UPI or Unified Payment Interface is National Payment Corporation of India’s attempt to bring a safe and secure payment method that works instantly. UPI was started as an attempt to make India a cashless economy. The need to use cash will decrease in the future as more and more merchants and service providers start excluding UPI as a payment method. Since its launch, the payment service has expanded its reach and is now becoming the norm in India. Just a few days ago, Uber updated its app to support UPI payment option in India. Uber has partnered with NPCI along with two of India’s leading banks (Axis and HDFC) to achieve this integration. UPI is a very safe and simple payment method that will really help drivers in India to pay for their trips easily. This article will cover the benefits of using UPI with Uber and also show you the steps to set up UPI as a payment method for Uber:
note: Currently Uber’s UPI integration is only available for Android Users. The iOS update is said to be coming soon. However, the process will be the same for iPhone and iPad users once the update is released.
UPI Setup with Uber
UPI setup with your Uber account may differ depending on whether you already have a UPI account set up. If you already have a UPI ID, it will only take a few steps. However, if you don’t have a UPI ID, you need to set that as well. Fortunately, we can do this directly from within the Uber app. So let’s not waste any more time and start the installation process.
Use Existing UPI ID on Uber
1. Let’s start with the easier method first. This works if you already have a UPI ID. Launch the Uber app and tap the hamburger menu in the upper left. Here, Tap on the “Payments” option.
2. Here, tap on Select “Add Payment Method” and then UPI.
3. If you have a preset UPI ID, Tap on “Link Existing Payment Address”. Now, Enter your UPI ID and tap ‘Save’. Now Uber will receive 1 INR tokens to confirm your identity, which will then be added to your payment options.
Generate UPI ID in Uber
1. If you don’t already have a UPI ID, we’ll create one at Uber right now. In step 3 mentioned above, instead of tapping on “Link Existing Payment Address”, Tap Continue and hit ‘Register’ on the next page.
2. Now, the app will ask you to select the number registered in your bank account. If you are using a smartphone with only one sim card then Make sure the number you use is the same as the number registered in your bank account.. If you are using a dual SIM device, make sure to select the number linked to your bank account. For example, I chose ‘SIM 2’ as it is the number associated with my bank account. Now, on the next page, simply tap on your bank’s name.
3. As soon as you tap on your bank name, a pop-up card will appear showing your bank account. Just tap on it. On the next page, we will register your debit card. Just Enter the required information and press the “Submit” button.
4. Your phone number will be verified again on this page. Enter the OTP and then generate your four-digit PIN. This is the PIN you will use to authorize all your UPI payments. Think of it similarly to your ATM PIN. You will need to enter it every time you perform a transaction.
5. If you have followed the steps correctly so far, you created your own unique UPI id. Your unique ID, also known as the “Payment Address” should now be visible to you, take note.
6. Now that we have created the UPI ID, we will use it to add the UPI as a payment method within Uber. just go Payment->Add Payment Method->UPI. Here, Instead of tapping ‘Continue’, we will tap ‘Link Existing Payment Address’. Enter the UPI ID (Payment Address) we just created and tap on ‘Save’.
7. Now, as I mentioned earlier, Uber will receive 1 INR token money to verify payment address that we entered. Here, hit the Continue button and then tap Close. If you are wondering about the token money, it will be refunded back to your account after verification.
Confirming UPI Transactions on Uber
Now you must be thinking where do I confirm this transaction. Here, I’ll just show you how to do it. The payment made by Uber will appear in your UPI app. If you have created your UPI ID outside of Uber or already have a UPI ID, The fee will appear in the app you used to create your ID..
Since we created the UPI ID with Uber and Uber uses Axis Bank as the provider, you will need to install Axis Bank’s UPI app.
- Uber’s UPI payment powered by Axis Bank, We will install “BHIM Axis Pay UPI Application”. Click on the links to install the app and then launch it (Android / iOS). When you start the application, choose your phone number The one we use when setting up our UPI ID.
2. On this page just enter your name, email id and set a 6 digit password for your application. Note that the password is different from the PIN we created earlier. The password allows you to access the application, while the PIN authorizes your actions. Together, They offer 2-factor authentication security feature. Now, tap on ‘Get started’.
3. On the home page of the application, You will see a pending request from Uber. Tap on it. On the next page, a simple infographic will show you the sides of the transaction. Just Tap the ‘Confirm’ button.
4. Now, here you will be asked to enter the PIN to verify the payment. Enter the 4-digit PIN we created. Now that the payment has been approved, the UPI has been added to your Uber account as a payment method. to confirm just go to the ‘Payment’ option in the Uber app and you’ll find it there.
Benefits of Using UPI on Uber
If you already have a UPI ID, it’s a no-brainer to use this payment method. But those of you who will have to generate UPI IDs to pay Uber must be thinking why go through so many hoops to create another payment method when you can still use the old ones. I will say that according to them, using UPI has many benefits over other payment methods. Let’s take a look at all the other payment methods available on Uber one by one.
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UPI and Cash Payment
Well, that’s pretty straight forward. When you use UPI payment, you will not need to carry cash with you. No cash means carrying change is no headache and don’t bother to withdraw money at the end of each trip.
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UPI and Credit/Debit Cards
When you use cards as a payment system, you must go through the entire process of entering your CVV number each time you board and then wait for the OTP. If you use Uber as much as I do, you will realize how frustrating it is to do this. There is no such problem with UPI. At the end of your trip, Uber sends a payment request to your UPI ID. To pay, simply launch your UPI app and confirm the request by entering the PIN.. It’s that simple.
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UPI vs Paytm
Every benefit I mentioned above is also provided by Paytm. The payment process is even simpler than UPI as the money is automatically deducted from your Paytm wallet. Then why should you use UPI? For starters, Using Paytm requires you to add funds to your digital wallet, this is not the case with UPI, as with UPI the money is charged directly from your bank account. Latter, You must maintain a minimum balance in your Paytm wallet (INR 350) to get the ability to book a taxi. This means you will have to remember to recharge your Paytm wallet from time to time. Finally and most importantly, Money stored in Paytm wallet is not as liquid as money in your account. I mean, the money in your account can be used in more scenarios (e.g. withdraw, transfer etc.) than money saved in your Paytm wallet.
Considering the above reasons, suffice it to say that it is better to use UPI than to use other payment methods available in the Uber app.
SEE ALSO: 12 Cool Uber Tricks You Should Try
Use UPI to Pay for Uber Rides
In the article, I tried to explain the entire setup process of the UPI payment system in the Uber application. If you still have doubts, you can drop your questions in the comment section below. Also, now that you know the benefits of using a UPI, are you inclined to use it over other payment options? Let us know your thoughts on the subject. We would be happy to hear your views on the subject.