The way we make payments in India has changed drastically in the past few years, and UPI is at the centre of it all. Whether you're paying for groceries, splitting bills, or sending money home, UPI apps make it fast, safe, and hassle-free. In 2026, there are dozens of UPI-enabled apps offering more than just transactions. From cashback offers to investment tools and expense tracking, these apps are doing it all. This blog brings together the top UPI apps that are popular, reliable, and worth using right now. Let’s jump right into it and take a look.
What are UPI Apps?
UPI apps are mobile applications that let you transfer money directly between bank accounts in seconds. They use a secure system approved by the Indian government and work with a unique UPI ID. No need for cash, cards, or wallets. You just link your bank account and start making payments anytime, anywhere.
| Sr. No. | App Name | Platforms | Best For | Play Store Rating | App Store Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PhonePe | Android, iOS | Regular UPI payments, QR scans, mobile recharges, bill payments, insurance, and small investments | 4.5★ | 4.7★ |
| 2 | Google Pay | Android, iOS | Simple UPI transfers, scratch rewards, IRCTC bookings, and wide merchant acceptance | 3.9★ | 4.6★ |
| 3 | Paytm | Android, iOS | UPI plus wallet usage, transit payments, Soundbox ecosystem, and offer-driven spends | 4.7★ | 4.7★ |
| 4 | BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) | Android, iOS | Government-backed minimal UPI app with Lite payments and RuPay on UPI support | 3.8★ | 4.5★ |
| 5 | Amazon Pay (Amazon India App) | Android, iOS | UPI payments within Amazon for shopping, bills, and recharges with cashback offers | 4.3★ | 4.6★ |
| 6 | CRED | Android, iOS | Credit card users managing bills, earning rewards, and accessing premium financial services | 4.8★ | 4.8★ |
| 7 | Freo | Android, iOS | Users looking for UPI along with credit line access, loans, and insurance options | 4.4★ | 3.9★ |
| 8 | MobiKwik | Android, iOS | Wallet plus UPI users, Pocket UPI, ZIP credit, and peer lending features | 4.4★ | 4.6★ |
| 9 | Freecharge | Android, iOS | Fast UPI payments, recharges, Axis-linked credit, and digital gold purchases | 4.27★ (1.4M+ reviews) | 4.6★ (240K+ ratings) |
| 10 | ICICI iMobile Pay | Android, iOS | Full banking services with UPI, investments, and account management in one place | 4.5★ | 4.8★ |
| 11 | HDFC PayZapp | Android, iOS | HDFC users wanting card integration, wallet services, shopping rewards, and UPI | 4.5★ | 4.8★ |
| 12 | Axis Pay (BHIM Axis) | Android, iOS | Lightweight UPI app for Axis and non-Axis users with recharge and QR pay support | 3.2★ | Rating not prominently listed |
| 13 | WhatsApp Pay | Android, iOS | Chat-based UPI transfers to contacts with simple QR payments | 4.7★ (WhatsApp Messenger) | 4.6★ |
| 14 | Navi Money | Android, iOS | UPI plus mutual funds, insurance, and instant loan access | 4.5★ | 4.6★ |
| 15 | Slice | Android, iOS | Credit-focused users using RuPay credit cards on UPI with savings features | 4.3★ | 4.2★ |
| 16 | Jupiter Money | Android, iOS | Neo-banking users wanting analytics, budgeting insights, and rewards on UPI spends | 4.3★ | 4.7★ |
| 17 | FamApp (formerly FamPay) | Android, iOS | Teenagers and families needing supervised UPI with numberless cards | 4.02★ | 4.5★ |
| 18 | BharatPe | Android, iOS | Merchants and consumers using QR acceptance, UPI payments, and business loans | 3.7★ | (consumer): 3.8★ (merchant): 2.8★ |
| 19 | Airtel Thanks | Android, iOS | Airtel customers managing telecom payments along with UPI transactions | 4.0★ (7.8M+ reviews) | 4.2★ (650K+ ratings) |
| 20 | super.money | Android, iOS | Cashback-focused users spending via Flipkart ecosystem and QR payments | 4.0★ (1.07M reviews) | 4.7★ (100K+ ratings) |
| 21 | Kiwi | Android, iOS | Users wanting RuPay credit card payments on UPI with reward benefits | 4.3★ (1M+ installs via trackers) | 4.3★ (3.8K+ ratings) |
Which is the best upi app in India?
1
PhonePe
2
Google Pay focuses heavily on UPI and a clean user experience. It connects directly to your bank account and lets you send money to anyone through UPI ID, mobile number, or QR code. It’s also good for bill payments, recharges, train tickets, and buying digital gold. Security is a big highlight here, thanks to Google’s fraud monitoring and device protection.
Why people use it
Simple UPI transfers with no need for wallet
Bill pay, recharges, and train booking in one place
Tap-to-pay with NFC, debit/credit cards
Google-backed security and PIN protection
Offers, scratch cards, and referral rewards
3
Paytm has grown from a recharge app to a full-fledged payment ecosystem. It offers Paytm UPI, wallet, UPI Lite, QR payments, and even credit cards. What sets it apart is its merchant reach with Soundbox and PoS devices, and its deep tools like downloadable statements and expense analysis. It also supports international UPI usage and features a wide range of personal finance services.
Why people use it
UPI, UPI Lite, and RuPay credit card payments
One of the widest merchant networks with QR, PoS, and Soundbox
Rich financial tools and Excel/PDF exports
Train, flight, and event ticket bookings
Personal loans, BNPL (Paytm Postpaid), and insurance products
Reward campaigns, cashback, and promo deals
4
BHIM is the official UPI app developed by NPCI. It's built for simplicity and security, without all the distractions of ads or shopping. It supports UPI Lite, RuPay cards, and newer features like UPI Circle. Many users who prefer a minimal, clean, government-backed app prefer BHIM.
Why people use it
Clean app with just UPI, bill pay, and money transfers
UPI Lite for quick, low-value payments
Multi-bank support and no ads
Works with 12+ Indian languages
Trusted, government-backed, and easy on phone storage
5
Amazon Pay is built into the Amazon India shopping app, so you get payments and shopping together. With every transaction, you often earn cashback or Amazon Pay balance, making it rewarding for frequent Amazon users.
Why people use it
UPI and QR payments from the shopping app itself
Regular offers and cashback while shopping
Bill pay and recharges work smoothly
Amazon Pay balance usable across many platforms
Add-on services like flights and groceries inside the same app
6
CRED is known for its premium experience and rewards system. Initially for paying credit card bills, it now includes UPI, rent payments, investments, and shopping. It is limited to users with a credit score above 700, making it ideal for urban users with high spending power.
Why people use it
Manage and pay multiple credit cards
UPI transfers, QR pay, and bill AutoPay
Credit score insights and reminders
Personal loans, mutual fund-backed credit
Rewards, cashback, and curated brand offers
Rent and fee payments using cards
7
Freo combines UPI, loans, a flexible credit line, and fixed deposit products in one app. You can use UPI for everyday payments while also accessing a revolving credit line where you pay interest only on what you use. It’s a great choice for users who need payments and credit together.
Why people use it
UPI and bill payments + built-in credit line
Borrow ₹3,000 to ₹5 lakh, pay interest only on used amount
Easy EMI options and low entry limit
Access to digital gold and partner bank FDs
Insurance packs for health, accident, etc.
Send money, pay bills, and access loans seamlessly with Freo. Get started now.
8
MobiKwik has evolved into a versatile finance app offering UPI, wallet, credit, mutual funds, and more. Its “Pocket UPI” lets you use wallet funds for UPI-style payments, a handy feature if you don’t want to link a bank account.
Why people use it
BHIM UPI and “Pocket UPI” via wallet
Wallet with high load/spend limits
ZIP credit line and larger personal loan options
Mutual funds, digital gold, ELSS investments
Fastag, utility payments, and regular cashback
9
Now part of Axis Bank, Freecharge offers UPI, recharges, bill payments, loans, and Axis-linked cards. It’s more compact and focused compared to full super-apps. It supports small payments and gives decent cashback offers for frequent utility usage.
Why people use it
Freecharge UPI for transfers, QR and merchant pay
Loans up to ₹5 lakh (100% digital)
Freecharge Axis credit card with cashback
FASTag, mobile, and bill pay options
Digital gold, deals, and card-based rent payments
10
iMobile Pay is ICICI Bank’s flagship mobile banking app, now open to non-ICICI users as well. It combines full retail banking (accounts, FDs, RDs, cards, loans, investments) with UPI, QR payments and even “Global UPI” for NRI customers on international numbers. Among bank apps, it’s one of the most feature-rich and highest-rated.
Why people use it
Full UPI stack with Lite, QR, and contact-based pay
Works across ICICI and non-ICICI accounts
Tracks all financial products and offers credit card issuance
SmartLock lets you control UPI, card, and net banking access
Mutual funds, PPF, NPS, SGBs—everything in one place
11
HDFC PayZapp works as an all in one payments app built around UPI, cards, and wallet spends. It is designed mainly for HDFC users but works for others as well. The app brings together UPI transfers, bill payments, shopping vouchers, and credit card management in one place. It also connects closely with the Pixel Credit Card, allowing users to apply, manage, and repay directly inside the app.
Why people use it
UPI payments via mobile number, QR scan, or contact
Built-in access to apply and manage Pixel Credit Card
Prepaid wallet with top-up and wallet-to-bank transfers
One-tap in-app payments and OTP-free online checkout
Cashback offers on recharges, bill pay, and travel vouchers
Clean dashboard to track HDFC credit and debit cards
12
Axis Pay is a lightweight UPI app that works across all banks, not just Axis accounts. It offers basic UPI features like send/receive, QR pay, and mobile recharges, with a clean and simple interface. It’s best suited for users who want only UPI without the extras.
Why people use it
Simple and clean interface for UPI transfers
Mobile/DTH recharges and balance checking
Works with accounts from multiple banks
Fast setup with basic VPA creation
Good for older phones with limited storage
13
WhatsApp Pay lets users send and receive money directly inside chat conversations. Once your UPI account is set up, you can pay contacts, scan QR codes, or do P2P transfers without leaving WhatsApp. It’s fast, familiar, and ideal for micro-transactions between friends and family.
Why people use it
UPI payments right inside chat threads
Pay contacts, scan QR, or enter UPI ID
Encrypted messages with standard UPI security
Great for casual payments like splitting bills or paying rent
No need to install a separate app for payments
14
Navi positions itself as a financial super app that goes beyond UPI. Along with payments, it offers loans, mutual funds, insurance, and digital gold. The onboarding process is fully digital, making it appealing for users who want multiple financial services in one place.
Why people use it
UPI for P2P, QR, and bill payments
UPI Lite for PIN-free micro transactions
Invest in mutual funds with low fees and fast NAV cut-offs
Buy digital gold starting at ₹50
Health insurance with cashless claims and wide hospital access
Personal and home loans with digital approval
15
Slice has shifted from a simple BNPL product to a full savings, credit and UPI platform. It offers daily-interest savings accounts, competitive FD rates, and a Slice Super Card with UPI and credit options for everyday spends.
Why people use it
Daily interest credited to savings accounts
UPI pay with 1-second processing
Easy Access to Slice Super Card with cashback and no joining fees
FDs with high rates and flexible withdrawal
Personal loans up to ₹5 lakh, fully digital
Card and UPI payments from a single interface
16
Jupiter is a neo banking app layered on partner banks like Federal Bank. It focuses heavily on spend tracking, analytics, and rewards. Users who like monitoring expenses and earning cashback on daily payments often prefer Jupiter for their UPI needs.
Why people use it
Rewards on every UPI and debit card spend
Full savings/salary account with smart insights
RuPay credit card with multi-layered cashback
Mini-loans and personal loan support
Track net worth, manage multiple banks from one app
SIPs in mutual funds and digital gold investment tools
17
FamApp is built for Gen Z and families, offering UPI payments, a reloadable wallet, and a numberless prepaid card. It includes family controls, gamified rewards, and safe spending features for teens and students.
Why people use it
UPI payments from wallet or linked bank account
FamX card with spending controls and PIN changes
Gamified rewards like FamCoins and cashback
Digital gold, gift cards, and savings pockets
Built-in chat and spend tracking
Ideal for students and controlled family spending
18
BharatPe has two versions: one for everyday users and one for businesses. The consumer app supports UPI payments, loans, and a co-branded credit card. The merchant app includes QR, card machines, and working capital support. It’s best known for its wide QR acceptance and quick loan access.
Why people use it (consumer app)
UPI send/receive, UPI Lite and QR pay
Co-branded credit card with lounge access and EMI
Personal loans with short tenures
No-fee utility and credit card bill pay
Rewards via Zillion Coins
Why merchants use it
Accept UPI via single QR
BharatSwipe PoS for cards
Merchant loans and fast settlements
Investment option with fixed returns
19
Airtel Thanks is more than just a recharge app. It includes UPI, Airtel Payments Bank, OTT bundles, loans, FASTag, and full mobile/broadband account control. Airtel users especially benefit from the seamless integration.
Why people use it
UPI and bill pay inside Airtel ecosystem
Airtel Payments Bank with scan & pay and auto-reload
OTT bundles: Prime, Netflix, Hotstar and more
DTH, broadband and mobile recharges in one place
Loan access and savings with cashback on select plans
Easy call history and call alerts even in no-signal zones
20
super.money is Flipkart’s own UPI app that replaces scratch card gimmicks with direct cashback. It focuses on fast QR payments and cashbacks, especially when used on Flipkart, Myntra, and partner apps.
Why people use it
UPI that defaults to camera scan for speed
Real cashback (not coins) on UPI transactions
Seamless checkout on Flipkart, Myntra, and partners
P2P transfers and balance view
Cashback withdrawals to bank account
21
Kiwi lets users get a RuPay credit card and use it directly on UPI. It promotes “credit on UPI” as a model and offers cashback, card control, and bill pay within the app. Great for users who want to use UPI while earning rewards on credit.
Why people use it
Get virtual RuPay credit card instantly
Use credit to pay via UPI QR at stores
In-app card settings: limits, statements, repayments
Rewards (Kiwis) redeemable as real money
Bill pay, P2P transfers and credit score view
Lifetime free basic card, premium option with more rewards
Why are UPI Apps So Popular?
UPI apps have completely changed how people in India handle money. Whether it’s paying the local kirana shop, splitting dinner bills, or sending rent to a landlord, UPI makes it fast and simple. What used to take a trip to the bank or waiting in line at an ATM now happens with just a few taps on your phone. UPI’s real-time transfer, no hidden fees, and easy access across all bank accounts have made it a go-to payment method for everyone-from students to senior citizens.
Benefits of Using UPI Apps
There are plenty of reasons why UPI apps have become a household name:
Instant Transfers: You can send or receive money in seconds.
24x7 Availability: UPI works round the clock, even on Sundays and bank holidays.
No Need to Add Beneficiaries: Just use a phone number or UPI ID. No need to wait for bank approvals.
Low or No Charges: Most transfers are free or come with very low fees.
Cashless Convenience: No need to carry wallets or exact change.
Secure Payments: PIN-protected and backed by your bank.
These apps also support features like bill payments, QR code scanning, mobile recharges, and even investing. All of it packed into one place, making money management way easier.
How Did We Choose the Best UPI Apps?
Not all UPI apps offer the same experience, so we looked at several important factors before picking our top recommendations:
User Interface: The app should be simple to use, even for someone who isn’t very tech-savvy.
Speed and Reliability: Smooth transactions without regular failures or delays.
Security: Proper authentication methods like MPINs, biometric logins, and fraud detection tools.
Extra Features: Rewards, cashback, investment options, bill tracking, and more.
Support for Multiple Banks: Easy linking with all major bank accounts.
Customer Support: Fast and helpful service in case something goes wrong.
Apps that scored high in all these areas made it to our list.
Why Are Digital Payments Becoming So Popular in India?
Digital payments are growing fast in India because of better internet access, cheaper smartphones, and strong government support for cashless transactions. Services like UPI, and mobile wallets make it easy to pay without cash or cards. The rise of e-commerce, food delivery, and ride-hailing apps also adds to the push for digital payments. More importantly, digital payments are convenient, traceable, and safe, which makes them a preferred choice even in rural and semi-urban areas.
Important Tips for Using UPI Safely
UPI is safe, but like anything digital, it’s important to stay alert. Here are some simple tips:
Never share your UPI PIN: Not with anyone, even if they claim to be from the bank.
Avoid unknown links or QR codes: Only scan or click what you trust.
Double-check recipient details: Especially when sending large amounts.
Keep your app updated: New versions fix bugs and improve security.
Use app locks or biometric login: Adds an extra layer of protection.
Being a little careful goes a long way in making sure your money stays safe while enjoying the convenience of UPI.
Closing Thoughts
UPI apps have moved far beyond just sending and receiving money. Today, they sit at the centre of how you shop, pay bills, manage expenses, and even access credit or investments. With so many options available in 2026, the right app really depends on how you plan to use it. Some are built for simplicity, some for rewards, and others for full financial management. The good part is you don’t have to stick to just one. You can try a couple of apps, see what fits your daily routine, and keep the ones that make payments easier and smoother for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which are the most popular UPI apps in India?
Some of the most widely used UPI apps in India include Freo, PhonePe, Paytm, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay.
