Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become one of the most popular methods for digital transactions in India, enabling users to send or receive money instantly using just a mobile phone.
But what if there’s no linked bank account? Can UPI still be used? Here, you will know how to create a UPI ID without a bank account, explore digital payment alternatives and break down how UPI apps function in such cases, making it useful for students, freelancers or anyone new to digital payments.
UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is a system designed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to enable individuals to connect their bank accounts with mobile applications and do transfers, such as:
Usually, in order to operate UPI, one must have a bank account associated with a mobile number. However, due to innovation, they can now operate UPI without bank account, particularly using Prepaid wallets or UPI-enabled RuPay credit cards.
Yes, you can use UPI without savings account by opting for UPI-enabled wallets or linking a RuPay credit card for seamless payments.
Here are your options:
Apps like Paytm and PhonePe offer wallet features. This feature allows UPI wallet payments by adding money through cash or another person’s UPI, which can then be used for online and offline transactions.
This is one of the most powerful ways to use UPI without a bank account. If you own a RuPay UPI credit card, you can link it with UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm or BHIM and use it like a regular UPI account.
The Fibe Axis Bank Credit Card is a great example. It is a RuPay credit card that allows you to:
This method is especially useful for students and young professionals who do not yet have a bank account but want to enjoy digital payment services.
Let’s go through the step-by-step process for each method.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to use UPI without a bank account or to create a virtual UPI ID without a bank account for UPI payments:
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started with the Fibe Axis Bank Credit Card and use it for UPI payments:
Once you are linked, you may use your RuPay credit card to pay money using UPI payment.
Looking for a UPI app without bank account? These apps offer partial or full functionality even if you don’t have one.
| App Name | Wallet Support | RuPay Card UPI Support | Create UPI ID Without Bank Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paytm | Yes | Yes | Limited (via wallet) |
| PhonePe | No | Yes | Yes (if linked to RuPay card) |
| Google Pay | No | Yes | Yes (if linked to RuPay card) |
| BHIM | No | Yes | Yes (if linked to RuPay card) |
Many people look for ways to use UPI without a bank account for various reasons. Students may not have salary accounts, freelancers or gig workers might prefer cash payments and some in rural areas may not have completed proper KYC. Others simply want to keep certain expenses separate from their main savings.
While this is a common search, it’s important to know that getting a UPI ID without linking a bank account or a UPI-enabled RuPay credit card is not possible. Wallet-based UPI apps have limited features and cannot facilitate peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers, though UPI for students and freelancers through RuPay credit cards is becoming a practical alternative.
No, you are not able to get a UPI ID without a bank account. But there are alternatives, like wallets (Paytm) or RuPay-linked UPI-based credit cards, e.g., Fibe Axis Bank Credit Card, to consolidate UPI payments.
Yes, you can use UPI without net banking. It is not mandatory for UPI. You only need a bank account or RuPay credit card linked to your mobile number. If you’re using UPI through a RuPay card, net banking is not required at all.
