Managing money for family and friends has often been tricky, but the UPI Circle feature, launched last year, has made it much simpler.
This feature allows you to make payments on someone else’s behalf securely and conveniently.
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What is UPI Circle?
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) introduced UPI Circle to let multiple people share a single UPI ID.
The primary user can add a trusted person—like a family member, friend, or spouse—as a secondary user.
Both can then transact using the same bank account and UPI ID.
The primary user can set a transaction limit for the secondary user.
Permissions can be granted or revoked anytime for security.
Transaction Limits
Single transaction per device: ₹5,000
Monthly limit per device: ₹15,000
First 24 hours after adding a new device: ₹2,000
Maximum secondary devices or IoT software: 5
How Transactions Work
Open the IoT app and start UPI payment registration.
Select “Enable UPI for your device” and enter the mobile number linked to the primary UPI app.
Enter the OTP received on your phone.
A QR code will appear in the device app (can also be done via phone-based apps).
Device details show up in the primary UPI app.
Primary user sets limits and grants permission, then authenticates via UPI PIN or biometric verification.
After this setup, payments can be made easily from the linked device or software.
Partial vs Full Delegation
Partial delegation: The secondary user needs the primary user’s approval (UPI PIN) for every payment.
Full delegation: The secondary user can make payments up to a set limit without needing approval.
How to Activate UPI Circle
Download the BHIM UPI app and link it to your bank account.
Go to the UPI Circle section and enter the UPI IDs or mobile numbers of your family or friends.
Choose partial or full delegation and set transaction limits if giving full delegation.
Once activated, UPI Circle lets you securely make payments for your loved ones whenever needed, making money management simple and safe.