UPI apps in India are reshaping how millions handle money & transactions daily. With the rise of digital payments in India, convenience and speed have become non-negotiable. From splitting bills, shopping online, to paying at local stores, UPI apps in India have made transactions effortless and instant.
The adoption of India’s UPI systems has skyrocketed, making it crucial to choose the right payments app in India for your needs. With so many options available, how do you decide which is the best UPI app in India?
Read the blog to know the top 10 UPI apps in India, helping you find the perfect fit, whether you’re after speed, rewards, security, or a user-friendly experience.
| UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is an Indian instant payment system that facilitates inter-bank peer-to-peer and person-to-merchant transactions using a mobile device.
As of April 2025, UPI processed approximately 596 million daily transactions in India, with a daily transaction value of around ₹79,831 crore. |
List of Top 10 UPI Apps in India
India’s UPI payment system has grown rapidly, becoming a key part of everyday life.
Here’s a detailed comparison list of the top 10 UPI apps in India, combining both well-known third-party UPI apps and PPI-based apps, all verified by NPCI.
| UPI App | User Base | Bank Partnerships | Security | Source |
| PhonePe | Very High | Yes Bank, ICICI, Axis Bank | Strong (2FA, PIN, real-time fraud detection) | 3rd-Party UPI App |
| Google Pay | Very High | Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI | Strong (Google Security, 2FA, end-to-end encryption) | 3rd-Party UPI App |
| Paytm | High | Yes Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, SBI | Good (Standard UPI security measures) | 3rd-Party UPI App |
| Amazon Pay | High | Axis Bank, Yes Bank, RBL Bank | Strong (OTP, PIN, multi-factor authentication) | 3rd-Party UPI App |
| CRED | Moderate | Axis Bank, Yes Bank | Excellent (Data encryption, secure transactions) | 3rd-Party UPI App |
| Pockets | High | ICICI Bank Limited | Strong (ICICI-backed, UPI PIN, app lock, biometric support) | PPI-Based UPI App |
| First ₹UPI | Moderate | IDFC FIRST Bank Limited | Very Good (App PIN, UPI PIN, bank-grade encryption) | PPI-Based UPI App |
| Amazon | High | Amazon Pay (India) Private Limited | Strong (Same backend as Amazon Pay, OTP, device binding) | PPI-Based UPI App |
| BHIM SpicePay | Moderate | Spice Money Limited | Good (UPI-compliant, PIN-based, limited user features) | PPI-Based UPI App |
| OmniCard | Moderate | Eroute Technologies Private Limited | Secure (PCI-DSS compliant, app lock, UPI PIN protection) | PPI-Based UPI App |
Note: Both require bank tie-ups, but their core services and structures differ. |
Top Bank-Owned UPI Apps in India
The table below highlights the best UPI apps provided by India’s leading banks, designed for secure payments, full-service banking, and accessible features even for non-customers.
| App Name | Bank | Key Features | Available to Non-Customers? |
| YONO SBI | State Bank of India | UPI, banking, investments, shopping, loans | Yes |
| iMobile Pay | ICICI Bank | UPI, NEFT/IMPS, bill payments, credit cards, wealth management | Yes |
| HDFC MobileBanking / PayZapp | HDFC Bank | UPI, mobile recharge, banking, offers on merchants | Yes (for PayZapp) |
| Axis Mobile / BHIM Axis Pay | Axis Bank | UPI, mobile banking, fund transfers, investment tools | Yes |
| Kotak 811 | Kotak Mahindra Bank | UPI, savings account, digital KYC, spend tracking | Yes |
| PNB ONE | Punjab National Bank | UPI, fund transfer, FD, RD, debit card control | Yes |
| U-Mobile | Union Bank of India | UPI, mobile banking, balance check, mini statement | Yes |
| BoB World | Bank of Baroda | UPI, e-commerce offers, card management, deposits | Yes |
Best Third-Party UPI Apps In India
Here are a few simpler, niche-focused, or government-supported apps that offer reliability, security, and ease of use. The following UPI apps may not be market leaders, but are trusted by millions and provide solid banking and UPI services with unique features.
| UPI App | Bank Partnerships | Security |
| BHIM (NPCI) | All major banks | Strong (Govt-backed) |
| MobiKwik | HDFC | Good |
| Tata Neu | ICICI | Reliable |
| BharatPe | Unity Bank | Strong |
| Jupiter Money | Axis | High |
Suggested Read: Set UPI PIN Without Debit Card
Bank owned UPI Apps vs. 3rd-Party UPI Apps – Differences
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences between bank-owned UPI apps and third-party UPI apps to help you choose the right one for your needs.
| Aspect | UPI Apps (Bank-Owned) | 3rd-Party UPI Apps (Fintech-Owned) |
| Developer | Banks | Private companies (e.g., PhonePe, GPay, Paytm) |
| Bank License | Yes | No (they partner with banks for UPI services) |
| Core Purpose | UPI + full banking services | UPI + extra features like rewards, UI/UX |
| Account Access | Direct from the bank | Linked via bank APIs |
| User Experience | Often basic | More advanced, user-friendly |
Top 10 UPI Apps Features & Benefits
Let’s go through the key features of the top 10 UPI apps in India:
PhonePe
PhonePe remains India’s leading UPI app, not only in transaction volume but also in user engagement. With support from Yes Bank and ICICI, it offers one of the most intuitive UIs in the market. Its all-in-one dashboard lets users pay bills, recharge, transfer money, and invest — all in a few taps.
| Attribute |
Details |
| User Base | Very High |
| Bank Partnerships | Yes Bank, ICICI, Axis |
| Security Level | Strong (2FA, PIN, device binding) |
| Estimated Downloads | 500M+ |
| Best Feature | Unified dashboard for UPI, bills, and investing |
Also Read: Find UPI ID in PhonePe
Google Pay (GPay)
Backed by Google’s robust ecosystem, GPay is loved for its minimal design and lightning-fast transactions. It is easy to install, sync and use in Android phones and includes features like Google Rewards, autopays, Utility bill reminders and split payments.
| Attribute | Details |
| User Base | Very High |
| Bank Partnerships | Axis, HDFC, ICICI, SBI |
| Security Level | Strong (Google security, PIN, OTP) |
| Estimated Downloads | 300M+ |
| Best Feature | Fast UPI transfers with clean user interface |
Also Read: Find UPI ID in Google Pay
Paytm
An early entrant in the digital payment scene, Paytm combines UPI with a wallet system. It’s still a go-to option for mobile recharges, ticket booking, and offline merchant transactions. It also provides financial products like insurance and gold investment.
| Attribute | Details |
| User Base | High |
| Bank Partnerships | Yes Bank, Axis, HDFC, SBI |
| Security Level | Good (PIN, biometric login) |
| Estimated Downloads | 200M+ |
| Best Feature | Combines wallet, UPI, recharges, and shopping |
Amazon Pay
Amazon Pay app is perfect for users who frequently shop on the platform. Amazon Shopping links to major banks and offers attractive cashbacks, credit on orders and bill payments. Given below are details you can benefit from:
| Attribute | Details |
| User Base | High |
| Bank Partnerships | Axis, Yes, RBL |
| Security Level | Strong (OTP, PIN, device lock) |
| Estimated Downloads | 100M+ |
| Best Feature | Cashback and seamless integration with Amazon |
Suggested Read: Types of UPI Frauds
CRED
A premium app initially targeting credit card users, CRED now offers UPI payments as well. It’s beautifully designed and appeals to urban users who value aesthetics and user experience. Here are quick details you can use to help you download the all time friendly app:
| Attribute | Details |
| User Base | Moderate |
| Bank Partnerships | Axis, Yes |
| Security Level | Excellent (bank-grade encryption, app lock) |
| Estimated Downloads | 20M+ |
| Best Feature | Premium UPI and credit bill management |
Pockets by ICICI Bank
Less known and highly benefited. The Pocket is a digital wallet app from ICICI Bank that also offers full UPI functionality. It’s designed for both ICICI and non-ICICI customers, making it a flexible and secure way to handle payments, transfers, and shopping.
| Feature | Details |
| User Base | High |
| Bank Partnership | ICICI Bank Limited |
| Security | ICICI-backed, app lock, biometric login, UPI PIN |
| Perks | Supports all UPI features, wallet+banking in one app, easy to use UI |
| Best For | Users looking for trusted bank apps with wallet functionality |
First ₹UPI by IDFC FIRST Bank
First ₹UPI is IDFC FIRST Bank’s UPI-lite app for secure digital payments. Known for its intuitive design and solid encryption, it allows users to send, receive, and manage money effortlessly even if they aren’t IDFC customers. Here are some quick insights that help users,
| Feature | Details |
| User Base | Moderate |
| Bank Partnership | IDFC FIRST Bank Limited |
| Security | App PIN, UPI PIN, bank-grade encryption |
| Perks | Smooth user interface, quick setup, ideal for daily UPI transactions |
| Best For | Minimalist users who prioritize speed and safety |
Also Read: Virtual Payment Address
Amazon Pay UPI
Amazon’s UPI app is integrated into its e-commerce platform, offering seamless checkouts, rewards, and utility bill payments. It’s powered by Amazon Pay, making it ideal for online shoppers. Another easy to use payment app, when your famous apps go blank.
| Feature | Details |
| User Base | High |
| Bank Partnership | Amazon Pay (India) Pvt Ltd |
| Security | OTP-based login, device binding, multi-factor authentication |
| Perks | Great for Amazon shopping, cashback offers, fast payments |
| Best For | Regular Amazon users and online shoppers |
| Note: Amazon Pay is a digital wallet for purchases and offers, while Amazon UPI enables direct bank-to-bank payments via UPI. |
Suggested Read: UPI Transaction Limits
BHIM SpicePay by Spice Money
BHIM SpicePay brings digital payments to rural and semi-urban India. Backed by Spice Money, it’s focused on inclusion, enabling merchants and small vendors to join the UPI ecosystem.
| Feature | Details |
| User Base | Moderate |
| Bank Partnership | Spice Money Limited |
| Security | UPI PIN, standard compliance, basic UI |
| Perks | Great for rural India, agent network support, low bandwidth usage |
| Best For | Merchants, kirana stores, rural users |
OmniCard by Eroute Technologies
OmniCard is a smart payment app built for young professionals and students. It combines UPI with card and app-based payments, plus detailed spend tracking . Consider below features to help understand the app better.
| Feature | Details |
| User Base | Moderate |
| Bank Partnership | Eroute Technologies Private Limited |
| Security | PCI-DSS compliant, app lock, UPI PIN protection |
| Perks | Spend limits, smart budgeting tools, modern UI |
| Best For | Students, teens, and budget-conscious users |
Suggested Read: UPI Circle
Conclusion
From leading giants like PhonePe and Google Pay to reliable options like BHIM, Pockets, and niche-focused apps like OmniCard, this guide highlights apps that stand out in performance, security, user experience, and features.
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FAQs
How many UPI apps are there in India?
There are over 100 UPI-enabled apps in India, including both bank-owned and third-party apps. The NPCI maintains an updated list of authorized UPI apps on its website.
Which is the No 1 UPI app in India?
PhonePe currently holds the top spot in India by UPI transaction volume and user base, followed closely by Google Pay and Paytm.
Which is the official UPI app?
BHIM is the official UPI app developed and maintained by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
Which is the government UPI app?
BHIM UPI is the government-backed app, created to promote digital payments under the Digital India initiative.
Is YONO an UPI app?
Yes, YONO SBI supports UPI transactions along with full-service banking, bill payments, and investment features.
Is SBI UPI safe?
Yes, SBI UPI (via YONO or BHIM SBI Pay) is highly secure, using MPIN, 2FA, and encrypted communication, backed by the State Bank of India.
Is Google Pay an UPI app?
Yes, Google Pay is a third-party UPI app that uses NPCI’s UPI platform and partners with banks like ICICI, HDFC, and SBI.
Which UPI is safest?
All NPCI-approved UPI apps follow strict security protocols. However, BHIM, iMobile Pay, and Google Pay are often considered among the safest due to their government or tech-backed infrastructure and regular security updates.
Which UPI app is best?
PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm are among the best for general use. For banking features, iMobile Pay (ICICI) and YONO SBI are excellent.
What is the name of the HDFC UPI app?
HDFC Bank offers UPI through its main banking app, HDFC MobileBanking, and also through PayZapp for payments and recharges.
Which is the ICICI UPI app?
iMobile Pay is ICICI Bank’s flagship UPI and mobile banking app, offering services for both ICICI and non-ICICI users.
Is GPay better than PhonePe?
Both are excellent. GPay offers a simpler interface and Google ecosystem support, while PhonePe provides more services, including gold investment, mutual funds, and insurance.
Which is better, Paytm or PhonePe?
PhonePe is generally preferred for a broader set of financial services and better integration. However, Paytm is great for wallet-based payments and mobile recharges.
Which UPI App is most safe?
BHIM, Google Pay, and iMobile Pay are often cited as the most secure, due to government backing, tech-grade encryption, and regular audits.
Is PhonePe a Chinese app?
No, PhonePe is an Indian app, headquartered in Bengaluru, and owned by Flipkart, which is a subsidiary of Walmart (USA).
