Google introduces UPI Circle in India: What is it, how to use and everything else you need to know

A few weeks ago, Google unveiled a new UPI feature called UPI Circle for its Google Pay app. This new feature is designed to simplify financial transactions for individuals who may not have access to a bank account or are hesitant to use digital payment methods. According to Google, UPI Circle will soon be available on the app.
Launched in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI Circle aims to bridge the gap for those still reliant on cash by allowing trusted friends or family members to help them make payments digitally.
UPI Circle on Google Pay allows the primary user to delegate digital payment tasks to trusted contacts, such as family members or friends. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who either do not have access to a bank account or find it difficult to manage digital payments on their own. Instead of requiring the secondary user to link a bank account, UPI Circle allows payments to be made through the primary user’s account.
The UPI Circle feature offers two types of delegation:
Full Delegation: The primary user sets a monthly limit, up to ₹15,000, allowing the secondary user to make payments independently within that limit, without requiring further approvals.
Partial Delegation: The primary user retains full control over every transaction initiated by the secondary user. The primary user receives a request to approve each payment, ensuring they are aware of and involved in each transaction.
Additionally, there is a 30-minute cool-off period after linking a secondary user, during which no transactions can be made. This adds an extra layer of security.
Google says that UPI Circle will be particularly beneficial for families where older members may not be comfortable with digital payments, or for individuals managing payments for dependents or domestic help.
Google is rolling out the UPI Circle feature across both Android and iOS. Users will need to update their app to check if the feature is available. Once the feature is available:
To add someone to your UPI Circle:
– The primary user (account holder) needs an active bank account linked to Google Pay.
– The secondary user should have a UPI ID, and their mobile number must be saved in the primary user’s contact list.
– To make payments from the primary user’s account, the secondary user will need to open their UPI app and tap the QR code icon.
– The primary user will then access the UPI Circle section by tapping their profile picture or initials on Google Pay.
– The primary user selects the delegation type (full or partial).
– The secondary user will then need to accept the invitation to finalise the setup.
– Once the UPI Circle is set up, the secondary user can make payments independently within the preset Rs 15,000 monthly limit, including payments up to Rs 5,000 per transaction.
– Whenever a secondary user initiates a payment request, the primary user will need to approve or deny the request based on the details provided.
Notably, both the primary and secondary users can track the status of their payment requests in real-time through the UPI Circle section in their profiles. This feature will also provide the history of all completed transactions for more transparency.
A primary user can add up to five secondary users, managing multiple dependents. However, each secondary user can only be part of one UPI Circle at a time.