Hello! UPI: Benefits, Features, and Why It’s the Future of Payments

Hello! UPI, a voice-enabled payment feature developed by NPCI, was launched by RBI Governor Shri Shaktikanta Das on 6th September 2023 at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2023. This groundbreaking innovation allows users to make UPI payments through simple voice commands, making digital transactions more accessible, especially for those who may find typing or navigating apps challenging. With Paytm and other platforms already driving the digital payments revolution, Hello! UPI takes convenience to the next level by combining the power of UPI with conversational technology.

What is Hello UPI?

Hello! UPI is a voice-enabled payment feature developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) that makes digital transactions more natural and inclusive. Instead of relying only on typing or screen taps, users can now interact with UPI using voice commands in their own language—whether through a UPI app, a telecom call, or even IoT and feature phones.

This innovation, introduced by the RBI and NPCI, reflects the Reserve Bank of India’s vision to drive financial inclusion and promote technological innovation in payments. By enabling both internet-based and on-call transactions, Hello! UPI ensures that users across diverse regions and device types can access digital payments seamlessly. Source: NPCI

• On-call Hello! UPI: Works without internet, using voice interactions over telecom networks.
• In-app Hello! UPI: Requires internet, enabling voice navigation and commands within UPI apps.

Importantly, Hello! UPI enhances the familiar UPI experience without altering its security, authorization, or transaction frameworks. Users can securely send money, pay bills, or shop with just their voice—making payments simpler, faster, and more accessible than ever before.

NPCI Hello UPI Features

Hello! UPI introduces conversational payments by blending the power of UPI with voice technology. It works across devices and supports multiple use cases, while ensuring the same security and compliance as existing UPI transactions.

1. Voice-enabled payments & navigation

• Users can make payments using voice commands, either within a UPI app or over a telecom call.
• In-app navigation lets users complete actions like Pay-to-Contact or Scan-and-Pay simply by speaking.
• On feature phones, users can dial a number, interact with IVR, and complete payments through guided voice instructions.

2. Device support

• Smartphones: Voice navigation inside UPI apps.
• Feature phones / telecom calls: Pay-to-mobile number payments, check balance.
• IoT devices: Compatible for voice-enabled UPI transactions.

3. Modes of usage

• On-call mode: Users dial a number, are greeted by an IVR system, and guided to complete the payment.
• In-app mode: Within any UPI app, users can issue voice commands layered on top of the app’s existing framework. The system interprets keywords like “balance” or “send money,” cross-checks backend data, and executes the request. With every use, the AI improves, making the process smoother and more intuitive.

4. Supported languages

• Currently available in Hindi and English.
• NPCI has confirmed that more regional Indian languages will be added soon to expand accessibility.

5. Security & authorization

• All existing UPI security standards remain intact.
• UPI PIN authentication continues to be mandatory:
  • On-call: Users enter the PIN via keypad.
  • In-app: Users enter the PIN on the app’s standard PIN page.

6. Transaction limits

In-app Hello! UPI: Follows the standard UPI transaction limits defined by RBI and NPCI.

On-call / Pay-to-mobile number: Maximum of ₹1,000 per transaction, with a limit of 5 such transactions per day.

Key Features of Hello UPI / Voice-Enabled UPI Transactions

Hello UPI Registration Process

NPCI has ensured that existing UPI users can begin using the feature without going through lengthy registration steps.

1. For In-app Use (Smartphones / UPI Apps)

• If you are already onboarded on UPI through a UPI app (like Paytm), no separate registration is required.
• You only need to enable or access the voice/conversational feature within the app to start making payments with voice commands.

2. For On-call / Feature Phone Mode

• Dial the designated Hello! UPI number provided for voice-based payments.
• Complete a one-time onboarding process by linking your bank account.
• Once set up, you can use conversational payments over calls—without the need for internet access.

How to Use Hello UPI?

Here are the steps from NPCI official guidance:

Using Hello! UPI In-App (Smartphones)

1. Open your UPI app that supports Hello! UPI.
2. Tap on the voice feature / voice navigation option.
3. Speak a command, such as:
   • “Send money to [contact name]”
   • “Scan QR and pay”
4. Review and confirm the transaction details shown on screen or via voice prompt.
5. Enter your UPI PIN in the app to authorize the payment.

Using Hello! UPI On-Call (Feature Phones / Telecom Calls)

1. Dial the Hello! UPI number from your phone.
2. Speak your command, such as:
   • “Send money to mobile number XXXXX”
   • “Check my account balance”
3. Follow the IVR guidance to confirm your request.
4. Enter your UPI PIN on the keypad when prompted to complete the transaction.

Hello UPI by NPCI / Why It Matters

The launch of Hello! UPI is a significant step in NPCI’s mission to make digital payments more inclusive and accessible to every Indian. By enabling voice-driven interactions, it addresses some of the biggest barriers people face while using technology.

• Bridging accessibility gaps: Designed for those less comfortable with typing or navigating screens, including senior citizens, visually impaired individuals, digitally less literate users, and people in rural or remote regions.
• Expanding device coverage: Works on feature phones and IoT devices, making UPI usable even in areas with low connectivity or without smartphones.
• Regional language support: Goes beyond English and Hindi, with plans to include several regional Indian languages, ensuring a more personalized and relatable experience.
• Simplified user experience: With voice navigation and natural commands, Hello! UPI removes the friction of menus and typing, making payments as simple as having a conversation.

In short, Hello! UPI is not just a new feature—it’s a major step toward universal financial inclusion, ensuring that digital payments truly reach every corner of India.

Hello! UPI Transaction Limits

Hello! UPI follows transaction limits to ensure secure and responsible usage:

• On-call / Feature Phone (Pay-to-Mobile Number Transactions):
  • ₹1,000 per transaction
  • Maximum of 5 transactions in 24 hours
• In-app Usage (Smartphones / UPI Apps):
  • Existing UPI transaction limits apply, which are generally higher and vary by bank.

Is Hello UPI Safe for Making Payments?

Yes, Hello! UPI is secure, as it follows the same trusted mechanisms as standard UPI:

• Authorization: Transactions require UPI PIN, whether in-app or via on-call mode.
• No extra charges: Using Hello! UPI does not incur additional fees—payments are processed like regular UPI transactions.
• Security measures:
  • On-call transactions do not need internet, but PIN entry ensures secure authentication.
  • NPCI guidelines and controls, including the Server Side Common Library (SSCL) for telecom calls and IoT devices, ensure compliance and safety.
• Existing UPI product rules apply, maintaining confidentiality, transaction integrity, and fraud protection.

Why Hello UPI is the Future of Payments in India

Hello! UPI is set to redefine digital payments in India by bringing conversational payments into everyday transactions—whether for retail, bill payments, travel, or other services. Its potential extends far beyond simple transfers, as it can integrate with value-added services, partnerships, and innovations across the payments ecosystem.

Several key factors make Hello! UPI a game-changer for the future of payments:

• Improved Digital Literacy: As more people become comfortable with digital payment methods, the adoption of voice-driven payments is likely to accelerate.
• Technological Advancements: Enhancements in natural language processing (NLP) and voice recognition will make interactions smoother, faster, and more accurate, improving the user experience.
• Industry Adoption and Competition: The more businesses and industries integrate conversational payments into their services, the greater the reach and acceptance. Healthy competition among payment providers and tech companies will also spur innovation, making the solution more robust.
• Supportive Regulatory Environment: Clear and progressive regulations that encourage innovation while protecting users’ data and privacy can help scale conversational payments safely.
• Superior User Experience: By removing the friction of typing or navigating menus, Hello! UPI offers an intuitive and natural payment experience, encouraging repeat usage and increasing transaction volumes.

With these factors combined, Hello! UPI is not just a new feature—it represents the next step in India’s digital payments revolution, making financial transactions accessible, seamless, and inclusive for millions of users across the country. Source: NPCI