In our increasingly digital world, managing money has become quicker and simpler, especially with tools like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). UPI is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, merging several banking features, seamless fund routing, and merchant payments into one place. It allows you to send and receive money directly between bank accounts, using just a unique identifier instead of lengthy bank details. One very useful feature of this system is the ability to send a “request” for money. This guide will explain exactly how you can use this feature to receive funds.
What is a UPI Request?
Imagine you’ve shared a meal with a friend, and now it’s time to split the bill. Instead of waiting for them to send you money, you can simply send them a “UPI request.” A UPI request is essentially a digital message you send to someone, asking them to pay you a specific amount of money. It’s a polite and efficient way to remind someone about a payment or to initiate a collection, all through your digital payment application.
How UPI Request Works
When you send a UPI request, you are telling your bank, through your chosen digital payment application, to ask another person’s bank for a specific amount of money. This request travels securely through the UPI system. The person you’ve requested money from receives a notification on their own digital payment application. They can then review the request and, if they agree, approve the payment by entering their secure PIN. Once approved, the money moves almost instantly from their bank account to yours. It’s a bit like sending an invoice, but much faster and simpler for everyday transactions.
Steps to Receive Money via UPI Request
Receiving money through a UPI request is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you need to follow within your digital payment application:
Step 1: Open Your UPI App
First, unlock your mobile phone and open the digital payment application you use that supports UPI. Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
Step 2: Go to the “UPI Request” or “Collect Request” Section
Once your application is open, look for a section or option usually labelled “UPI Request,” “Collect,” “Request Money,” or something similar. The exact wording might vary slightly depending on the application you are using. This is where you will initiate your request.
Step 3: Enter the Amount and Reason
In this section, you will be asked to specify two key pieces of information:
- Amount: Carefully type in the exact amount of money you wish to receive. Double-check to ensure there are no errors.
- Reason: It’s good practice to add a clear and concise reason for the request, such as “shared lunch,” “book money,” or “contribution for gift.” This helps the sender understand why you are asking for money and makes it easier for them to approve.
Step 4: Choose the Person You Want to Request From
Next, you need to identify the person you are requesting money from. You can usually do this by:
- Typing in their unique identifier (often called a Virtual Payment Address or VPA).
- Selecting them from your phone’s contact list if their mobile number is linked to UPI.
- Entering their mobile number directly if it’s registered with UPI.
Step 5: Send the UPI Request
After entering all the details, review them one last time to ensure everything is correct. Once you are satisfied, tap on the “Send Request” or “Submit” button. Your application will then send the request to the chosen person.
Step 6: Wait for Approval from the Sender
Once you send the request, it will be pending until the other person approves it. You will usually see the status of your request change to “Pending” or “Awaiting Approval” within your application.
How the Sender Approves Your UPI Request
When you send a request, the sender receives an instant notification on their digital payment application. They will typically see:
- Your name or unique identifier.
- The amount you have requested.
- The reason you provided for the request.
The sender then has the option to either “Approve” or “Decline” the request. If they choose to approve, they will need to enter their secure UPI PIN to authorise the payment. This PIN acts as a digital signature, ensuring that only they can approve transactions from their account.
When Will the Money Reach Your Account?
One of the greatest advantages of using UPI is its speed. Once the sender successfully approves your request by entering their PIN, the money is usually transferred from their bank account to yours almost instantly. You will receive a confirmation message from your digital payment application, and often, an SMS from your bank, confirming the credit to your account. This real-time settlement means you don’t have to wait for days for the funds to clear.
Benefits of Receiving Money via UPI Request
Using the UPI request feature offers several compelling benefits:
- Convenience: You don’t need to share your bank account number or IFSC code. Just your unique identifier is enough.
- Speed: Funds are transferred almost instantly once approved by the sender.
- Security: Every transaction requires a secure PIN, protecting your funds.
- Ease of Tracking: Your digital payment application keeps a record of all requests sent and received, making it easy to track your money.
- No Manual Errors: By sending a request, you specify the exact amount, reducing the chance of the sender paying an incorrect sum.
- Gentle Reminder: It serves as a polite and effective way to remind someone about a pending payment.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
While receiving money via UPI request is generally smooth, you might occasionally encounter a minor issue. Here are some common ones and how to resolve them:
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Request Expired: UPI requests usually have a time limit (e.g., 24 hours). If the sender doesn’t approve within this period, the request expires.
- Fix: Simply send a new request.
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Incorrect Unique Identifier/Mobile Number: If you entered the wrong unique identifier or mobile number, the request won’t reach the intended person.
- Fix: Double-check the details and send a new request to the correct unique identifier or number.
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Sender Not Receiving Notification: Sometimes, due to network issues or app settings, the sender might not get the notification.
- Fix: Politely ask the sender to check their digital payment application manually for pending requests or to restart their app.
-
Sender Declines Request: The sender has the right to decline a request.
- Fix: Communicate with the sender to understand why they declined and try to resolve any misunderstanding.
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Network Issues: Both you or the sender might experience poor internet connectivity, preventing the request from being sent or approved.
- Fix: Ensure both parties have a stable internet connection or try again when the network is better.
By understanding these simple steps and tips, you can confidently use the UPI request feature to manage your finances easily and efficiently.
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