UPI ID (VPA)

UPI ID (VPA) is your payment address, like name@bank, that people use to pay you without knowing your account number.

UPI ID (VPA): A UPI ID, also called a Virtual Payment Address or VPA, looks like name@bankname. It points to your bank account without revealing the account number. Anyone who knows it can send you money or raise a payment request to you.

You share your UPI ID on shop QR codes, invoices and in chats so people can pay you. It is safe to give out for receiving money, much like an email address. What it does not give is any access to your account. Only your UPI PIN, entered on your phone, can move money out. Think of it as a public address, not a key to your account.

Scammers use similar-looking IDs to confuse you. An ID like rameshkumar@oksbi and rameshkumar1@oksbi are two different people. Frauds also ask you to "verify" an ID by sending a small payment, which is just a way to get money or learn your details. Always check the name shown by the app before paying. If a name looks odd or does not match who you expect, cancel the payment and ask again.

Tips

• Check the name the app shows after you type an ID and before you pay.
• Share your UPI ID freely to receive money, but never share your PIN or OTP.
• Be careful with IDs that differ by one letter or a number from someone you know.

Related terms