Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become the backbone of India’s digital payment ecosystem, enabling millions of people to transfer money instantly, pay bills, and shop online. Managed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), UPI is both secure and highly flexible.
But what if you want to switch your UPI ID to another app for better rewards, or link your UPI to a new bank account because of a salary account change or bank closure? Many users face this situation, and the good news is—UPI makes it simple.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to change or transfer your UPI ID to another app or bank, supported by official guidelines and circulars from NPCI and RBI.
What is a UPI ID?
A UPI ID (Unified Payments Interface ID), also called a Virtual Payment Address (VPA), is a unique digital identifier that works like your “payment address” on the UPI system.
Instead of sharing your bank account number, IFSC code, or other details, you can simply share your UPI ID to send or receive money.
For example, on Paytm, your UPI ID may look like:
- 9876543210@icici
- yourname@axis
- mobile@kotak
Here’s how it works:
- The first part (before the “@”) is your chosen ID (often your mobile number or a customized name).
- The second part (after the “@”) is the handle of your bank or payment service provider (like @icici, @axis, @yesbank, etc.).
This way, your UPI ID (or VPA) acts as a secure digital address for your bank account. Anyone can send you money using just this ID, without knowing your actual account number.
Why Change or Transfer Your UPI ID?
There are several practical reasons for making a switch:
- Bank Change: If your salary account changes or you close your old account.
- Better Offers: Some apps provide cashback, rewards, or discounts.
- Convenience: You may prefer the interface and features of another app.
- Security Concerns: NPCI periodically issues guidelines for safe UPI usage
Can You Transfer the Same UPI ID Between Apps?
No. A UPI ID is app-specific.
When you create a UPI ID on Paytm, it is generated using your mobile number (or chosen username) along with a bank handle. For example:
- 9876543210@icici
- yourname@axis
- mobile@kotak
These handles depend on the bank through which your UPI ID is issued inside Paytm.
If you install another UPI app, it will create a different UPI ID with its own handle. This means your existing UPI ID created in Paytm cannot be transferred to another app.
However, the same bank account can be linked to multiple apps, but each app will generate a separate UPI ID.
The advantage of Paytm is that you can switch or update your linked bank account without changing your UPI ID, so you don’t need to inform anyone of a new payment address.
How to Transfer Your UPI ID to Another Bank Account in the Same App
If you’re happy with your current UPI app but want to link a different bank account, you can do so without changing your UPI ID.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Open Your UPI App
- Go to Bank Accounts / Settings
Find the option where your linked bank accounts are displayed. - Add New Bank Account
- Select your new bank from the list.
- The app will verify your mobile number registered with the bank via SMS.
- Set UPI PIN
- If this is the first time linking the account, you’ll need to set a UPI PIN.
- If you’ve used this bank account with UPI before, the existing PIN can be reused.
- Set as Primary Account
You can make the new bank account the default one for payments.
Your UPI ID remains the same (e.g., yourname@upi), but the funds will now be debited or credited from the new bank account.
How to Change Your UPI ID on Paytm?
Changing your UPI ID on Paytm is quick and simple. You can either switch to another available UPI ID or even create a personalized one. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Paytm App
- Open the Paytm app on your phone.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top-left corner.
Step 2: Go to UPI Settings
- Select ‘UPI & Payment Settings’.
- Tap on ‘UPI ID’.
Step 3: View Your UPI ID Options
- You will see multiple UPI IDs linked to different banks.
- By default, one is marked as your primary UPI ID.
- Other options may include bank handles such as Yes Bank, SBI, Axis Bank, and HDFC Bank.
Step 4: Change Your Primary UPI ID
- Tap on the three dots (⋮) next to ‘Your Primary UPI ID’.
- Select ‘Change Primary UPI ID’.
- Choose from the available UPI IDs.
- Tap ‘Proceed’.
Your primary UPI ID will be updated within seconds
How to Set a Customized UPI ID on Paytm?
If you don’t want to stick with default bank handles, Paytm also lets you create a personalized UPI ID.
- Tap on the three dots (⋮) next to your Primary UPI ID.
- Select ‘Customized UPI ID’.
- Browse through the available options.
- Choose your preferred UPI ID and confirm.
Your customized UPI ID will be set instantly, giving you a unique payment identity.
How to Transfer Your UPI ID to Another UPI App?
If you want to move from one app to another (e.g., from X to Paytm):
- Download and install the new UPI app of your choice.
- Open the app and sign in with your mobile number (the same number linked to your bank account).
- During setup, the app will automatically fetch your bank accounts linked to that number.
- Choose the account you want to link.
- Create a new UPI PIN (or use the existing one if already set).
- The app will generate a new UPI ID (e.g., yourname@paytm or yourmobilenumber@paytm).
Note: Your UPI ID in the new app will be different because every app has its own list of banks.
Tips Before Switching UPI ID or Bank
- Check which UPI app gives you the best offers, cashback, and security features.
- Make sure your mobile number is the same in your new bank and UPI app.
- If you’re closing your old bank account, unlink it from UPI apps first.
- Always remember your UPI PIN—it stays the same for your bank account across apps.
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