Documents and verification needed to use UPI pay

The Unified Payments Interface, popularly known as UPI, has revolutionised the way India pays. From a tea vendor to an online shopping giant, almost everyone now accepts UPI pay as a reliable and fast payment method. With the rise of UPI apps across various platforms, whether for sending money, paying bills, shopping, or recharging, millions are turning to digital payments.

But to use UPI apps effectively, you need to understand the documents required and the verification process involved. Here is what you need to get started with any of the UPI apps available in India:

1. Basic requirements to use a UPI app

Before we talk about documents, here are the basic things you must have:

• A smartphone with internet access
• A Bank Account with a UPI-enabled bank
• A mobile number linked to that Bank Account
• A valid Debit Card linked to that account

These are the foundation of any UPI pay process, and without them, no UPI app can be activated.

2. Documents required for UPI apps

Technically, UPI apps themselves do not require you to submit physical documents. However, the bank where you hold your account has already completed most of the Know Your Customer verification, which enables you to use UPI. The documents usually required at the bank level for enabling UPI services are:

• Aadhaar card (as a government-issued identity and address proof)
• PAN card (for financial and tax-related identity)
• Mobile number linked with Aadhaar and your Bank Account

These documents are already with your bank. When you install a UPI app, you just need to verify your mobile number and Debit Card details.

3. Verification steps in UPI apps

All UPI apps follow a similar onboarding process:

1. a) Mobile number verification

Once you install the app, the first step is verifying your mobile number. The number must be the one linked to your Bank Account. The app sends an SMS from your phone for verification, so ensure your SIM is active and has a balance.

1. b) Bank Account linking

After the mobile number is verified, the app fetches your Bank Accounts linked with that number. You can then choose which account to link for UPI pay services.

1. c) Debit Card details

To complete the verification, input the last six digits of your Debit Card and the expiration date. This step is important because it is used to generate or set your UPI PIN, a 4 or 6-digit security code.

1. d) Setting UPI PIN

The UPI PIN is essential for authorising any payment. It ensures secure transactions and keeps your account safe even if someone accesses your phone.

4. KYC and limits

Most UPI apps all support limited transactions without full KYC. However, to access advanced features, you may need to complete full KYC by uploading scanned copies of your Aadhaar and PAN cards.

Conclusion

Using UPI apps is simple, but understanding the basic requirements and verification steps ensures a smoother experience.