UPI Payments
Not having a debit card does not necessarily mean giving up UPI.
If a bank and UPI app support an alternative authentication method, a user can set or reset a UPI PIN without entering debit card details. Aadhaar-based authentication is one such option, with Aadhaar OTP available and Aadhaar-based Face Authentication also introduced by NPCI as an additional method for setting or resetting a UPI PIN.
The exact options can vary by bank and UPI app, so the process shown on the screen may not look exactly the same for everyone.
Can You Use UPI Without a Debit Card?
Yes, UPI can be used without a debit card if the bank and UPI app support an alternative way to set the UPI PIN.
For a bank-account-based UPI setup, the user's mobile number needs to be linked to the bank account so that the account can be fetched by the UPI app. NPCI also notes that the mobile number verified in the UPI app should match the number linked to the bank account.
Depending on what the bank and app support, the user may be able to set or reset the UPI PIN through:
Aadhaar OTP authentication
Aadhaar-based Face Authentication
Debit card verification, where required
Aadhaar-based Face Authentication was introduced by NPCI in 2025 as an additional option alongside existing debit-card and Aadhaar OTP methods.
What Do You Need to Set Up for UPI Without a Debit Card?
Before starting, it helps to check a few basics.
An eligible bank account
The bank account must be supported by the UPI app being used.
A mobile number linked to the bank account
The mobile number verified by the UPI app should match the number registered with the bank account. Otherwise, the UPI app may not be able to fetch the account.
Aadhaar, if using Aadhaar-based verification
If the app offers Aadhaar-based verification, the user will need to complete the authentication process supported by the bank and app.
For Aadhaar OTP authentication, the Aadhaar-linked mobile number needs to be available to receive the OTP. UIDAI confirms that OTP-based Aadhaar authentication uses the mobile number registered with Aadhaar.
A supported UPI app
The exact options available during setup depend on the UPI app and the bank.
How to Set a UPI PIN Without a Debit Card
The exact names of menus can differ between apps, but the general process is straightforward.
Step 1: Open a UPI app
Open a UPI-enabled app that supports the bank account.
Step 2: Verify the mobile number
Use the mobile number registered with the bank account. The app will verify the number before fetching eligible bank accounts.
Step 3: Select the bank account
Choose the bank from the list and select the account that you want to link to UPI.
Step 4: Choose the UPI PIN setup option
When the app asks the user to set a UPI PIN, check whether it offers Aadhaar-based verification instead of debit-card verification.
If the app offers Aadhaar-based Face Authentication, that may also be available for setting the UPI PIN, depending on the bank and app.
Step 5: Complete the verification
If Aadhaar OTP is selected, follow the instructions shown by the app and complete the required OTP verification.
If Aadhaar Face Authentication is available, follow the app's instructions for the face-authentication process.
Step 6: Create the UPI PIN
After successful authentication, create UPI PIN and confirm the same. A UPI PIN is generally a 4-6 digit passcode used to authorise UPI transactions. It should never be shared with anyone.
Once the PIN is set, the linked bank account can be used for supported UPI payments.
How to Reset UPI PIN Without a Debit Card?
Forgotten a UPI PIN? A debit card may not always be necessary to reset it.
If the bank and UPI app support Aadhaar-based authentication, the general process is:
Open the UPI app and select the relevant bank account.
Look for Forgot UPI PIN, Reset UPI PIN or a similar option.
Choose Aadhaar-based verification if it is available.
Complete the required Aadhaar authentication.
If Aadhaar OTP is used, enter the OTP requested by the authentication process.
If Aadhaar Face Authentication is available, complete the face-verification steps shown by the app.
Create and confirm a new UPI PIN.
NPCI's current framework specifically recognises Aadhaar-based Face Authentication as an option for setting or resetting a UPI PIN, alongside existing methods.
If the Aadhaar option does not appear, the bank or app may not support it for that account. In that case, follow the alternative verification method displayed by the app.
Final Thoughts
Not having a debit card does not necessarily mean being unable to use UPI. If the bank and UPI app support an alternative authentication method, users may be able to set or reset their UPI PIN using Aadhaar OTP or Aadhaar-based Face Authentication. NPCI introduced Face Authentication as an additional option for UPI PIN set and reset in 2025.
The exact options can vary between banks and UPI apps, so the simplest approach is to check the authentication methods available when linking the bank account. If Aadhaar-based verification is not available, the app will show the alternative method supported for that account.
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FAQs
Is a debit card necessary for UPI?
No. A debit card is not always necessary. Depending on the bank and UPI app, users may be able to set or reset their UPI PIN using Aadhaar OTP or Aadhaar-based Face Authentication. NPCI introduced Face Authentication as an additional UPI PIN set/reset option in 2025.
How can I activate UPI without a debit card?
Link the eligible bank account to a supported UPI app using the mobile number registered with the bank. If Aadhaar-based authentication is available, select that option when setting the UPI PIN and complete the verification shown in the app.
Can I create a UPI ID without a debit card?
Yes, a UPI ID can be created without a debit card in supported setups. The debit card is primarily relevant to the authentication method used to set the UPI PIN. The exact process depends on the bank and UPI app.
Why is the Aadhaar option not showing in my UPI app?
The Aadhaar option may not be available for every bank account or UPI app. Check that the mobile number registered with the bank is being used, the correct bank account is selected and the app is updated. If the option is still unavailable, the bank or UPI app may not have enabled Aadhaar-based authentication for that account.
Can I reset my UPI PIN without a debit card?
Yes, where Aadhaar-based authentication is supported. Select the relevant bank account, choose the option to reset or forget the UPI PIN and follow the Aadhaar verification process shown by the app. NPCI now also recognises Aadhaar-based Face Authentication for UPI PIN reset.
Can I use UPI without a bank account?
A standard bank-account-based UPI setup requires an eligible bank account. However, NPCI also allows eligible PPI wallets to be linked to UPI, subject to the applicable functionality and provider support.
Can I use UPI without a debit card on Google Pay or PhonePe?
It depends on the bank account and the authentication options supported by the app. If Aadhaar-based verification is offered during UPI PIN setup, it may be possible to complete the setup without entering debit card details.
Is setting up UPI with Aadhaar safe?
Aadhaar-based authentication is an approved authentication method for supported UPI services. Users should never share their UPI PIN or OTP with anyone. NPCI specifically advises users not to share their UPI PIN.
Naina Rajgopalan
Naina Rajgopalan has a thing for numbers and a deep fascination to learn about all things finance. She's been money-wise from a young age and has always shared her knowledge and tips with those around her. Being a part of the content team at Freo, a neobank that offers flexible and customised financial products, along with benefits such as insurance on balance, safe & secure banking, and so on, Naina stays updated with the latest of what happens in the banking and fintech industries. She has taken upon herself to share her knowledge with readers across all walks of life to help them manage their finances and budgets better, so they can make better decisions while spending, borrowing, investing and saving.
