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VPA is the secure UPI ID you create on your UPI app. It acts as a unique user ID used only by you to make payments. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the virtual payment address.
What does VPA mean in UPI?
A Virtual Payment Address (VPA) is a unique payment ID (for example, yourname@bank or mobile@upi). VPA for UPI is further linked to your bank account, allowing you to send or receive money without sharing your bank account details, such as your account number or IFSC code. This reduces the risk of fraud and also the unnecessary hassle of always remembering the account number or the IFSC code. Your VPA (your UPI ID) is securely linked to your bank account, and payments made with it are processed instantly through the UPI app you choose. VPAs make UPI transactions simple, safe, and private.
UPI allows customers and businesses to transfer funds instantly. The payer does not need to fill in the recipient’s bank account details to make the payment. It can simply be done by entering the recipient’s VPA or the phone number linked with the recipient’s VPA.
The VPA of UPI is so popular with the masses because it is extremely easy to use. Moreover, it only requires a few minutes to set up.
The demand for the UPI payment method has increased rapidly in India because people have become more digitally driven. As the world is going digital, the demand for quick, instant, and hassle-free payments has increased. The VPA in UPI allows money to be sent or received anytime, anywhere, directly from a mobile phone, eliminating the need for physical cash, cards, or multiple bank visits. Just one click, either through QR code scan or UPI ID exchange, and the payment can be sent 24/7.
Be it a small payment to a fruit seller on the street or a high-value payment to a multistore company, with a virtual payment address, it can easily be done in seconds.
Example of Virtual Payment Address (VPA)
The usual format or look of VPA in UPI is abc@bankname or yourname@bankname, or 123@bankname. The structure of VPA may vary from application to application, i.e, the service provider you have chosen. For example, on Google Pay, the format of VPA may look like yourname@okhdfcbank or mobilennumber@oksbi, etc., while on Amazon Pay, it may look like @yapl when the bank is Yes Bank. So, this indicates the uniqueness that every service provider offers to its users. The primary default VPA will be automatically set by the service provider app. The initial part of the UPI can be anything, like your name or mobile number, or a combination of name and birth date, ensuring it is unique.
The latter part of the UPI can either be as per the bank you are linked to, or the bank the UPI app is associated with.
How to create a VPA in UPI?
UPI is extremely user-friendly. In fact, you can create your own VPA using any UPI app by following these simple steps.
Download a UPI-enabled App
UPI apps can be divided into UPI bank apps (Paytm, BHIM Axis Pay UPI) and 3rd party apps (PhonePe, Google Pay, Amazon Pay etc.)
Link the UPI app to your bank account
Use the mobile number that you have registered with your bank. You may also choose to link more than one bank account to your UPI app to generate an ID for each linked bank account.
Create a UPI PIN
Your UPI PIN is the security number that you set when you first add your bank account. You will be required to enter this PIN each time you initiate a payment. It is highly advisable not to share your UPI PIN with anyone for security reasons.
Create a unique ID
Your UPI ID will act as your financial address. This will allow you to make transactions without having to remember the bank account details (like bank a/c number, IFSC code, etc).
A VPA is typically a combination of numbers and alphabets. The 1st part of the VPA could be a mobile number, for example, 9999999999@ybl, or a set of characters. For e.g. johndoe21@ybl.
However, you have to check the availability of your desired VPA. Once you set your UPI PIN and VPA, you can then initiate UPI transactions.
Pay using your VPA in UPI
Enter the beneficiary’s VPA in the UPI payment and the amount. You could also choose to add remarks along with that payment. Furthermore, you can share your VPA with others to receive payments.
Most Common VPA Suffixes of Leading Banks in India
| Third-Party Service Provider | VPA Suffix | Bank Name |
| Axis Bank | @apl | Axis Bank |
| Google Pay | @oksbi | State Bank of India |
| Google Pay | @okaxis | Axis Bank |
| Google Pay | @okhdfcbank | HDFC Bank |
| Bank of Baroda | @barodapay | Bank of Baroda |
| PNB UPI | @PNB | Punjab National Bank |
| ICICI Bank UPI | @icici | ICICI Bank |
| Paytm App | @paytm | Paytm Payment Bank |
Are UPI and VPA identical?
Indeed, UPI ID is a unified payment interface ID, and VPA is a virtual payment address; these names are used interchangeably. This can be interpreted as follows: VPA is the address used within the UPI system, and UPI is the primary system. Sending and receiving money via the UPI system without disclosing any bank information to the recipient is made possible by a VPA. Depending on the UPI app you are connected to, the UPI handle typically appears as yourname@okhdfcbank or yourname@oksbi.
Advantages of VPA in UPI
Low transaction cost
A lot of banks charge their customers for IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS transactions. However, payments through VPA include zero to minimal added costs borne by the UPI app user.
User friendly
Doing transactions through VPA is extremely user-friendly. Using a VPA makes it convenient to track all your transactions in one place. You do not need to remember bank a/c details, IFSC code numbers, net banking ID or passwords. Moreover, NPCI has issued directives to banks and 3rd party apps to have easy-to-remember formats.
Talk about user-friendliness!
Moreover, in UPI transactions, the fund transfer is done from bank to bank. Recipients get instant access to funds and they can be used without any restrictions. This means that you can keep your money in your bank account and earn interest!
Allows Transactions 24×7
You can send and receive UPI payments even on Sundays and bank holidays. Transactions are not limited to the working hours of banks.
More Security
Cyber frauds are always making the news. These reports highlight the utmost importance of ensuring transactional safety.
Thankfully, there is an element of added security in VPA. When you pay someone through their VPA, the recipient will not know your bank account details as this is masked by your VPA. Moreover, you can always change your VPA at any time that you choose.
Instant beneficiary addition
In IMPS/NEFT transactions, you have to wait for a period of time to add a beneficiary. This time period can range from 30 minutes to a few days.
However, VPA allows you to make instant transfers to any VPA.
One VPA, Multiple Accounts
One VPA can be linked to multiple banks. However, one bank will be primary.
Now that you know about the advantages of VPA, let’s have a look at how it can be used to send and receive payments.
Sending money via VPA
Ease of use is one of the top reasons why UPI has been an instant hit with users. You can send money via any UPI app in a matter of seconds. All you have to do is follow these simple steps:
- Open your UPI app. For eg. Google Pay, Paytm, PhonePe, etc.
- Select the ‘Send Money’ or ‘Pay’ option, depending on the app.
- Scan the QR code of the beneficiary. Alternatively, you can enter their mobile number or VPA.
- Enter the desired amount and remarks. Ensure that all the details are correct.
- Finally, type in your UPI PIN to validate the transaction.
Receiving money via VPA
You can just as easily request to receive money via UPI. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Login to your UPI-based mobile app and select UPI
- Head on to “Collect via UPI”
- Enter the VPA address of your creditor and the amount requested. You can choose to add remarks
- If you have multiple VPAs, then select the one linked to the bank account to which the money should be credited
- Once the creditor approves the transaction, the money will be deposited in your bank account
One of the reasons why VPA is so popular in today’s times is because it is so user-friendly.
But that’s not all.
As UPI becomes the preferred payment method among consumers, businesses are also adopting the UPI infrastructure. Businesses can use UPI for various payment needs like payment collection from customers, sending money to suppliers and so on.
Different kinds of VPA in UPI and their usage
The virtual payment addresses can be divided into 3 broad categories:
Peer to Peer (P2P)
These IDs are used to transfer funds between individuals.
A simple example would be: your friend Dave transferring funds to you through a UPI-enabled app.
Peer to Merchant (P2M)
This is used to transfer funds to a merchant or a business.
For instance, you can buy a new phone on Amazon and pay Amazon using any UPI app.
These are created by banks by registering the merchant. The merchant has to submit business KYC documents. Thereafter, the merchant has to set up a business account on any UPI-enabled app. To set up a business account, a merchant has to verify the bank account and integrate the UPI-enabled app with a technical platform.
For instance, here is a guide to setting up a business account on Google Pay1.
Most importantly, a P2M VPA cannot be used to send payments, but only receive payments.
Peer To Merchant- Virtual (P2M-V)
Now, this is where it gets interesting.
P2M Virtual accounts are created when an existing P2M VPA is mapped to multiple alias VPAs. These multiple alias VPAs are usually created automatically via an API.
Let’s explain the same with an example.
Let’s say you are a school that needs to collect fees from your students. You can receive fee payments through a P2M Virtual account. In fact, you can assign a unique VPA to each student based on their roll number.
Now, once these alias VPAs are created, you can follow these 3 simple steps to receive and reconcile payments:
- Share the ID with every user through SMS/Whatsapp/ email or through your school mobile app
- The user will make the payment to this assigned ID using any UPI-enabled app. You are then notified once the payment is received via webhooks
Needless to say, UPI is not only user-friendly but has opened up a huge opportunity for advancements in the payment space.
Almost all major and new businesses are exploring ways to use UPI for their ever-evolving payment needs.
Create a Virtual account with Cashfree Autopay
Cashfree allows businesses to create multiple virtual accounts through UPI Autopay. This helps customers enable e-mandate using any UPI app without entering a PIN. UPI Autopay helps businesses create subscription plans for their customers and automatically debit payments via UPI.
If you are looking to leverage the power of UPI for your business payments, you can check out Cashfree’s UPI Business Stack today.
Things to Keep in Mind with VPA in UPI
VPAs make payments fast, simple, and secure; users and businesses must consider specific essential aspects to use VPA in UPI safely and effectively. Being mindful of how VPAs work helps prevent failed transactions, fraud, and payment delays.
1. VPA Must Be Correct and Active
A VPA needs to be entered exactly as registered, including the correct suffix (for example, @okhdfc or @oksbi). Even a small typo can lead to transaction failure or sending money to the wrong user. Additionally, the VPA must be active and linked to a functioning bank account.
2. One VPA Is Linked to One Bank Account
Each VPA is mapped to a specific bank account. If the linked account is closed, dormant, or changed, the VPA may stop working unless updated. Users who change banks should either create a new VPA or re-link their existing one.
3. VPAs Are App and Bank Dependent
A single user can have multiple VPAs across different UPI apps (like BHIM, PhonePe, Google Pay). However, each VPA works only within the UPI ecosystem and is governed by the issuing bank or third-party app. Always confirm which VPA is intended for receiving payments.
4. Privacy and Data Security Advantage
One of the biggest benefits of a VPA is that it keeps sensitive bank details private. However, users should avoid sharing their VPA publicly on unsecured platforms to reduce the risk of spam requests or fraudulent payment collection requests.
5. VPA Is Required for Both Collect and Pay Requests
Whether you are sending money or requesting it (collect request), the VPA plays a central role. For businesses, sharing the correct VPA ensures faster reconciliation and fewer customer payment issues.
6. Be Careful with Payment Requests
Fraudsters often send fake collect requests to VPAs. Always verify the sender name, amount, and purpose before approving any UPI request. Remember, approving a request means you are authorising a debit from your account.
7. VPA Naming Should Be Simple and Professional (for Businesses)
Businesses should choose a clean, easy-to-remember VPA that reflects their brand name. A confusing or unprofessional VPA can reduce customer trust and increase payment errors.
8. Transaction Limits Still Apply
Even though VPAs simplify payments, UPI transaction limits (daily limits, per-transaction caps) still apply as defined by banks and NPCI. Large payments may fail if they exceed these limits.
9. VPA Cannot Work Without UPI Registration
A VPA only functions if UPI is activated on the linked mobile number and bank account. Changing your mobile number without updating it in your bank can cause VPA-related failures.
10. Deactivated VPAs Should Not Be Used
In case you delete your VPA or no longer plan to use it due to a bank change or lose interest, it should not be shared with anyone. Any business planning for a new or changed VPA should update the same across segments, like for invoices, or update their QR scan code to avoid payment decline.
Conclusion
Let us come to this conclusion: VPAs make UPI transactions seamless, secure, and user-friendly, but correct usage is essential. In today’s digital world, VPA acts as the backbone of online payment systems. Every UPI user or business linked to VPA must adhere to the guidelines set by the company. This ensures the payments made are smooth, secure and successful. Your UPI ID is unique to you, so always stay alert to avoid scams and misuse of your VPA.
FAQs on VPA in UPI
Are VPA and UPI ID the same?
Yes, VPA stands for Virtual Payment Address and is another name for UPI ID. Apps like BHIM Axis Pay, BHIM SBI Pay, Payzapp and PhonePe call it Payment Address.
How should I send money if VPA is not known?
If the VPA of the beneficiary is not known, you could use Cashfree’s Cashgram services. Here, the beneficiary will be given a payment link with a predetermined amount. Thereafter, they can choose whichever payment method they think best.
What is the UPI transaction limit?
In the case of P2P transfers, the transaction limit per UPI transaction is ₹1 lakh. However, the upper limit varies from bank to bank.
Moreover, for P2P transactions, the UPI payment limit is 10 transactions.
Businesses using UPI for payment collection or disbursal are not restricted by these limits. In fact, you can make any number of transactions of any value to your beneficiaries/customers. Additionally, as a merchant, you can define your own transaction limits.
Pro Tip: Head over to this blog for more information on UPI transaction limits.
Are transactions done through UPI secure?
Yes, transactions done through UPI are secure. However, it is strictly advised to never share your OTP or UPI PIN with anyone.
How do I block my VPA in UPI?
To block your VPA, head over to the UPI app and then disable that particular VPA. Alternatively, you can consider the net banking route (for eg. Online SBI) and disable the UPI from there.
How many VPAs can I have?
You can choose to create different VPAs on different UPI apps while linking to the same bank account.
How can I change VPA in UPI?
You can directly change or edit it in your UPI app. Usually, this option can be found under app settings. You can head over to App Settings> VPA> Edit VPA.
Where can I find VPA in PhonePe?
To find it in the PhonePe app, tap your profile picture on the top left corner of the PhonePe app home screen. Thereafter, tap on “My BHIM UPI ID to see your VPA”
What is UPI VPA in Paytm?
UPI VPA in Paytm is your virtual payment address. You can find your VPA in Paytm by heading to the app home screen>clicking on UPI.
What is my VPA in Google Pay?
To check your VPA in Google Pay, click on your profile picture on the home screen. On the top left corner, you will find your user name, registered mobile number and VPA/UPI ID.
