Top 16 UPI Apps in India

Building or choosing the best UPI app in India is about trust, speed, and seamless UX. This guide breaks down how UPI works, what users really expect, and analyzes 16 top apps with real-world pros and cons. If you’re building in fintech or exploring what makes the safest UPI app tick, this article gives you practical insights, straight from the frontlines.

UPI has changed the way India pays; instant, secure, and just a tap away. But with so many apps vying for attention, which one truly stands out? 

We’ve analysed user reviews, market data, and real experiences to bring you the top UPI apps you can trust. No matter whether you’re building your own UPI stack or benchmarking the competition, these 16 apps offer actionable lessons in speed, trust, UX, and scale. 

 Let’s get started!

What are UPI Apps?

UPI apps are mobile-first payment solutions built on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) infrastructure by NPCI. They let users send and receive money instantly between bank accounts. For builders, UPI offers a plug-and-play rails system with strong adoption, making it a high-trust, low-friction foundation for payment experiences at scale.

Why are UPI Apps so popular?

Here’s why UPI apps are now the country’s most preferred payment method:

• Record breaking transaction volumes: UPI processed over 17,220 crore transactions worth ₹246.82 lakh crore in 2024, marking a 46% increase from the previous year. 
• Massive user base: As of 2024, India crossed 450 million UPI users, and the number continues to grow as smartphone and internet penetration expand even into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
• Free instant transfers: UPI apps allow users to send money between bank accounts instantly, with zero transaction fees for peer-to-peer payments.
• Universal acceptance: Over 500 million merchants across India, from street vendors to e-commerce giants, now accept UPI payments, making cashless transactions easier than ever.
• 24/7 convenience: Unlike traditional banking methods, UPI transactions can be done anytime, with no dependence on bank timings, weekends, or holidays.
• Strong security framework: Multi-factor authentication, device binding, UPI PINs, and regulatory oversight by the NPCI make UPI payments highly secure and trusted by users.

Selection Methodology – How Did We Choose the Best UPI Apps?

To create an honest and useful list of the best UPI apps in India, we evaluated each app based on these key factors:

Overall user adoption:

We prioritised apps with a large active user base, strong download numbers, and a consistent share of UPI transactions. Higher adoption often signals better trust, reliability, and network effects.

User reviews from the Play Store and the App Store:

We carefully analysed thousands of real user reviews and ratings across Android and iOS platforms. This helped us identify patterns related to app performance, ease of use, and common issues faced by users.

Payment success rate and user experience:

An app’s core job is to process payments without failures. We considered payment success rates and evaluated how smooth the app experience is, including speed, design, navigation, and the checkout process.

Security standards: 

UPI is about trust. We reviewed each app’s security protocols, like UPI PIN protection, biometric login, device binding, and compliance with NPCI and RBI guidelines to ensure user safety.

Additional features and rewards: 

Beyond basic money transfers, we gave extra points to apps offering bill payments, investment options, credit access, personalised offers, cashback rewards, and new features like UPI Lite or UPI AutoPay.

Customer support quality:

A good UPI app doesn’t just work well, it also helps quickly when things go wrong. We looked at how easy it is to contact support, the responsiveness to complaints, and user satisfaction with problem resolution.

Top 16 UPI Apps in India

Here are the 16 best UPI apps in India: 

1. PhonePe

PhonePe (Bengaluru-based fintech, launched in 2016) is India’s market leader in UPI payments. As of late 2024, It handled roughly 47.8% of UPI transaction volume​. The app boasts 600+ million registered users, and processes over 330 million transactions daily​.

PhonePe lets users send money, pay bills, recharge mobiles, and scan QR codes with ease. It also supports UPI Lite, FASTag top-ups, credit score checks, and offline payments. Users can even invest in mutual funds or gold, buy insurance, and explore loan offers, all within the app.

Its November 2024 market dominance was fueled by ~7.4 billion transactions, according to NPCI data.

Strengths

• Smooth and fast transactions without glitches
• Massive user base and transaction volume
• Offers UPI Lite for faster micro-transactions
• Offers a wide range of services like bill payments, recharges, and investments
• Reliable security with UPI PIN and quick authentication
• Supports multiple bank accounts and merchant services

Cons 

• New UI feels cluttered and confusing to many users
• Lack of dark mode frustrated many regular users
• Poor customer support: canned responses, no real-time resolution, unresponsive IVR
• Auto-payment management feature is broken or missing

Curious about how much money PhonePe allows to send in a day? Check out the PhonePe transaction limit per day explained in detail.

2. Google Pay (GPay)

Google Pay (formerly “Tez”) is India’s second-largest UPI app, holding around 37% market share. It has over 67 million users in India and more than 1 billion installs on Android devices.

GPay supports UPI transfers, mobile/DTH recharges, and bill payments for services like electricity, water, broadband, and credit cards. It offers multi-bank account linking, offline NFC payments via Tap to Pay, and UPI Lite for faster micro-transactions. Users can also book train tickets (IRCTC) and invest in 24K digital gold.

As part of Google’s ecosystem, GPay works with the Google account and recently added “Your Fund Certificates” to enable UPI payments without a bank account.

Strengths

• Fast and reliable UPI transactions with minimal delays 
• Clean, user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate 
• Strong encryption and security features (OTP, fingerprint lock)
• Direct bank account transfers (no wallet dependency)
• Attractive rewards, cashback offers, and exclusive merchant deals
• Chat-like interface for requesting or confirming payments 
• Handy features like group payments and bill-splitting 

Cons 

• Platform charges a 1% fee on credit card bill payments
• Failed refunds, especially with UPI Lite transactions
• Customer support is often unresponsive or unhelpful 
• Frustration with repeat verification prompts
• Default bank account changes on its own when a device is changed
• No option to change the email address linked to the app
• GPay’s rewards have become more muted recently

3. Paytm

Paytm is one of India’s oldest and most popular digital payment apps. As of 2024, it ranks third in UPI usage with around 7% share.

It runs on its own UPI-linked wallet (Paytm Payments Bank) and supports QR code payments and merchant POS systems. The app (with over 500 million downloads) lets users send and receive UPI payments, recharge mobiles/DTH, pay bills, and book tickets.

Beyond payments, Paytm also offers:

• a shopping section (Paytm Mall)
• movie and travel bookings
• financial services like Paytm Bank, Paytm Postpaid (BNPL), mutual funds, digital gold, insurance, and FASTag

By Q3 FY2024, Paytm crossed 100 million monthly active users, showing how deeply it’s embedded in India’s digital habits.

Strengths

• Seamless, crash-free performance praised by long-time users
• Supports a wide range of services like bills, movies, flights, and metro recharge
• Effortless credit card payments with RuPay on UPI
• High-quality design with practical user experience
• Regular feature updates based on user feedback and needs

Cons 

• Random logouts during payments cause disruption
• Password reset process is unreliable and frustrating
• Chatbot is unhelpful and lacks two-way communication
• Bank account linking fails repeatedly despite reinstall attempts
• Flooded with irrelevant push alerts

Note: Recent regulatory actions (RBI restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank in early 2024) temporarily hampered new user onboarding and revenue​. 

4. BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money)

BHIM is the official UPI app launched by NPCI in 2016. Backed by the Indian government, it was built to promote digital payments and financial inclusion. While it currently holds a small share of the UPI market (~0.8%), it offers solid functionality.

The app allows users to send and receive UPI payments between any bank accounts. It also supports linking multiple accounts, bill payments through BHIM BillPay, and setting up recurring payments using UPI mandates.

BHIM comes with other useful features like support for 20+ Indian languages, a “Family Mode” to manage payments for others, and “Spend Insights” to track expenses. UPI Lite is also available for quick, small-value payments without needing a PIN. 

Strengths

• Clean and modern UI with smoother navigation
• Faster UPI payments and QR scans, even in low light
• Real cashback rewards with no hidden terms
• Ad-free, focused, and lightweight experience
• Supports multiple accounts and seamless QR payments

Cons 

• Transaction screen disappears too quickly after payment
• Account details sometimes change mid-payment
• PIN entry is disabled when biometrics are on
• Saved contacts and frequent payees vanish randomly
• Too many bugs on iOS post version updates

5. Amazon Pay

Amazon Pay is Amazon India’s digital payment service that supports UPI, wallet, and card transactions. It ranks 8th in the UPI market share with about 0.6% as of early 2025.

Amazon Pay can be used to pay for Amazon orders, scan QR codes at local stores, send money via UPI, and make recurring payments like bills and insurance. It also connects with services like BookMyShow and IRCTC for travel and ticket bookings.

One of the main perks of Amazon Pay is cashback and special offers, especially on Amazon purchases and partner promotions. With RBI licenses for both wallet (PPI) and payment aggregation, Amazon Pay is now expanding its focus to include more merchant payments, leveraging Amazon’s wide seller network.

Strengths

• Convenient for paying utility bills, recharges, ticket bookings, and insurance
• Smoothly integrates with Amazon shopping
• Offers attractive rewards, cashback, and Pay Later options
• Fast one-click payments once the method is added
• Helps track payment history easily and supports recurring payments
• Offers round the clock support and is available in multiple languages

Cons 

• Slower performance; the app can lag or crash at times
• Limited usage beyond Amazon; not all POS systems accept it
• Wallet feature can’t transfer money to bank accounts
• Requires full KYC for wallet use
• Doesn’t support global transactions or usage outside India

6. CRED

CRED is an invite-only fintech app designed for users with a high credit score (750 or above). It mainly helps people manage and pay their credit card bills. As of now, it has over 13 million users in India. While CRED supports UPI payments, its share in the UPI space is relatively small, just about 1% of the total volume. Still, it processed over 150 million UPI transactions in October 2024, ranking fifth among UPI apps.

Its core proposition lies in credit card bill payments and reward gamification. Users earn CRED coins on bill payments, redeemable for brand offers, rent discounts, and lifestyle perks. The app also bundles value-adds like expense tracking, credit monitoring, UPI transfers, and personal loans (CRED Cash), shaping it into a full-stack financial wellness app for affluent users.

Strengths

• CRED’s interface and experience are highly rated
• Fast credit card bill payments, often processed within a minute
• Earn CRED coins for every bill payment
• Free access to a credit score with suggestions on how to improve it
• Expenditure analysis charts for better money management
• WhatsApp and in-app alerts to prevent late payments
• Access to tools like interest calculators and exportable statements

Cons 

• Rewards often feel misleading
• Only those with high credit scores can join, which limits its market
• Frequent payment failures for credit card and rent transactions
• Poor customer support; chatbot offers limited help
• App demands excessive permissions (contacts, SMS, location)
• Requires credit card linking to proceed; not friendly for non-card users

7. MobiKwik

MobiKwik started as India’s second-largest e-wallet and has now grown to include full UPI support. As of May 2024, it holds a 23% share in prepaid wallet transactions, making it the biggest player by value. In Q2 FY25, its total payment volume (GMV) hit ₹28,280 crore, a 267% jump from last year.

In 2024, MobiKwik launched Pocket UPI, enabling users to make UPI payments directly from their wallet, without linking a bank account. This move expands UPI accessibility for under-banked users. The app supports BHIM UPI transfers, QR scans, mobile/DTH recharges, and utility bill payments. It also integrates financial products like fixed deposits (up to 9.5%), small-ticket KYC loans, and ZIP EMI for Buy Now, Pay Later options, giving users flexible ways to save, borrow, and pay.

Strengths

• Simple and user-friendly interface that works smoothly
• Supports credit card, electricity, and utility bill payments
• Offers quick loan approval with flexible repayment options
• Option to earn interest through the “Xtra” investment feature
• Strong wallet-to-wallet transfer system with no stuck payments
• Extra safety features like OTP verification and app lock

Cons 

• Ads disrupt the payment flow and clutter the UI
• Poor customer support; no real-time resolution
• KYC prompts appear repeatedly, frustrating users
• Misleading or non-functional coupon codes and cashback offers
• ZIP pay later service often fails to work as promised

8. Freecharge

Freecharge is a digital payments and finance app launched in 2010 and now owned by Axis Bank. It has over 100 million users and a solid 4.6+ rating on iOS.

The app supports BHIM UPI payments with a custom “@freecharge” ID. Users can easily recharge their mobile, DTH, and FASTag, pay utility bills, or top up their wallet. For credit needs, Freecharge offers instant personal loans of up to ₹5 lakh. It also provides an Axis Bank co-branded credit card that gives unlimited cashback on spending.

Positioned as a full-service finance app, Freecharge combines daily payments, lending, and investment tools under one platform.

Strengths

• Convenient handling of diverse payment modes
• Fast processing with little to no transaction delays or failures
• Cashback is credited directly to the wallet (not just vouchers)
• Offers reminder notifications for bill payments
• Smooth transaction history and monthly statements.
• Positive user experience with “Pay Later” and Axis Bank integration

Cons 

• Customer support is often unresponsive
• Cashback offers are unreliable or hard to redeem
• Frequent app glitches and failed transactions reported
• App requests excessive permissions before use
• No clear option to delete or deactivate the account

9. ICICI iMoble Pay

ICICI iMobile Pay is a powerful mobile banking and UPI app by ICICI Bank. Since opening access to non-ICICI users in December 2020, it has added over 10 million new users from other banks. In March 2025 alone, it handled around 730 million UPI transactions.

The platform offers over 400 services​. It lets users easily send or receive money via UPI ID, QR code, or directly to any bank account. Users can link multiple bank accounts, pay bills, recharge phones, and make quick fund transfers. 

iMobile Pay even goes beyond just UPI. It offers full digital banking features like opening savings accounts, applying for loans or credit cards, and managing investments in FDs, mutual funds, or stocks. Users can also track your spending, set budgets, and get access to pre-approved RuPay credit cards instantly.

Strengths

• Supports a wide range of banking services
• Allows scheduling of recurring payments and bills with reminders
• Strong security features like 2FA and SIM-based login
• Enables full account control, including viewing unbilled/billed amounts, opening new accounts, and applying for loans or credit cards

Cons 

• Frequent glitches like session timeouts and fingerprint errors
• Pop-up loan offers interrupt basic banking tasks
• Credit card statements are inaccurate or delayed
• Large app size (125MB) slows down the overall experience
• Lack of advanced features like transaction filters by account
• Users cannot easily take screenshots of issues for support

10. HDFC PayZapp

HDFC PayZapp is a digital payments app by HDFC Bank. It’s available for both HDFC and non-HDFC users and was rebranded in 2022. Since then, it has grown rapidly, now serving over 60 million active users with a 15% yearly growth rate. The app handles about 8% of all digital payments in India. In recognition of its innovation, it won the Celent Model Bank Award 2024.

With PayZapp, users can make UPI payments or use your wallet balance. It offers one-click payments using pre-linked cards and allows quick bill payments and mobile recharges. Users can also shop using SmartBuy, a reward platform similar to Axis Bank’s deals. The app supports QR and NFC-based payments for faster checkouts.

One unique feature of PayZapp is “Swipe to Pay”, which lets users complete card payments without entering an OTP, making the process even faster.

Strengths

• Clean and straightforward user interface with minimal ads
• Fast and reliable UPI transactions
• Cashback is credited directly to the wallet 
• Offers a wide range of features- mobile recharge, bill pay, fund transfers
• Highly appreciated Pixel Card integration and “Swipe to Pay” feature

Cons 

• App frequently flags non-rooted devices as rooted
• App login is unstable, especially with biometric or fingerprint options
• Refunds are not reflected in the wallet/passbook
• Too many intrusive ads disrupt the user experience
• Unable to view all transactions across multiple HDFC cards
• Inconsistent support links and helpdesk workflows

11. Axis Pay (BHIM Axis)

Axis Pay (BHIM Axis) is Axis Bank’s dedicated UPI app, different from its regular Axis Mobile Banking app. It’s available to everyone, not just Axis Bank customers. Axis Bank is one of the top UPI remitter banks in India, processing over 883 million UPI transactions. It also stands out for its reliability, with a technical failure rate as low as 0.03%.

The app covers all standard UPI features. Users can send or receive money using a UPI ID or QR code, link multiple bank accounts, and make instant money transfers through IMPS. Axis Pay also lets you recharge your mobile, DTH, and pay utility bills. Its interface is simple and focuses on ease of use, with a prominent “Scan & Pay” option that works with all UPI QR codes, including dynamic ones generated by Axis Bank.

Strengths

• Low data usage and a lightweight app 
• Fast and smooth UPI transactions with almost no lag
• No repeated registration once the account is linked
• Custom UPI ID and IFSC payment options are available
• Good security setup that gives users confidence in transactions
• Instant money transfer with no hidden charges
• Supports universal QR codes and features like IPO payments

Cons 

• The app asks for updates even after updating
• SMS verification fails, especially for NRIs
• Balance check often shows errors
• Biometric/PIN login is unreliable
• Contacts/accounts lost after de-registration
• App blocks if data/Wi-Fi is off during launch
• Scan & Pay doesn’t work consistently

12. Whatsapp Pay

Launched in India with NPCI’s phased approval in 2020, WhatsApp Pay was designed to tap into the app’s massive user base of over 500 million. As of December 2024, it processed around 57.7 million transactions worth ₹4,348 crore.

WhatsApp Pay is an in-chat UPI payment service by Meta that lets users send and receive money directly within WhatsApp chats. It works through BHIM UPI and connects to the user’s existing bank account; no separate app or wallet is needed.

However, despite over 100 million users enabling the feature, fewer than 10 million actively use it today.

Strengths

• Payments happen directly within WhatsApp chats
• Sends and receives money instantly without any fees
• UPI PIN and end-to-end encryption keep transactions safe
• Regional language support makes it easier for all kinds of users
• Detects and processes QR codes shared in conversations
• Works with major banks like HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Axis, and many more

Cons 

• Missing extras like bill split, cashback offers, or advanced merchant tools
• Doesn’t work well without stable internet connectivity
• Users report difficulty getting help or resolving issues
• Some people are unsure about sharing financial data with Meta

13. Navi Money

Navi Money is the 4th largest UPI app in India by volume, following PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm. It processed over 260 million UPI transactions worth ₹14,322 crore alone in the month of February 2025. It has also crossed the 1% market share milestone.

The app brings together UPI payments, loans, insurance, and investments in one platform. With Navi UPI, users can create NPCI-approved UPI IDs, send money instantly, and make QR code payments easily within the app.

Navi also offers instant personal loans of up to ₹20 lakh, which can be applied for directly from the app without paperwork. For investments, users can start commission-free SIPs in mutual funds or buy digital gold at any time. Also, the app provides health insurance coverage of up to ₹3 crore.

Strengths

• Offers instant personal loans with quick approval and disbursal
• No hidden charges, zero processing and foreclosure fees
• Cashback and rewards via Navi Coins on every UPI transaction
• Navi Coins can be redeemed directly into bank accounts
• 24/7 health insurance support with fast claim settlements
• Competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options

Cons 

• Pre-approved loan messages feel misleading
• App asks for unnecessary permissions (like GPS for UPI use)
• Constant requests for location, contacts, and sensitive data
• Interface issues reported: buggy design, poor navigation, failed PAN uploads
• Chatbot support is insufficient

14. Slice

Slice is a UPI-based app built around the concept of credit. It gives users a virtual RuPay “Slice card” that works like a prepaid credit line. In FY 2022–23, Slice reported ₹867.8 crore in revenue, up from ₹292.9 crore the previous year. The app has crossed 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store.

Users can access short-term credit and make UPI payments even without a credit card. Slice offers a virtual RuPay card with no joining fees. Interest is charged only when users borrow up to ₹75,000, making it flexible and accessible.

Slice also supports UPI transactions, mobile and DTH recharges, and bill payments. The app comes with built-in features to help users track their expenses, analyse spending, and plan their monthly budgets.

Strengths

• Smooth and intuitive user interface
• Cashback rewards through mini-games after UPI transactions
• Credit line available even without a traditional credit card
• Spend tracking and budgeting features to manage expenses
• Flexible EMI repayment options for borrowed amounts

Cons 

• Customer support is often unresponsive or unavailable
• Sudden changes in features (like Slice Mini, EMI slicing charges)
• Many users dislike some privacy terms that Slice requests
• High interest rates, even for users with excellent credit scores
• No option to choose a custom loan tenure

15. Jupiter Money

Jupiter is a neobank designed for millennials and Gen Z users. It has gained strong traction with over 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store and more than 2.8 million active users.

The app offers a RuPay credit card (Edge by CSB Bank) with zero annual fees. Users get 1% assured cashback on all UPI transactions and up to 2% cashback on select spend categories. It helps users manage their money better through automated expense tracking and clear visual insights. 

Jupiter also lets users invest in direct mutual funds, offering a simple way to grow savings. Salary management features like overdraft and early salary access make it useful for everyday money needs. With full UPI support, users can send and receive money quickly, directly from their Jupiter account. 

Strengths

• Clear transaction visibility and detailed expense categorisation
• Fast onboarding process with instant account activation
• Zero balance savings account with Federal Bank support
• Tap-and-pay enabled debit card with free issuance
• Helpful autosave and “pots” features to build savings easily
• Free international NFC debit card for global use

Cons 

• Frequent app crashes and bugs during transactions
• No real-time updates for balances and recent transactions
• Poor and delayed customer support via chat and email
• New UI is confusing with hard-to-read monochromatic icons
• Investments and SIP sections missing or inaccessible

16. FamApp (formerly FamPay)

FamApp (formerly FamPay) is a payments app made for teens and families. It lets kids and young adults have their own “spending account” with a custom UPI ID and a numberless FamX card (Visa or RuPay). Parents can easily load money into the account. The app processed over 46.6 million UPI transactions in April 2024 alone. It has also raised $42.7 million from investors like Y Combinator and Global Founders Capital.

FamApp stands out with its fun and easy-to-use design. Teens can send instant UPI payments, use personalized QR codes, and enjoy a playful interface with custom themes. Users earn FamCoins and get cashback on everyday spending. The app also makes saving money exciting through spinners, giveaways, and other games. It doesn’t require a traditional bank account, making it a great first digital banking experience for kids aged 11 and above.

Strengths

• Fast, secure UPI payments with zero hidden fees 
• Tap-and-pay NFC debit card issued for free
• Parents can monitor and control spending with full transparency
• Engaging rewards system with FamCoins, games, and spinners
• Customizable cards, themes, and QR codes
• Trusted by users for emergency transfers
• Offers smooth onboarding and freedom from lengthy documentation

Cons 

• No option to cancel transactions stuck in processing
• Technical issues during bank transition (e.g., IDFC to Trio)
• Users can’t withdraw cash from ATMs despite being “Ultra” members
• Misleading notifications for unavailable features (e.g., Play Zone)
• Transaction security and trust concerns during failed/delayed transfers
• No flexibility to close or deactivate the account easily

If there’s one thing these 16 apps show, it’s that building a great product is not just about features. It’s about trust, speed, and a smooth experience. Users don’t want failed transactions, bugs, or silence when support is needed. They want things to just work.

That’s exactly where Cashfree Payments can help. Be it launching a UPI app, issuing cards, or automating KYC, we give you the tools to build it right. Fast payments. Easy integration. Great support.

We’re also building the future of UPI with innovations like the UPI Switch. It is a powerful infrastructure upgrade to make UPI payments faster, more reliable, and smartly routed.

Let’s help you create a product people actually love. Start with Cashfree Payments.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the best UPI apps for cashback?

PhonePe and CRED are great for cashback. PhonePe offers cashback on bill payments and shopping, while CRED rewards users for credit card bill payments and UPI transactions.

What is the safest UPI app in India?

BHIM, Google Pay, and PhonePe are among the safest UPI apps. They use strong security features like device binding, UPI PIN, and two-factor authentication.

What is the best payment app for teenagers in India?

FamApp (earlier FamPay) is the best choice for teenagers. It offers UPI payments, a prepaid card, and parental control features.

Which UPI app can work without a bank account?

MobiKwik’s Pocket UPI lets you make UPI payments using a wallet balance without linking a bank account.