Now Paytm and Google Pay users can also create their own custom UPI ID, learn the easy process

Preferred UPI ID: Now Paytm and Google Pay users can create their own Preferred UPI ID, allowing them to make secure digital payments while hiding their mobile number. 

Previously, UPI IDs were linked to mobile numbers, but now users can create custom UPI IDs using their names or favorite words. Let's explore the details. 

UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has become the easiest and fastest method of digital payment in India. Millions of people use it every day—whether it's a ₹10 payment at a store or a large online shopping transaction. 

But now, a major update has arrived for UPI users, allowing Paytm and Google Pay users to create their own Preferred UPI ID—just like an email address.

This new feature further strengthens your privacy, as you can now hide your mobile number and send or receive payments with a unique UPI ID.

What is the new feature?

Previously, UPI IDs were linked to your mobile number, such as 9876xxxxxx@paytm or @okaxis. This meant that every time you made a payment or requested money, your number was visible to the other party.

Now, with this new update, you can create a custom UPI ID with your name or any word of your choice – like rahul123@paytm or shopwithme@okhdfcbank.

This keeps your identity safe and you can make digital transactions without sharing your mobile number.

How to create a custom UPI ID on Paytm and Google Pay?

1. You can create a UPI ID of your choice in a few simple steps. Let's walk through the process:
2. Open Paytm or Google Pay app.
3. Go to your profile section.
4. Here you will find the option of 'UPI & Payment Settings', tap on it.
5. You will now see your linked bank accounts and existing UPI IDs.
6. Scroll down and click on 'Create a New UPI ID' or 'Add New UPI ID'.
7. Now you can create a new UPI ID (Preferred UPI ID) using your favorite name or words.
8. That's it! Your new custom UPI ID is ready. You can now use it for both your payments and receiving.

Why is it important to create a custom UPI ID?

We all use UPI, but security is a major concern. The new feature offers several benefits:

1. Now you don't need to tell your mobile number to anyone.
2. Fraud can be prevented by creating a unique UPI ID.
3. You can have separate IDs for personal and business transactions.
4. Creating an easy-to-remember ID also speeds up the payment process.
5. Advantages and disadvantages of having multiple UPI IDs

Many users are now creating multiple UPI IDs. While this has some benefits, it also requires some caution.

Benefits of UPI ID:

1. If one app does not work, you can make transactions through another app.
2. Cashback or rewards available on different apps can be availed.
3. Separate IDs make it easier to keep business and personal transactions separate.

Disadvantages of UPI ID:

1. Having multiple IDs can increase confusion.
2. Unsecured apps are at risk of data theft.
3. If the app is not updated, the possibility of cyber fraud increases.