Best UPI Apps in India – User-friendly, safe, and rewarding
Indians' payment methods have been completely transformed by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Whether you’re paying bills, shopping online, or sending money to friends, choosing the best UPI app is essential for a fast, safe, and rewarding experience.
With dozens of UPI apps in the market, how do you know which one is ideal for you? This guide will help you compare the top UPI apps in India, covering features, rewards, safety, and who they’re best suited for – all based on popularity, user ratings, and market share as of 2025.
Top UPI Apps in India (2025)
1. Google Pay (GPay)
Quick Intro: One of the most widely used UPI apps in India, Google Pay is supported by Google and is made to be quick and simple to use.
- Key Features: Clean, intuitive UI, High-speed transactions, Supports bill payments, recharges, and QR scanning, Transaction limit: ₹1 lakh per day (UPI standard)
- Unique Benefits: Scratch cards and cashback for regular users, Seamless integration with Google services, Great fraud detection system
- Pros: Fast and easy to use, High security, Excellent support
- Cons: Cashback offers are limited now, Basic interface (no extra features like Paytm wallet)
Who Should Use It: Daily users, digital-savvy individuals, casual shoppers
Market Stats: User Rating: ★4.4 | Downloads: 1 Billion+ | Estimated Market Share: Highest among UPI apps
2. PhonePe
Quick Intro: PhonePe is another major UPI player in India with strong merchant support and reward features.
- Key Features: Rich features beyond UPI: gold investment, insurance, DTH, etc., Fast QR payments, Simple dashboard for transactions
- Unique Benefits: Cashback offers via PhonePe Switch, Accepts wallet, credit card, and UPI payments, Great for utility payments
- Pros: Feature-rich, Trusted by retailers, Regular offers
- Cons: Slightly heavier app, Notification overload for new offers
Who Should Use It: Frequent shoppers, bill payers, service users
Market Stats: User Rating: ★4.3 | Downloads: 500 Million+ | Market Share: Among top 3 in India
3. Paytm
Quick Intro: Paytm is a household name in India, known for offering UPI plus wallet services and a full payment ecosystem.
- Key Features: UPI, wallet, credit card, and banking options, Supports bookings (flights, movies), Paytm Postpaid available
- Unique Benefits:Campaigns with a high cashback rate, integrated banking (Paytm Payments Bank), and broad merchant acceptance
- Pros: All-in-one solution, Strong cashback system, Secure and stable
- Cons: Slightly complex for new users, Pushes Paytm Bank features
Who Should Use It: Cashback hunters, online shoppers, business users
Market Stats: User Rating: ★4.6 | Downloads: 500 Million+ | Market Share: High (especially for retail & offline merchants)
4. Amazon Pay (with UPI)
Quick Intro: Amazon’s payment solution has evolved to include UPI, tied closely with its shopping ecosystem.
- Key Features: UPI integration with Amazon account, Fast recharges, bill payments, and peer transfers, Linked with Amazon wallet
- Unique Benefits: Extra cashback on Amazon purchases, Offers during sales and Prime Days, Simple interface
- Pros: Best for Amazon shoppers, Reliable transaction system, UPI + wallet integration
- Cons:Fewer offline-useable features outside of the Amazon ecosystem
Who Should Use It: Amazon Prime users, online buyers
Market Stats: User Rating: ★4.1 | Downloads: 500 Million+ | Market Share: Growing steadily
5. CRED UPI
Quick Intro: CRED, known for rewarding credit card bill payments, now supports UPI with a premium experience.
- Key Features: Minimalist, elegant UI, High transaction success rate, Instant UPI payments
- Unique Benefits: Cashback and CRED coins, Premium feel and user-centric design, Rewards for paying others
- Pros: Great user experience, Top-rated support, Innovative rewards
- Cons: Not suitable for non-credit card users, Fewer features outside payments
Who Should Use It: Urban users, reward seekers, premium users
Market Stats: User Rating: ★4.8 | Downloads: 50 Million+ | Market Share: Niche but fast-growing
6. BHIM App
Quick Intro: NPCI released BHIM, the official UPI app, in partnership with the Indian government.
- Key Features: Basic and reliable interface, Developed with security in mind, Supports all UPI banks
- Unique Benefits: No ads or promotions, Direct integration with all Indian banks, Supports regional languages
- Pros: Lightweight and fast, Govt. backed trust, Simple to use
- Cons: No cashback or offers, Outdated UI
Who Should Use It: Beginners, senior citizens, users preferring a clean UPI app
Market Stats: User Rating: ★4.0 | Downloads: 100 Million+ | Market Share: Moderate, official app recognition
Comparison Table of Best UPI Apps (2025)
| App | Best For | User Rating | Downloads | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pay | Daily users | 4.4 | 1B+ | Scratch cards |
| PhonePe | Frequent shoppers | 4.3 | 500M+ | Cashback via Switch |
| Paytm | Cashback hunters | 4.6 | 500M+ | Heavy cashback |
| Amazon Pay | Amazon users | 4.1 | 500M+ | Shopping offers |
| CRED | Reward seekers | 4.8 | 50M+ | CRED coins |
| BHIM | Seniors, beginners | 4.0 | 100M+ | None |
Best UPI App for Teenagers and Minors
If you’re a teenager or a parent of one, UPI can be used safely under guidance. Several banks now offer minor savings accounts that support UPI through debit card linkage.
Top Banks Providing Teen-Friendly UPI Accounts:
- HDFC Bank (Kids Advantage Account)
- Kotak Mahindra (Junior Account)
- ICICI Bank (Young Stars Account)
- IDFC FIRST Bank (Minor Account)
- SBI (Pehla Kadam Account)
Recommended UPI Apps for Minors (From Approved List):
- PhonePe: Easy setup with linked bank account
- Google Pay: Safe, minimalist, works well with teen accounts
Disclaimer: Teenagers should use UPI apps under parental supervision. Ensure the bank account is UPI-enabled and the debit card is active for registration.
Safety Advice for Indian Users of UPI Apps
- Never share UPI PIN or OTP
- Use screen lock and app lock features
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links
- Verify UPI ID before transferring
- Report frauds via your bank or NPCI
Which UPI App is Best for You?
Still wondering which UPI is best for your needs? Here's a quick guide:
- For cashback lovers: Paytm, PhonePe
- For a clean and official experience: BHIM
- For premium feel & rewards: CRED
- For Amazon users: Amazon Pay
- For teens: Google Pay, PhonePe with teen-linked accounts
- For overall balance: Google Pay
