Digital Payments Get Safer with New Custom UPI ID Feature on Leading Apps
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized the way Indians transact, making digital payments fast, convenient, and accessible to millions. However, one long-standing concern for users has been the visibility of their personal mobile numbers linked to UPI IDs. Now, two of India’s most widely used payment platforms, Google Pay and Paytm, have rolled out a major update that promises greater privacy and security for digital transactions.
What’s New for Users?
The latest feature allows users to create their own customized UPI IDs, instead of relying on the default IDs that typically reveal their mobile numbers. This means that while transferring money or receiving payments, individuals no longer need to disclose their personal phone number. Instead, they can set a unique and personalized UPI ID, combining letters and numbers, that adds both convenience and a layer of anonymity.
This move is designed to increase user confidence in digital payments while reducing the chances of fraud and misuse. With privacy concerns on the rise and cases of cybercrime linked to mobile-linked IDs, this update is a step forward in safeguarding financial data.
Why It Matters
Until now, most UPI IDs were directly tied to mobile numbers. This made it relatively easy for scammers and cybercriminals to misuse personal details for phishing, identity theft, or fraudulent requests. With the option to create a custom UPI ID, users can now shield their mobile numbers, making it harder for strangers or fraudsters to misuse personal data.
Experts believe that the introduction of custom UPI IDs will not only enhance security but also encourage more people to use digital transactions without hesitation. For millions of Indians who have made UPI their primary mode of payment, this update represents a big leap forward in terms of safety, trust, and convenience.
How to Create a Custom UPI ID on Paytm
Setting up a new UPI ID on Paytm is a quick process. Here’s how it works:
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Open the Paytm app on your smartphone.
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Tap the profile icon in the top-left corner.
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Scroll down and select UPI & Payment Settings.
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You’ll see a list of all your linked UPI accounts and IDs.
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Choose the option “Create a new UPI ID.”
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Enter your preferred combination of letters and numbers to set a unique ID.
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As an added safety measure, Paytm also recommends creating a backup UPI ID to avoid payment failures.
This feature ensures that while making transactions, your mobile number stays hidden, adding a critical layer of security.
Stricter Rules on Payment Requests
Interestingly, this update comes at a time when regulators have tightened norms around the payment request option on UPI apps. Effective from October 2, stricter rules have been enforced to curb fraud linked to fake payment requests.
In the past, scammers often exploited users by sending deceptive payment requests that made it appear as if money was being credited to their accounts. In reality, unsuspecting individuals ended up authorizing debits instead. With personalized UPI IDs and stronger safeguards, such risks are expected to be significantly reduced.
A Safer Future for Digital Transactions
The launch of custom UPI IDs by Google Pay and Paytm is being hailed as a game-changer for digital payment security in India. By allowing users to mask their mobile numbers, the feature adds both privacy and flexibility to one of the country’s most trusted financial platforms.
As UPI continues to dominate India’s digital payment landscape, steps like these not only protect users but also strengthen the overall ecosystem against fraud. For millions who rely on UPI for everything from groceries to high-value transactions, the ability to create a secure, customized payment identity marks an important shift toward a safer digital economy.
