UPI Circle is a feature that lets you authorise trusted people (family or friends) to make UPI payments from your bank account, within limits you control—without sharing your UPI PIN.
Quick Summary
- Purpose: Share UPI access safely
- Who uses it: Parents, seniors, students, families, small teams
- Control: Set spending limits & revoke anytime
- Security: No PIN sharing
- Availability: Supported in select UPI apps (may vary)
What Is UPI Circle?
UPI Circle allows a Primary User (account holder) to create a “circle” and add Secondary Users. Secondary users can make payments on behalf of the primary user, subject to limits and approvals set by the primary user.
How UPI Circle Works
- Primary user creates a circle in their UPI app
- Adds a trusted contact (secondary user)
- Sets limits (per transaction / daily / monthly)
- Approves payment rules (auto-approve or manual approve)
- Secondary user makes payments without knowing the PIN
Payments are debited from the primary user’s bank account.
Types of Controls You Can Set
- Spending limits (₹ per transaction/day/month)
- Approval mode (instant or approval-required)
- Use duration (temporary or ongoing)
- Merchant-only or all payments (app-dependent)
How to Set Up UPI Circle (General Steps)
Steps may differ slightly by app.
- Open your UPI app
- Go to UPI Circle / Family / Shared Payments
- Tap Create Circle
- Add a secondary user (mobile number/UPI ID)
- Set limits & approval preferences
- Confirm with UPI PIN
Who Should Use UPI Circle?
- Parents managing kids’ expenses
- Seniors who want help with digital payments
- Students without independent limits
- Small households sharing daily expenses
Benefits of UPI Circle
- No PIN sharing
- Full spending control
- Easy tracking of shared expenses
- Can pause or revoke access anytime
- Safer than giving cards or OTPs
UPI Circle vs Normal UPI
| Feature | UPI Circle | Normal UPI |
|---|---|---|
| PIN sharing | Not needed | Required |
| Control by account holder | High | Limited |
| Multiple users | Yes | No |
| Ideal for families | Yes | No |
FAQs on UPI Circle
Q1. Is UPI Circle safe?
A. Yes. Transactions are protected by UPI security and no PIN is shared.
Q2. Can I remove a user from my UPI Circle?
A. Yes, you can revoke access anytime from the app.
Q3. Does the secondary user need a bank account?
A. Usually, they need a UPI-enabled app and mobile number. Bank account requirements may vary by app.
Q4. Are there charges for UPI Circle?
A. Typically free, like normal UPI payments.
Troubleshooting
- Option not visible: Update the app or check if your bank/app supports it
- Payment failed: Check limits or approval settings
- User not added: Ensure correct mobile number and UPI registration
Security Tips
- Add only trusted people
- Set low limits initially
- Enable app notifications
- Review transactions regularly
- Revoke access if phone is lost or relationship changes
Conclusion
UPI Circle makes digital payments more inclusive and secure by letting you share UPI access without sharing your PIN. With flexible controls and easy setup, it’s ideal for families and dependents in India.
