How to use BHIM UPI

BHIM

An APP developed by NPCI 

(National Payments Corporation of India)

Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) is a payment app that lets you make simple, easy and quick transactions using Unified Payments Interface (UPI). You can make direct bank payments to anyone on UPI using their UPI ID or scanning their QR with the BHIM app. You can also request money through the app from a UPI ID.

For official website, Go to :- https://www.bhimupi.org.in/what-we-do

How to access BHIM: First Time User:-

A step-by-step guide on how to use BHIM app :-

step1
Download and Install BHIM app from Google Play store or Apple App store

step2
Select your preferred language

step3
Select SIM which has mobile number that is registered with your bank

step4
Login by setting a 4 digit application password

step5
Select and link your desired bank account

step6
Set your UPI PIN by providing last 6 digits and expiry date of debit card

step7
Your account is now registered and ready to use. Send or request money and go cashless!!


BHIM is a unique payment solution which can be used without internet as well!! You can dial *99# from any phone and avail the same features of BHIM on your mobile screen. You can also register for BHIM using *99#

At a programme in New Delhi on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the mobile payment app BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money). Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), BHIM is an aggregator for all UPI-based services offered by banks.

And at first instance it looks like a pretty cool app.

The great bit about the BHIM app is its simplicity and how, in one fell swoop, it makes the cashless transactions very easy. In apps like Paytm and MobiKwik you have to recharge your e-wallet to use them. There is no such thing here in BHIM. It directly connects to your bank account -- one account that you can specify -- and then you can use it to make payments, receive money and make transfers. It uses UPI through which all the major banks in India are now connected. The transactions are instant, although there is a limit of Rs 10,000 per transaction. Also you can't make transaction worth more than Rs 20,000 in 24 hours.

The security of the app still needs some scrutiny but if it all works as intended, BHIM is going to be big. Like really big for India. It won't be the Chhota Bhim.

Sounds exciting? Here is how you can set up and use BHIM...

You will require
To use BHIM you need a smartphone. The better the phone is, the better it is in terms of usability of BHIM. You also need an internet connection. PM Modi talks about how BHIM doesn't require internet. But we are not sure about that bit. Currently you do need internet to install and use BHIM but may be in future the app may work solely with USSD in case internet is not available. But this is one point on which there is not enough clarity.

How to use BHIM app
On the home screen, the app has three options. Send money, request money and scan and pay.

Send money: The option is simple to use. Tap on it > enter the phone number of the person who is going to receive the money. The number will be verified and if a UPI/BHIM account has been set up for that number, the app will accept the number and will take you to the next screen where you can put in the money and send it.

If there is no number or UPI ID, you can also send the money using Bank Account + IFSC code. To access this option, click on three dots (settings) on the send money page.

Request money: Again, tap on the request button. Put in the number, let the app verify it. Once the verification is done, you can request the money.

Scan and pay: This is the place where QR codes come into picture. The app generates a QR for every users, which can then be shared or printed and pasted. To make a payment to the QR code owner, just scan it and pay.

A couple of other points
-- The app has a very simple interface and is easy to use, but for now we are reserving our thoughts on its security aspect. On the face of it, the app seems as secure as a banking app with PIN etc in place. But we need to know more about the app before commenting on this aspects.

-- The app does have its share of teething problems right now. Out of five attempts two will fail because of some problems, mostly with network. But we think these seem to be minor issues that will be fixed soon.

-- The list of supported banks within the app is still small. All the biggies are there. But many like Yes Bank are not.

BHIM app require Internet as in the case of other UPI apps. But if you are in a situation with no Internet connection you can use USSD facility on ordinary mobile phone with SMS facility. UPI and USSD are entirely different interfaces but both operate on bank account.


How does BHIM app run without internet?

In general almost all the UPI based apps have options such as

QR code scan and pay option.
Virtual payment address option.


One of the master-strokes of BHIM is that you can use it offline through USSD as well. You would have to dial '*99#', access the menu and make or request payment, all without requiring an Internet connection considering that you need Internet to link the bank accounts.