UPI Based App of SBI, ICICI, HDFC Bank and Others

iPhone users have been eagerly waiting for UPI apps. Many of them are asking NPCI regarding this via twitter and other mediums. They also feel neglected due to this discrimination. But the wait is finally over. Banks and some third-party developers have started to release iOS version of the UPI apps.

Why there were no UPI apps for iOS earlier?

NPCI has launched UPI on the August 2016. They allowed member banks to develop and release their UPI apps for Android platform. It is because they have released SDK for Android platform only. An SDK ( Software Development Kit) is a collection of software development tools. Developers cannot develop any app without the SDK. NPCI had not released the SDK for iOS. Therefore, developing UPI app for iOS was not possible.

Recently, the NPCI has finished developing and released the UPI SDK for iOS. It has shared the SDK with member banks. Hence, it has become possible to develop UPI apps for iOS.

PhonePe UPI app for iOS is launched

PhonePe UPI app is the first to launch UPI app for iOS. Just like on Phonepe Android app, PhonePe for iOS is also powered by Yes Bank. Hence it will use @ybl extension for virtual payment addresses. However, ICICI had already integrated UPI facility in its iMobile app. But iMobile app did not allow you to add bank accounts of other banks. Hence it can not be called a proper UPI app.

On the other hand, PhonePe UPI app lets you use all the features which are available on the Android platform. You can add bank accounts of any member bank, make recharges and payments using UPI. However, the app is a bit too buggy. Some users are facing problems using the app. Mobile authentication takes many tries for some users. But remember, this is the first version of the app. These bugs will be fixed with the next some updates.

What about BHIM and other UPI apps for iOS

As the SDK is now available to every member bank, they will release their UPI apps soon. NPCI is also developing BHIM UPI app for iOS and will release it as soon as possible. The NPCI has confirmed it in the reply to a tweet. They said that the BHIM app for iOS will be available by the end of January.Most of the other UPI apps for iOS are also expected to be launched in the first week of February 2017. Till then use PhonePe, iMobile and *99# banking to enjoy UPI features on your iOS device.

The number of the cashless payments is climbing up in India. Smartphones are playing a major role in the increase of the cashless payments. These payments are done by the various mobile wallets and UPI apps. India has a considerable amount of iOS users. Just like other iPhone users, you also may be wondering about the payment apps for iOS. You may have a question about the UPI apps also. In this post, I am going to tell you about the iOS UPI apps and payment apps for iPhone users. So let’s begin.

What is iOS

iOS is an operating system created and developed by the well-known company Apple Inc. It is also known as iPhone OS or Apple OS. Apple’s iPhones and iPads are based on this operating system. This is the second most popular operating system in the world as well as in India after Android. The iOS is considered as a premium operating system. Unlike Android, iOS is a closed source operating system and Apple Inc. does not allow other companies to make iOS devices.

Apps in iOS

Apple’s App Store is also second biggest app store after Google Play store. It contains more than 2 million apps. Though the number of apps is less than Android but the quality of apps is far better than Android. The Apps in iOS are well-designed, fast and secure. Moreover, almost every needed app is available on the iOS except some. Apps in iOS are available in many categories such as games, educational, utility and financial.

Payment apps in iOS

After demonetization, the payment apps are in high demand. iOS app store has many payment apps to make your life easy. These apps are capable of making digital payments for you. Below are some of the best payment apps in iOS.

Also Read: Best UPI Apps

Paytm

Paytm is one of the best payment apps in iOS. It is an Indian app launched by Mr. Vijay Shekhar Sharma. Paytm is capable of doing mobile recharges as well as hotels, flights, taxis, and train bookings. It also has the feature to make payments to merchants. I have personally seen too many shops which accept payments via Paytm.

Recommended: BHIM app vs Paytm: Which is a better payment app

Freecharge

Freecharge is another best payment app in iOS. It is a fast, secure and reliable app to make digital payments. Initially, the app was designed as a recharge website but soon they made it a payment app. You can do recharges, pay bills and pay at merchants with Freecharge iOS app. It also has some unique features such as Auto-pay and virtual card. These make it an even better payment app in iOS.

Pockets by ICICI

The app is developed by ICICI bank. It is available in iOS app store for everyone. The person who does not have an account in ICICI bank can also use Pockets app. This app does not work as all other mobile wallets work. Instead, it stores the money in a virtual card which is created automatically by the app. You can use this card to make all types of online payments. Even you can request a physical card for the Pockets app. Pockets has all the basic options for making payments.

Mobikwik

Mobikwik is another great payment app in iOS. The app is trusted by 30 million users. This app can be used to make payments to over 75000 websites and platforms. The app is a lightweight, fast and simple solution for digital payments using iPhones or iPads. Mobikwik easily performs transactions in slow networks also.

UPI apps in iOS

Earlier, the UPI apps are only available for Android. Because NPCI had developed the UPI libraries for Android only. But the wait is over. Recently NPCI had finished developing libraries for iOS and shared those with member banks. After this much-awaited move by NPCI, ICICI bank has integrated UPI facility in its iMobile app. Another big player PhonePe has also released iOS version of its UPI app. Other banks are also expected to launch their UPI apps soon.

BHIM app for iOS

BHIM app for iOS is not yet available at the iOS app store. NPCI is still working on the iOS app. As the development of the UPI libraries for iOS is finished, we expect BHIM app for iOS to be launched in the first week of February 2017. Till then you can install other apps such as iMobile and PhonePe and use them.

How can iPhone user use BHIM

Do you know that you can use BHIM services in your iPhone without BHIM iOS app? It is true. The government has integrated BHIM services with the USSD banking. You can access USSD banking by dialing *99# with your registered mobile number. You can use almost every service of the BHIM app except QR codes with *99# banking. Hence dial *99# and enjoy BHIM until NPCI launch BHIM app for iOS.

UPI apps have changed the way of making payments. Though slowly but they are replacing all other payment options including cash. Google play store is flooded with a lot of UPI apps. Some of them are good and some are bad. In this post, I have included the top 7 best UPI apps among all UPI apps. I have personally used and tested all these apps to make the list worthwhile. Keep in mind that you can use any of the UPI apps available in the play store. For example, if you have a bank account in ICICI, you add this account to SBI Pay, BHIM, eMpower or any other UPI app. UPI apps are bank independent so you don’t need to worry about it. If the app by your bank is not good enough, throw it out and grab another best UPI app from the below list.

5. Axis Pay

Axis Bank’s Axis Pay is a great UPI app. It has the cleanest interface among all the UPI apps. Developers have placed only two options on its home screen. One for sending money and another for requesting money. All other options are placed in the side panel which can be accessed by swiping from the left. It made the app slightly tougher to use than other UPI apps. You have to swipe the side panel every time you want to use a service other than send and request.

Axis Pay app is secured by an app 6 digit app password. The user experience is good as the app is fast enough to provide you seamless transaction experience. However, the app has more steps than most of the other UPI apps while sending money. You must need to add an account as a contact within the app before sending money.

Moreover, Axis Pay app does give you the option to generate a QR code. It can also pay using Bharat QR code.

4. SBI Pay

SBI Pay is the standalone UPI app of State Bank of India. The app is secure and easy to use. The user interface of the app is one of the simplest. User experience is also great as transactions can be completed with 3-4 steps only. The icons for almost all main services are placed on its home screen. And other options can be accessed with a single swipe from the left. It has all major UPI services comprising send and request money, balance inquiry and set/change UPI PIN aka MPIN.

Unlike BHIM, you can add more than one bank accounts in SBI Pay. You can select the preferred account from added accounts whereby you need not choose bank account every time. However, the app also has some drawbacks. One of them is app’s speed. The loading speed of the app is slower than a turtle. When I was testing the app, it took around 1.5-2 minutes to launch on 4G network. Although the speed improved after the app was launched. Download SBI Pay and enjoy its simplicity, ease and security.

3. eMpower by Canara bank

eMpower is the official UPI app from Canara Bank. The app has an amazing user interface. It lets you select a profile picture of yourself. It shows on the top of the app’s home screen. Below the picture, the app has its services placed in form of a list. You can also swipe left for more options such as visiting and editing your profile, help and settings.

eMpower is a fast and secure app with lots of features. You can use it for sending and requesting money. The app has some additional methods for sending money. You can send money using not only virtual payment address but also mobile number and MMID and aadhar number. Along with that, you can also send money using IFSC and account number.

eMpower also allows many accounts in the app at one time. Just like all other UPI apps, you can add any bank account with the app. Moreover, Canara Bank has planned to introduce more services to the app such as recharge and bill payments. These coming soon services can be seen at the bottom of the app’s screen. However, the app does not give you the option to select the SIM while authorizing. Despite it uses your default SMS SIM for authorisation message. The speed of the app is also slightly slow. The app has more authorization steps than other apps.

2. PhonePe App

The PhonePe app is another feature rich UPI app. The app is not only a UPI app but also a mobile wallet. It is the second fastest grown UPI app after BHIM app. The app has all the UPI features as well as mobile wallet features. When we talk about interface, it is one of the nicest looking UPI apps. Developers have chosen a nice color combination to design the app. The app is not only good looking but also contains all must have features.

All other UPI apps are meant to send money only. But PhonePe is capable of recharging and paying bills using UPI. The app works well on slow network connections also. It is available in 8 languages including English, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali etc. You can send and request money, generate and scan QR code, set/change UPI PIN with the app. You can also check your bank balance which is also a great feature of UPI. PhonePe app can send money using a mobile number only. However, the beneficiary number must be registered with UPI.

1. BHIM UPI App

The first UPI app in the list of best UPI apps is BHIM UPI app. This app is developed and released by NPCI. It is perhaps the simplest and fastest UPI app available in the play store. The interface of the app is minimal with blue icons and white background.

You can access each of its services with just a single click. Also, you can complete a transaction or change your bank account with three to five clicks only. User experience with the app is very good. I haven’t faced any lag or hiccups while making transactions.

BHIM UPI app has all the UPI features. These include sending or requesting money, changing or setting UPI PIN, checking balance and generating QR codes etc. You can send money using VPA, mobile number or QR code of the beneficiary. NPCI has also included IFSC and account number method with the last update.

Bonus App – PNB UPI

PNB UPI is another one of the best UPI apps available. The app is developed and released by Punjab National Bank. The interface of the app is pretty good but not as good as BHIM or SBI Pay. It lets you send and request money to your account to another. You can send money using VPA or IFSC and account number. It does not let you send money using mobile number only. The speed of the app is also decent. The app sometimes lags due to slow network connection. But if you have good internet connection then there is no problem.

PNB UPI also allows you to pay by scanning a QR code. However, it does not have the option to generate a QR code. This can be very annoying especially for merchants and shopkeepers. All other services are present in the app such as set/change UPI PIN, balance inquiry, adding more than one account and viewing past transactions etc. If you do not consider the looks or QR codes more, then this app is for you. But if you prefer an app which should be clean and simple then go for another app.

These were the best UPI apps for digital payments. These best UPI apps can help you to contribute to the government’s Digital India campaign. Install one of these best UPI apps and forget about cash payments. All these UPI apps are great in terms of features and security. You can choose one that suits your needs most.

You would find hundred of android apps of banking and finance. But the UPI app of Android platform would be the most useful app. As of now, only Android can boast of the UPI apps as these apps are not available on ios or windows. Moreover, almost all the big banks use UPI app payment system. Some banks have even 2-3  UPI apps.

In fact, UPI or unified payment interface is a revolutionary payment system. It has made the payments and fund transfer very easy. This system is based on the mobile apps. This system doesn’t require the bank account number of the payee to transfer fund. The system is simple and secure. You should have a smartphone to use the UPI-based apps.

UPI App For iPhone and Windows

The NPCI has not  set the specification for the windows or iOS platform. But soon the iPhone and windows phone user would be able to use the UPI apps. Banks are just waiting for the NPCI’s technical specification. Till then, only android users would enjoy the benefits of UPI. However, if you are in a hurry, you can use alternative methods to use the Android platform in iPhone and windows.

Features of UPI Android App

Instant Fund Transfer Always

The UPI android apps transfer fund immediately anytime. Ther are no holidays offs or break. It works 24*7. If you want to pay money to a bank account holder you can do it immediately. There would not be a waiting period even for the new payee. You can add a payee and pay money straightaway. You must know that some banks keep a waiting period for a new payee.

Flexibility to Use

There are several UPI apps at Google Play store. These are the banks and third party operators and you are free to use any of them. You are not bound to use the UPI apps from your bank. You can have a bank account in SBI but use the UPI app of ICICI Bank. Even you can link accounts of different banks in one UPI app. You can use several UPI apps and link a bank account to all of them. You can also transfer money to any bank account using the UPI. There is no such restriction. It is an open network of bank accounts.

Negligible Charge

All the methods of interbank fund transfer require some charge. The NEFT and IMPS charges minimum Rs 2.5. But the UPI android apps do not charge a paisa. It is free now. There can be some charge in future but it would be about 50 paise. The UPI framework was made to keep the transaction cost very low.

More Secure

The UPI android app is more secure as it does not require bank account number of the payee. Even it does not ask you bank account number at the time of registration. It links your bank account number on the basis of mobile number. That is why the UPI works on android mobile. On the other h and,  you can give the Virtual payment address of the payee instead of the bank account. The virtual payment address is created by a UPI app user. It is linked to the bank account of the UPI user.

Functions of UPI App

Balance Check

You can easily check your balance through the UPI app. It gives you the facility to check the balance of every account through the single app.

Fund Transfer to any Bank Account

You can transfer money to any bank account. However, the bank should have adopted the UPI payments. Almost all the big banks have become part of the UPI. To transfer fund through this method you have to choose the registered bank account as you have been doing through any banking app. However, the UPI android app gives you facility to transfer money instantly to a new payee. It is not possible with normal bank transfer.

Fund Transfer to VPA

The UPI android apps give you the facility to transfer money to a bank account without knowing the bank account number. Rather, You should know the VPA of payee. VPA or virtual payment address is set when a person registers the new UPI app. The VPA is similar to an email address.

Collect Fund

The UPI app has a unique feature of fund collection. Through this method, you can ask money from someone. The payer would get a notification of collect fund. He/she can approve or reject the payment. This feature is very useful to e-commerce and other lenders.However, you should note that collect money feature works if both the person use UPI android app.

UPI Enabled Banks: List and Links To Download UPI App

 

UPI Android Apps of the Big Banks

The banks have launched their own UPI app. However, it is not necessary to have a UPI app to participate in this platform. Banks are struggling to come with a standalone UPI app and integrate it in its existing mobile apps.

BHIM

It is the most popular UPI app. It is not made by any bank, rather The NPCI has launched this app. BHIM is simplest and most efficient UPI app.

SBI App

The SBI has a separate UPI based app – SBI pay. The app is simple works basic function. The SBI has launched the UPI app after two months.

ICICI UPI Apps

The ICICI Bank has launched two UPI based mobile apps. the ICICI Mobile and ICICI Pocket. You can use any of the ICICI UPI apps

HDFC UPI App

The HDFC bank was late with its UPI app. However, it has integrated the UPI payment system into the HDFC mobile app. Surprisingly It is not the chillar app

You can also read about the best UPI apps of India to get the clearer picture.

 

As the government launched UPI facility in April 2016 many banks have released their UPI apps. Some Non-bank UPI apps are also available in the Android play store. One of them is flipkart’s PhonePe app. In this post, we will talk about the PhonePe app and its features. So, let’s start with introduction.

PhonePe is called India’s first UPI app. It is first launched by two ex flipkart employees Sameer Nigam and Rahul Chari as a semi-closed mobile wallet. In March 2016 , flipkart bought this app from them. Then in August 2016 flipkart launched it as a mobile wallet cum UPI app. Flipkart made a partnership with Yes Bank to integrate UPI facilities in PhonePe. That is why the virtual payment address of this app ends with @ybl. 

How To Download PhonePe App

The Phonepe App is available at google playstore. You can directly search Phonepe App to get the download link. The company is promoting it heavily thus you can see the Phonepe ad once you search for a UPI app.

The phonepe app for iPhone  is also  available. You can download it from App store of iOS operating system.

Ease of use and Speed

PhonePe’s clean user interface makes it an easy to use app. You do not need to ding around to find a service in PhonePe. All its services are listed in its home screen. You can enjoy any of its services in two or three clicks only. It also guides users at every step. Hence transactions become more easy for users.

The speed of the app is also great. It takes no time to start and transactions are also faster. I have tried many apps like SBI UPI app and Axis Bank UPI app. But PhonePe beats almost every other app in terms of speed.

Security

PhonePe provides two layers of security to its users. The first layer is mobile number and second is MPIN. When you first install and use PhonePe, it authenticates your mobile number. It asks you to set your MPIN if not already set. If you change your mobile phone, you will not be able to use PhonePe. This goes for mobile number also. If you remove your registered SIM card, the app will stop working. It only works when your registered SIM card is inserted in your authenticated mobile phone.

Also, you cannot perform any transaction without MPIN. So, if you lost your mobile phone, don’t worry. You are safe because MPIN is needed for every transaction and only you know your MPIN. Keep in mind, never ever disclose your MPIN to anybody for security of your account.

Features of PhonePe App

PhonePe has a large number of great features. The most important feature of the app is UPI support. PhonePe’s UPI feature is not limited to sending and receiving money only. You can use its UPI feature to pay for many other services.

As PhonePe is not just a UPI app but a mobile wallet also. You can use it to pay your bills, recharge and even to pay insurance premiums. Also, you can send money to another PhonePe wallet using QR code. All these transactions can be done using UPI as well as debit and credit cards.

The main features of PhonePe app are listed below:

1. Send money to contacts, VPAs and bank accounts
2. Request money from contacts and VPAs
3. Split bills between contacts or VPAs
4. Recharge mobile, datacard and DTH
5. Pay electricity, landline, broadband and gas bills
6. Pay insurance premiums
7. Pay to persons or at stores having PhonePe app installed

Some more UPI specific features are also there such as balance enquiry, set MPIN, change MPIN and reset MPIN.

Send Money To Contacts

This is a special facility of Phonepe. You can send money to your contacts without knowing their VPA or account number. The transaction takes place on the basis of phone number.  However, you get this convenience only if the recipient have PhonePe app in the phone. If not, the transaction would be failed. On the other hand your contact would get a message to install PhonePe. Thus, this feature also works as a smart promotion strategy.

QR Code and FAQ

PhonePe has some bonus features along with all basic features. One of them is generating your own QR code to receive payments with a single tap. For other apps, you have to visit the upiqr.in to generate QR code . It is a good option to have especially for small shopkeepers.

PhonePe is also available in other languages. You can choose Hindi, Marathi, Bengali and Tamil as well.

Another amazing feature of PhonePe is its FAQs section. It contains the answers for almost all the questions people may ask about MPIN, UPI and the PhonePe app. Moreover, it guides you through the app when you first use the app with popup screens. That makes the app very easy to operate.

Conclusion

There are too many mobile wallets and top UPI apps available to use. Most of them are well established such as Paytm, freecharge, SBI pay and Axis pay. But PhonePe stands strong in front of all these apps. It has over 1 million installs and 4.2 star rating on android play store. The app has all the basic features along with some amazing unique features. It is fast, secure and easy to use mobile wallet cum UPI app. It supports regional languages as well. All these makes it a must have app.