UPI Payments

NPCI Unveils UPI Circle: Empowering Trusted Contacts for Seamless Digital Payments


Discover how NPCI’s new UPI Circle feature is transforming digital payments by allowing trusted contacts to manage transactions on your behalf securely. Learn about its integration with Google Pay and the future of voice-command payments.


NPCI’s UPI Circle empowers users to delegate payment responsibilities to trusted contacts securely. With flexible delegation modes and strict transaction limits, UPI Circle is set to redefine digital payments. The feature is already making waves, with Google Pay set to integrate it soon.

A New Era of Digital Payments: Introducing UPI Circle

In a bold move that could revolutionize the digital payments landscape, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched a groundbreaking feature within its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system. Dubbed UPI Circle, this innovative addition is designed to simplify and secure the way users manage their financial transactions, making it easier than ever to delegate payment responsibilities to trusted contacts, even those without their own UPI accounts.

Empowering Trusted Contacts

UPI Circle is set to change the way we think about digital payments. Through this feature, UPI users can now authorize trusted individuals to initiate transactions on their behalf. Whether it’s paying for a friend’s meal or helping a family member with their bills, UPI Circle provides a flexible, user-friendly way to manage shared financial responsibilities.
Granting access to secondary users is straightforward and secure. The primary user can either scan a QR code or enter the secondary user’s UPI ID, bypassing the need for manual entry of phone numbers. Once access is granted, secondary users can secure their transactions through passcodes or biometric verification, ensuring that all transactions are protected.

Flexible Delegation Modes

One of the most attractive aspects of UPI Circle is its flexibility. NPCI offers two modes of delegation, catering to different levels of control:
  1. Partial Delegation: This mode requires the primary user’s approval for every transaction, providing an extra layer of security and oversight. It’s ideal for users who want to retain full control over their accounts while still enabling others to make payments.
  2. Full Delegation: For those seeking convenience, full delegation allows secondary users to complete transactions independently, up to a specified monthly limit. This feature is perfect for managing routine payments without requiring constant authorization from the primary user.

Enhanced Safety with Transaction Limits

In keeping with NPCI’s commitment to secure financial transactions, UPI Circle includes strict transaction limits to protect users. The monthly cap is set at Rs. 15,000, ensuring that the system is used for everyday payments rather than high-value transfers. Additionally, there’s a first-time limit of Rs. 5,000 within the first 24 hours after a secondary user is authorized. This helps prevent misuse and gives primary users time to adjust to the new feature.
Primary users have full visibility into the activities of their secondary users. They can monitor transactions, set different limits for each secondary user, and make adjustments as needed. This level of customization empowers users to manage their finances with confidence, knowing that they remain in control.

Expanding the Reach: Google Pay Integration

The impact of UPI Circle is already being felt across the digital payments ecosystem. Google Pay, one of India’s most popular payment apps, has announced plans to integrate UPI Circle into its platform. This move highlights the growing recognition of UPI Circle’s potential to expand the scope and convenience of digital payments in India.

Voice Command Payments: The Next Frontier

In another innovative step, NPCI has teamed up with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and AI startup CoRover to introduce a voice command feature for UPI transactions. Launched at the Global Fintech Fest on August 23, this new system allows users to order tickets and make payments using simple voice commands through IRCTC’s AI assistant, AskDISHA. This development signals a significant leap towards a more intuitive and accessible digital payments experience.
The launch of UPI Circle by NPCI marks a significant advancement in the way digital transactions are conducted in India. By empowering users to delegate payment responsibilities securely and conveniently, NPCI is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the digital payments space. As more platforms like Google Pay embrace this new feature, and with innovations like voice command payments on the horizon, the future of digital transactions in India looks brighter than ever.

(Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are based on current developments and may evolve over time. Always consult official sources for the latest updates on UPI and digital payment features.)

Also Read:  2024’s Must-Watch Tech Movies: Futuristic Visions and Cyber Thrills Await

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *