By Ayzal 
In recent years, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has transformed the way India pays. Whether you’re paying for groceries, splitting a restaurant bill, or transferring money to a friend, UPI has made digital transactions seamless, fast, and free. With so many apps supporting UPI in 2025, choosing the best one can be overwhelming.
Each UPI app in India offers slightly different features, benefits, and user experiences. So how do you know which one is right for you?
This guide breaks down the top UPI apps in India and helps you decide which one best suits your needs—whether you’re a casual user, a business owner, or a privacy-conscious consumer.
Before diving into the list, here’s a quick recap. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It allows users to send or receive money instantly using a mobile phone and a Virtual Payment Address (VPA), eliminating the need for bank account details.
It works 24/7, even on bank holidays, and is widely accepted by merchants and businesses across India.
Why It’s Popular:
PhonePe has been one of the leading UPI apps in India since UPI’s early days. It offers a clean interface, multiple utility bill payment options, and reliable customer service.
Top Features:
- Bill payments, mobile/DTH recharge
- Mutual fund investments, gold purchase
- Insurance and digital wallet features
- Supports multiple bank accounts
- Seamless UPI money transfers
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Regular cashback offers
- Works smoothly even on basic smartphones
Best For: Everyday users who want a reliable all-in-one UPI app.
Why It’s Popular:
Backed by Google, GPay offers a clean, minimal UI with a focus on simplicity and security.
Top Features:
- Direct bank-to-bank UPI transfers
- Smart reminder system for recurring payments
- Bill splitting with friends
- Scratch cards and offers for transactions
Pros:
- Lightweight and fast
- Smart integration with contacts
- High security and trust
Best For: Users who want a minimal and clutter-free UPI experience with occasional rewards.
Why It’s Popular:
Originally a mobile wallet app, Paytm has evolved into a full digital ecosystem. Along with UPI payments, it offers everything from ticket booking to shopping and gaming.
Top Features:
- UPI money transfers
- Wallet + UPI combo
- Bill payments and travel bookings
- Financial services (loans, insurance, investments)
Pros:
- Rich features
- QR code scanning widely accepted
- Combines wallet and bank account options
Best For: Users who want more than just UPI—such as financial services, ticket booking, or wallet use.
Why It’s Popular:
Developed by NPCI, BHIM is the official UPI app backed by the government of India. It offers a simple interface without ads or distractions.
Top Features:
- Basic send/receive functionality
- No advertisements
- Secure and regularly updated
- Works on most Android devices
Pros:
- No bloatware
- Lightweight and efficient
- Good for senior citizens or first-time users
Best For: Users who want a basic, secure, and government-backed UPI app without extra features.
Why It’s Popular:
Integrated within the Amazon app, this UPI service is convenient for Amazon shoppers and offers attractive cashback.
Top Features:
- UPI money transfers
- Bill payments, recharges
- Cashbacks and shopping discounts
- Seamless Amazon checkout
Pros:
- Great for frequent Amazon users
- Rewards are redeemable on Amazon
- Clean and efficient interface
Best For: Amazon users who want to combine shopping with UPI convenience.
Why It’s Popular:
Originally built to manage credit card bills, Cred now offers a UPI feature focused on premium users who value clean design and high-end offers.
Top Features:
- UPI transactions with a premium interface
- Credit card payment tracking
- Rewards and cashback
- Investment options
Pros:
- Beautiful UI
- Targeted toward financially aware users
- Extra offers for bill payments
Best For: Users who prefer high-end features and design and already use Cred for bill management.
Why It’s Popular:
Another early digital wallet that later adopted UPI features. It combines wallet, BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later), and UPI functionality.
Top Features:
- Wallet + UPI combo
- Zip Pay Later option
- Offers on recharges and bill payments
- Insurance and credit services
Pros:
- Flexible payment options
- Combines UPI with EMI and credit
- Useful for budget-conscious users
Best For: Users looking for a flexible wallet-plus-credit UPI app experience.
Why It’s Popular:
A newer player in the UPI space, Tata Neu is part of Tata’s super app concept. It integrates UPI with loyalty rewards across Tata brands.
Top Features:
- UPI and QR payments
- Earn NeuCoins on transactions
- Connected to BigBasket, Croma, 1mg, and other Tata services
- Secure payment gateway
Pros:
- Integrated with multiple brands
- Loyalty benefits
- Strong data security
Best For: Loyal Tata brand customers looking to get more value out of every payment.
Choose based on your needs:
| Use Case | Recommended App |
|---|---|
| Simple and secure usage | BHIM |
| Frequent online shopping | Amazon Pay or Paytm |
| Cashback and rewards | PhonePe or Google Pay |
| Premium interface | Cred |
| Business or QR payments | PhonePe or Paytm |
| Frequent Amazon buyer | Amazon Pay |
| Tata ecosystem user | Tata Neu |
Ultimately, all UPI apps perform the same core function, and all are secure and free to use. It comes down to your personal preferences, which apps your friends and vendors use, and what kind of extras you’re looking for—whether that’s cashbacks, credit access, or bill management.
- Never share your UPI PIN or OTP with anyone.
- Enable app lock or biometric lock.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious payment links.
- Always verify the recipient before sending money.
UPI transactions are encrypted and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India, but staying alert is still essential.
India’s digital payment ecosystem is booming, and UPI is at the heart of it. With so many apps to choose from in 2025, picking the right one depends on your lifestyle and needs. Whether you’re looking for cashback, security, simplicity, or added services, there’s a UPI app out there tailored for you.
Try out a couple of apps and see what fits best. In most cases, you can link the same bank account across multiple apps and enjoy the benefits of each.
Fast, free, and future-ready—UPI continues to shape India’s journey toward becoming a cashless economy.