UPI Circle is a digital payment facility that allows users to authorise trusted individuals to make payments through their UPI account. Developed under the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the feature is designed to make digital payments more accessible while allowing the account holder to maintain control over spending.
The facility can be useful for families in which children, elderly relatives or other members need to make digital payments but may not have access to their own bank accounts or UPI services. Depending on the settings available in the payment app, the primary account holder can establish spending limits and decide whether individual transactions require approval.
What Is UPI Circle and How Does It Work?
UPI Circle allows a person to authorise another individual to make digital payments using their UPI account. For example, a parent could use the facility to help a child pay for items at a school canteen, or an account holder could allow a family member to manage routine expenses.
The feature operates through two roles: the primary user and the secondary user.
The primary user is the individual whose bank account is linked to UPI and who grants payment access to another person.
The secondary user is the person authorised to make payments under the arrangement established by the primary user. A separate bank account may not be necessary for the secondary user, depending on the app’s supported setup and applicable requirements. The secondary user must be added to the UPI Circle and complete the required steps specified by the payment application.
UPI Circle Spending Limits and Payment Approval
One of the main features of UPI Circle is the ability to manage how much an authorised person can spend. The primary user can configure the available payment permissions according to their requirements.
Depending on the payment app and applicable rules, the account holder may choose between arrangements that require approval for transactions and those that allow payments within a predefined limit. The available spending limits, transaction limits and approval conditions can vary between applications.
Before activating the facility, users should review the settings carefully to understand the level of access being granted and the controls available for monitoring payments.
Is UPI Circle Safe? How to Use It
UPI Circle is designed to let account holders share payment access without sharing their UPI PIN or other sensitive authentication details with the secondary user. The primary user can manage the permissions available through the feature, helping maintain oversight of authorised spending.
However, users should still exercise caution when granting payment access. They should authorise only trusted individuals, set appropriate spending limits where available and regularly review transactions.
The feature is available through supported UPI applications, including Google Pay and PhonePe, subject to each app’s eligibility requirements and terms. Users can check their preferred app for the UPI Circle option and follow the instructions provided to add a secondary user and configure payment permissions.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only. UPI Circle features, eligibility criteria, spending limits and activation procedures may vary depending on the payment application and applicable NPCI guidelines. Users should consult their chosen UPI app’s official instructions and terms before enabling the facility. Never share your UPI PIN, OTP or other confidential banking credentials with anyone.