What is a UPI Reference Number (UTR Number)? How Do You Track It?

Updated on: 17 Jun 2025

A UPI reference number lets you conveniently make and track all your digital payments. Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India, UPI provides better security to your transactions and account details and reduces the chances of fraudulent activities.

It allows you to send money from one account to another or initiate merchant payments effortlessly. This has been of great benefit to consumers as well as small businesses, who can now receive payments instantly.

To learn about the 12-digit UPI reference number tracking process, its steps, benefits and more, read on.

Introduction to UPI Reference Number

Once you execute a transaction from the UPI app, it will generate a specific number that can be used to track your purchases. This UPI reference ID is a unique 12-digit number.

Also Read: How to Create UPI ID?

Let’s say your payment status is not clear and it comes up as pending. This can be due to server issues or any other banking-related reason. You can use your reference number to communicate with the customer care team of the bank. This way, you can get the actual reason for the incomplete payment and authenticate the transfer.

Steps to Track the UPI Reference Number

Initiating the UPI reference number tracking process is simple and straightforward. Here are the steps you can follow:

Step 1: Launch the UPI App on your mobile phone
Step 2: Tap on the ‘Passbook’ or ‘History’ section
Step 3: Select the bank from which the transaction has been made
Step 4: Select the transaction for which you want the reference number
Step 5: Note the 12-digit reference number

You can also check online UPI transaction ID status and history by following these steps. Note that steps may vary slightly depending on the UPI app interface.

How to Find UPI ID

If you want to check your ID to receive payment, you can find it on your UPI app. Here is a UPI transaction ID tracking process you can follow.

Open the UPI app on your mobile
Navigate to the menu
Select your profile
Note your UPI ID containing the ‘@’ component

Also Read: What is VPA in UPI Payments?

Benefits of the UPI Reference Number

Now that you know the steps to initiate the UPI reference number tracking process, here are some of its significant benefits:

Tracking

This is the most important benefit of the reference number, as it acts as a crucial tool to solve discrepancies. You can generate all the details related to your payment without hassles.

Security

It improves the security of your UPI-based digital transaction by replacing your banking details with a 12-digit code. So, in case of delays, there’s no need to share your personal information with the customer service provider.

Efficiency

It simplifies the fund transfer process, replacing the traditional time-consuming methods, such as IMPS and NEFT. What’s more, you needn’t verify the account details and can handle the payment within a matter of seconds.

Also Read: Top Online UPI Payment Apps in India

Difference Between UPI Reference ID and UPI ID

It is common to get confused between UPI reference IDs and UPI IDs. However, these two are different identification numbers with varying functions.

A Reference ID or number, as mentioned earlier, is a 12-digit code that allows you to track your UPI transactions
A UPI ID is a virtual payment address that every user needs to generate to access UPI services
Using this UPI ID, banks can track a user’s account easily, but reference ID is to track payments

Remember, your UPI IDs vary across banks. So, if you have a bank account in HDFC Bank, then your UPI ID will be XXXX@hdfcbank. By following the UPI transaction ID tracking process, you can check your UPI ID for receiving payment without sharing your bank details.

In case of any unauthorised or incomplete transaction, the UPI reference number tracking process will help you assess its status and take the right steps. Keeping up with your finances is key to ensuring safety and financial wellness.

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FAQs on UPI Reference Number

How do I find my UPI reference number?

You can find the UPI reference number for your transaction by opening the ‘Passbook’ under the transaction history of your respective UPI app.

What is a UPI number?

A UPI number is an 8 to 10-digit number, which is a bank-verified identifier of your UPI ID. Using this number, you can receive payments irrespective of the UPI app you use.