What is UPI Circle / BHIM Circle

UPI Circle is a delegation / sharing feature introduced by NPCI that lets a primary user (i.e. the main account holder) authorize secondary users (trusted family, friends, caretakers) to initiate UPI payments from the primary user’s linked bank account. 

The idea is to allow people who may not be comfortable managing digital payments (elderly, dependents) to transact via someone they trust, while still giving the primary user oversight and control. 

At launch, this feature was available in BHIM app version 4.0.2 and above. 

Key Features & Modes of Delegation

UPI Circle supports different modes / levels of delegation:

Feature Description

Number of secondary users A primary user can authorize up to 5 secondary users. 

Partial Delegation (Approve Every Payment) The secondary user can initiate a transaction, but the primary user must approve each one in real time (by entering UPI PIN) before it is completed. 

Full Delegation (Spend with Limits) The secondary user can transact independently up to a limit set by the primary user — no need for approval each time (as long as the transaction is within the allowed limits). 

Transaction / Monthly Limits In full delegation mode, the per-transaction limit is ₹5,000, and the monthly limit is ₹15,000. 

Transparency / Control All transactions by secondary users are visible to the primary user. In partial mode, each request must be approved. The primary user retains control to modify or revoke permissions. 

Interoperability / Cross-platform UPI Circle is becoming interoperable across UPI apps (BHIM, PhonePe, Google Pay). That means primary and secondary users can be on different UPI apps and still use the feature. 

Useful for families: e.g. a parent lets a child make small payments (school fees, snacks), but retains control. 

For elderly / dependents: a caregiver can help manage payments for them, while the elderly person remains in the loop. 

For small businesses or helpers: owners can let trusted staff initiate payments (for fuel, supplies) under limited authorization. 

Promotes financial inclusion: individuals who may not have bank accounts or are less tech-savvy can still transact via trusted persons. 

How to Use / Set Up UPI Circle in BHIM

Here’s a step-by-step guide based on available sources:

Update BHIM app

Ensure your BHIM app is version 4.0.2 or later. 

Open UPI Circle section

Within BHIM app, look for “UPI Circle” in the menu or home page. 

Add Secondary User

You can add by entering their UPI ID or by scanning their QR code. 

The secondary user must accept the invitation. 

Choose Delegation Type

Approve Every Payment (Partial Delegation).

Spend with Limits (Full Delegation).

Set limits (monthly / per transaction) if choosing full delegation. 

Confirm / Authorize Setup

Once settings are configured, confirm using UPI PIN or as required. The setup may take a few minutes to become active. 

Operate

Secondary user initiates payments (within their access).

If partial mode, request goes to primary for approval.

The transaction is completed only after primary approves.

Primary can monitor, edit, or revoke access any time. 

Limitations & Considerations / Things to Note

Even with full delegation, there are limits: typically ₹5,000 per transaction and ₹15,000 per month. 

In partial delegation mode, the daily UPI limits (that apply to your account) still apply. 

The feature requires both parties to use UPI and compatible apps. Secondary users must accept the invitation.

The feature was initially limited to BHIM, but cross-platform interoperability is being introduced, meaning primary & secondary can be on different UPI apps. 

You must trust the secondary user, even if there are limits — misuse is possible if permissions are mis-set.

The feature is new, so some bank/UPI apps may roll out support gradually.

 The Department of Telecommunications has launched the Sanchar Saathi portal to provide citizens with tools to manage their mobile connections and increase awareness about government initiatives. The portal enables users to identify mobile connections issued in their name and disconnect any unnecessary connections. It also offers features to block or trace lost mobile phones and verify the authenticity of devices when purchasing new or used phones. Refer this link to know mobile number owner

One of the modules on the Sanchar Saathi portal is the CEIR, which assists in tracing lost or stolen mobile devices and blocking them on all telecom networks in India to prevent their misuse. If someone tries to use a blocked mobile phone, its traceability is generated, and once the phone is found, it can be unblocked on the portal for normal use by the citizens.

The TAFCOP module allows mobile subscribers to verify the number of mobile connections taken in their name and report any connections that are not required or not taken by them.

Additionally, the portal includes a "Keep Yourself Aware" facility that provides users with the latest updates and awareness material related to end-user security, telecom, and information security.

For Quick User Manual Refer this link 

 

RuPay Credit Cards on UPI will provide a seamless, digitally enabled credit card lifecycle experience for the customers. Customers will benefit from the ease and the increased opportunity to use their credit cards. Merchants will benefit from the increase in consumption by being part of the credit ecosystem with acceptance of credit cards using asset lite QR codes. RuPay Credit cards can now be linked to a UPI ID, thus directly enabling safe, and secure payment transactions.

Please download BHIM app from Google Play store. Complete the registration journey, select Credit Card as an option. Select your issuing bank name from the drop down. Basis the mobile number update with your issuing bank, masked Credit Cards will appear on the screen. Select the card which you want to link and confirm. Proceed to generate UPI PIN.

Currently, on BHIM, Mobikwik and Paytm app customer can link their RuPay Credit Card on UPI. Other apps are enhancing their tech platforms to enable linking of credit card on UPI.

As of now , four banks are live to link RuPay Credit Card on UPI – Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India & Indian Bank, HDFC Bank

Product features:

Discover credit card accounts from the issuer bank based on your registered mobile number and link it to the UPI ID on BHIM app or any UPI app.

Post linking the card, customer will be able to make payment to a merchant by scanning the UPI QR code. Payment authentication will be done using UPI PIN.

Cash withdrawal at merchant, P2P, P2PM, card to card payments will not be permitted through this functionality.

Transaction through this process will follow UPI standard transaction limits.

Features like AutoPay and dispute resolution will be available for the customer via ODR (UPIHelp) through UPI Apps.