What is UPI Number and How It Simplifies Digital Payments

NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) has introduced UPI Number, a numeric payment address made up of 8 to 10 digits. Instead of using a long, hard-to-type UPI ID like name@bank, you can now simply share your UPI Number—like your mobile number—for sending or receiving money.

This new feature makes payments faster, simpler, and more user-friendly, especially for people using feature phones or those who find alphanumeric UPI IDs difficult to use.(NPCI Circular)

What is a UPI Number?

A UPI Number is:

• A number-only address used for UPI payments.
• 8 to 10 digits long (either random digits or your mobile number).
• Linked to your UPI ID behind the scenes.
• Easy to share and type, even without a smartphone.

Think of it as a shortcut to your real UPI ID that makes payment easier.

Key Features of UPI Number

• Can be 8–9 digits or your 10-digit mobile number
• Works just like a UPI ID for payments
• No need to share @bankname UPI handles
• Works across different UPI apps (interoperable)
• Can receive payments from any UPI app once activated
• One UPI Number is linked to one UPI ID

How to Create Your UPI Number

1. Open your UPI-enabled app
2. Go to the UPI Number or ID section
3. Choose a number (8–9 digits or mobile number)
4. Confirm your choice
5. You’re done! Now you can receive money using this UPI Number

UPI Number Rules and Guidelines

• Cannot start with 0
• Cannot have all same digits like 11111111
• Last 3 digits must not be the same
• Must be 8–9 digits or your 10-digit mobile number
• Only one UPI Number per UPI ID allowed
• You can’t link the same number to multiple UPI IDs