Why Your UPI ID Needs a Makeover (And How to Get One)
Let’s face it: the digital payment world in India has been completely transformed by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). It’s fast, free, and incredibly convenient. But there’s one small hitch many people face: those long, often random-looking default UPI IDs. Something like mobile-number@paytm or a string of letters and numbers followed by @okicici.
Trying to dictate one of these complex IDs to a friend at a bustling restaurant, or typing one into a merchant’s app, can be a recipe for confusion and errors. This is where a personalized UPI ID comes in, often referred to as a Custom UPI ID or Virtual Payment Address (VPA).
Imagine your UPI ID is simply yourname@paytm or yournickname@oksbi. It’s easy to remember, share, and verify. A custom VPA makes every transaction smoother and minimizes the risk of sending money to the wrong person. It’s the digital equivalent of having a nickname everyone knows.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through the precise steps to create this digital moniker on the two most popular platforms in India: Paytm and Google Pay (also known as GPay).
Creating a Custom UPI ID on Google Pay
Google Pay offers one of the most streamlined processes for creating a personalized UPI address. The app often suggests a basic VPA based on your Gmail ID or phone number, but you have the power to change it.
The Simple Steps to a Google Pay Custom VPA
- Open the Google Pay App: Ensure your app is updated to the latest version.
- Navigate to Profile: Tap your profile picture or icon in the top right corner of the home screen.
- Find the Bank Account Section: Select “Bank accounts” or “Payment methods.”
- Manage Your Account: Tap on the specific bank account for which you want to change the VPA.
- Look for the “Manage UPI ID” Option: Here, you will see your current UPI IDs listed. There will be an option, sometimes a pencil icon or a clear button, to “Manage UPI IDs” or “Add a UPI ID.”
- Suggest Your New ID: Enter the desired VPA (e.g., suresh.kumar.pune). The app will automatically append the bank’s handle, like @okaxis, @oksbi, or @okicici.
- Check Availability and Confirm: The app will instantly check if your chosen ID is available. If it is, tap “Save” or “Confirm” to link it to your bank account.
Expert Tip: When choosing a custom ID on GPay, try to include a unique identifier, like your city or middle initial, to increase the chance of it being available!
How to Create a Personal UPI ID on Paytm
Paytm, one of India’s pioneering fintech platforms, gives you great control over customizing your VPA, especially if you use their default handle, @paytm.
Personalizing Your Paytm UPI Address
- Launch the Paytm App: Open the Paytm application on your smartphone.
- Go to UPI & Payments Section: Look for the “UPI & Bank Accounts” icon, usually visible on the homepage.
- Locate the UPI ID Settings: You will see your linked bank account and the current default VPA. Tap on the option that says “Change VPA” or “Manage UPI ID.”
- Enter Your Preferred ID: In the input box, type your desired unique username (e.g., paytmuser2025). The final ID will be yourdesiredname@paytm.
- Verify and Secure: Paytm will confirm if the requested ID is available. Once confirmed, you will typically need to authenticate the change, sometimes requiring you to enter your UPI PIN or a one-time password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number.
| Platform | Default Handle Example | Customization Location | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pay (GPay) | mobilenumber@okaxis | Profile → Bank Account → Manage UPI IDs | Multiple VPA options for one account |
| Paytm | mobilenumber@paytm | UPI & Bank Accounts → Change VPA | Simpler one-word VPA linked to the @paytm handle |
The Power of Recognition: Why Personalization Matters
While both platforms have slightly different interfaces, the goal is the same: to create a memorable and unique identifier.
A recent report by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) noted a significant correlation between user retention and the use of easy-to-use digital tools. Custom UPI IDs fall squarely into this category, improving the user experience and reducing payment friction.
Think of a scenario: You’re an online seller, and instead of asking customers to remember a long account number or a complex VPA, you simply say, “My UPI ID is myshopname@paytm.” This ease of sharing translates directly into faster payments and a more professional brand image. It builds authority and trust with your customers.
Case Study: Pooja, a small business owner in Chennai, used to share her phone number VPA. After changing it to poojasbeautyshop@paytm, she saw a 15% reduction in payment failure calls from customers, simply because the ID was easier for them to type correctly.
Essential Tips for Choosing the Best Custom UPI ID
- Keep it Short and Simple: The goal is memorability. Avoid long strings of numbers or symbols.
- Use Your Name or Brand: If you’re a professional, use your name. If you have a business, use your business name.
- Be Unique: If your first choice is taken, try adding a number (e.g., birth year) or a location suffix (e.g., anand.delhi).
- Avoid Sensitive Information: Do not use passwords or highly sensitive personal data.
A personalized UPI ID is a small change with a big impact on your digital life. Take control of your virtual payment address today and make your transactions as seamless as possible!
