UPI has completely changed the way we deal with money and has made our lives super easy. From paying for vegetables to sending money to friends, you can transfer or receive money within seconds using just a UPI ID. But, there are a few important steps you should go through to make sure your money remains secure and your payments become smooth. Here’s an easy but necessary checklist to refer to before downloading any UPI app.
1. Look for Official Apps
Before downloading any UPI app, make sure you’re choosing an official, trusted app. Look for apps from well-known banks or known digital payment platforms. Avoid unfamiliar apps with poor ratings as they could be fake apps designed to steal your data.
Pro Tip: Visit the official website of your bank or payment service provider to get the correct download link.
2. Check App Permissions
While installing a UPI app, it will ask for your SMS (for OTP verification), contacts (for instant payments) and sometimes your location too. Check these permissions thoroughly. If an app is trying to access unnecessary things like your photos or files, it’s a cause of concern.
3. Check if Your Mobile Number is Linked to Your Bank Account
UPI works by linking your registered phone number with your bank account. Confirm that your currently active SIM number (the number that you plan to use with UPI) is the same number connected with your bank account. Using a different number can cause verification problems.
4. Check Your Bank’s UPI Support
Not all banks support all UPI apps. Before choosing an app, check if your bank is compatible with the platform. Some smaller banks may only work with the BHIM app or their own banking apps, and might not support UPI banking feature. So it’s good to confirm this in advance to avoid setup problems.
5. Set Up Strong Device Security
Since your UPI app will be handling money, it’s important to have strong security on your phone. Before downloading any app, make sure you’ve set up:
- A screen lock (PIN, fingerprint, or face unlock)
- App lock (for the UPI app itself)
This extra security will protect your account even if someone gets access to your phone. Proceed to UPI money transfer only after you’ve set up strong security on your phone.
6. Update Your Operating System and Play Store
A secure phone is a safe phone. When you install a UPI app, update your Android or iOS to the latest OS version. Also update Google Play Store or Apple App Store to download verified, safe apps. These updates include security patches to protect your device from malware.
7. Read Reviews and Ratings
Don’t blindly download any app. Read reviews from users to see if there are any complaints regarding bugs, payment failures or bad customer support. Good ratings with recent positive reviews are generally a good sign.
8. Know UPI Cashback and Offers
Some UPI apps provide cashback offers, discounts and referral rewards for new users. Look at these offers before downloading. You could get some added bonuses just for registering!
9. Have Your Bank and PAN Details Ready
During the UPI setup process, you will also be asked to confirm your bank account details and provide your PAN card details for KYC purposes. Have these details ready to make your setup process quicker.
Conclusion:
UPI is one of the simplest, quickest, and most secure ways to manage money. But it’s important to begin on the right note. With this UPI download checklist, you can install and use your UPI app with confidence, knowing your transactions are safe and your personal information is secure.
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