In today’s fast-paced digital world, managing your money has become incredibly simple thanks to services like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). You might already be familiar with using a UPI ID to send or receive money, but did you know you can actually have more than one UPI ID linked to the very same bank account? This can be incredibly useful for different reasons, offering you more flexibility and control. Let’s explore how you can do this and why it might be a smart move for you.
What Exactly is a UPI ID?
Before we dive into creating multiple IDs, it’s helpful to understand what a UPI ID truly is. Think of it as your unique digital address for money.
Your Digital Address for Money
Just like an email address helps people send you messages, a UPI ID allows others to send money directly to your bank account without needing to know your account number, bank name, or IFSC code. It’s a simple, easy-to-remember address, often looking something like yourname@bankname or yourphonenumber@anotherbank. This clever system, overseen by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), makes digital payments incredibly straightforward and secure.
Why Have More Than One?
You might wonder why anyone would need more than one digital address for their money. Well, there are several good reasons. Perhaps you want one ID for personal use, another for receiving payments from a small side project, or even a temporary one for a specific purpose. Having multiple IDs can help you:
- Keep things organised: Separate your personal transactions from other activities.
- Maintain privacy: You might not want to share your primary ID with everyone.
- Test new applications: Experiment with different trusted payment applications without changing your main setup.
- Greater flexibility: Different IDs can sometimes be more convenient for different situations or people.
Getting Started: Your First UPI ID (A Quick Look Back)
Most likely, you already have at least one UPI ID. Let’s quickly remember how you probably set up your first one, as this forms the foundation for adding more.
Connecting Your Bank Account to a Payment App
The very first step to using UPI is always linking your bank account to a trusted digital payment application. This usually involves:
- Downloading and opening a reputable payment application.
- Registering with your mobile number, which must be linked to your bank account.
- Selecting your bank from a list.
- Verifying your bank account using your debit card details and setting up a UPI PIN. This PIN is crucial for authorising transactions, so keep it secret!
Once your bank account is successfully linked, the application will usually help you create your initial UPI ID.
Picking Your First Virtual Payment Address
When you first set up UPI, the application often suggests a virtual payment address (VPA) for you, perhaps based on your mobile number or username. You usually have the option to customise this address, as long as it’s unique and available. This first ID becomes your primary way of sending and receiving money through that particular application.
Making More UPI IDs for the Same Bank Account
Now for the exciting part! You can indeed create additional UPI IDs, all pointing to the same bank account. This capability is designed to give you more control and convenience.
Using Your Bank’s Own Mobile App
Many banks now offer their own mobile applications that include UPI services. If you use your bank’s official app, you can often create additional UPI IDs directly within it. This is usually found in the UPI or Payments section of the app. Look for options like “Manage UPI IDs” or “Create New VPA”. This method can feel particularly secure as you are working directly with your bank.
Trying Other Trusted Payment Applications
You are not limited to just your bank’s app. You can link your bank account to several different trusted digital payment applications. Each of these applications can then help you create a new and unique UPI ID, even though they all connect back to the same single bank account. For instance, if you have one ID with App A, you can set up another ID with App B, both drawing from the same bank account. Just make sure you choose well-known and reputable applications to ensure your transactions are safe.
Simple Steps to Add a New Digital Address
Here’s a general guide on how you might add another UPI ID:
- Open your chosen application: This could be your bank’s app or another trusted digital payment application.
- Navigate to the UPI section: Look for options like “UPI Payments,” “Manage UPI IDs,” or “Profile.”
- Find the option to add or manage VPAs: There should be a clear choice to “Create New VPA” or “Add UPI ID.”
- Choose your linked bank account: Select the bank account to which you want to link this new ID (it should already be linked).
- Create your new ID: The app might suggest an ID, or you can type in your preferred address. Make sure it’s unique and available.
- Confirm and activate: Follow any on-screen instructions to confirm the creation. You might need to verify with your UPI PIN or a one-time password (OTP).
And just like that, you’ll have another digital address ready for your transactions!
Looking After Your Different UPI IDs
Once you have multiple UPI IDs, it’s a good idea to know how to manage them effectively.
Seeing All Your Linked IDs
It’s helpful to keep track of all the UPI IDs you’ve created. Most payment applications will show you a list of the IDs linked to your bank account within their “UPI Profile” or “Manage UPI IDs” section. You can also check your bank’s app, which might provide an overview of all IDs associated with your account, regardless of which application created them. Regularly reviewing this list helps you stay organised and aware.
Changing Which ID is Your Main One
Some payment applications allow you to set one of your UPI IDs as your ‘primary’ or ‘default’ ID. This means that if someone sends money to your mobile number via UPI, it will automatically go to your primary ID. You can usually change this default ID in the application’s settings, giving you control over which address is most prominent for receiving funds.
Taking Away an ID You No Longer Need
If you create a UPI ID for a specific purpose and no longer need it, you can usually deactivate or delete it. This is a good practise for security and to keep your digital footprint tidy. Look for an option like “Delete VPA,” “Deactivate UPI ID,” or “Remove UPI ID” within the management section of the application where you created it. Confirm the action, and the ID will no longer be active.
Important Things to Remember About Your UPI IDs
While having multiple UPI IDs offers great flexibility, there are a few crucial points to always keep in mind.
All IDs Lead to the Same Bank Account
This is perhaps the most important point: regardless of how many UPI IDs you create, or which application you use to create them, they all ultimately link back to and operate from the same single bank account. This means that money received through any of your UPI IDs will land in that one bank account, and money sent from any of your IDs will be debited from that same account. Your bank account remains the central hub for all your UPI transactions.
Keeping Your Money Safe and Secure
Security is paramount. Always remember:
- Never share your UPI PIN with anyone, not even bank officials or customer service.
- Be cautious of unsolicited requests for money or suspicious links. Always verify the sender before approving any transaction.
- Use strong screen locks and passwords for your mobile device and payment applications.
- Regularly check your bank statements to ensure all transactions are legitimate.
- Report any suspicious activity or unauthorised transactions to your bank immediately.
These simple steps help protect your hard-earned money.
Are There Limits to How Many You Can Have?
While the NPCI framework allows for flexibility, there isn’t a strict, universally stated maximum number of UPI IDs you can have. Generally, you can create multiple IDs within a single payment application and also create IDs across different trusted applications, all linked to the same bank account. In practise, you’ll likely find that a few well-managed IDs are sufficient for most people’s needs. Each bank or application might have its own internal limits, but these are usually quite generous, allowing you plenty of room to create the IDs you need.
Author
