pockets are:

• It gives a free virtual Visa debit card. A physical debit card can also be obtained.
• It uses a contactless payment method.
• It uses a money transfer option with a VPA ID and QR code.
• It can be accessed with ICICI Bank NetBanking.
• A set of specially chosen deals is available right inside the app.
• It simplifies transactions. 

Conclusion

The UPI payment apps listed above offer a user friendly interface, enhanced security features, and seamless transactions. You can choose the app depending on your preferences, ensuring a convenient and efficient digital payment experience. 

FAQs on Best UPI App in India

1. Which UPI app is the best?

There are several UPI apps with various unique features. The best UPI app depends on each person’s preferences and needs. Some of the popular UPI apps include BHIM, Google Pay, PhonePe, CRED, Pockets by ICICI Bank, PayZapp, Mobikwik, Freecharge, Paytm, and iMobile

2. Are UPI payment apps safe to use?

Yes, using UPI is considered safe. UPI platforms operate based on the guidelines established by the RBI (Reserve Bank of India). While using UPI to make payment, users have to do it very cautiously. They have to verify who the recipient of their payment is, ensure that their UPI PIN is safe, and review the transaction completion SMS. In case of any concerns, users can reach out to the customer service of their chosen UPI platform.