Remember the days of having to dig around for change at a shop? Or the inconvenience of having to go to an ATM in order to pay the cab driver? It seems like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it? Today, with the rise of payment apps in India, we can pay for almost everything from our morning chai to monthly rent with a click of a button on our smartphones. It’s like magic, and the key to this magic is a potent technology known as UPI.
If you’re new to the world of digital payments or just a little overwhelmed by the number of apps available, don’t worry. You’ve come to the right place!
Think of this article as a conversation with a friend who is here to take all the mystery out of it for you. We’ll look at what these best payment apps in India are, how they work, and which ones may be the right fit for you in 2025. We will keep it as simple, transparent as possible. By the end of this guide, you’ll be feeling confident and ready to take control of your digital payments.
What is a UPI App?
UPI means Unified Payments Interface. That may sound a bit technical, but the concept behind it is beautifully simple. UPI is a system that links all the various banks of India to one another to enable you to send and receive money instantly, 24/7 directly from your bank account.
Think of it this way: your bank account has a long and complicated address (account number and IFSC code). A UPI ID is an easy-to-use and easy-to-remember money address. Instead of sharing your bank details, you only have to share your UPI ID (yourname@bank or yourphonenumber@upi). Anyone can transfer money to this ID and it will go directly to your bank account, which is linked to the ID.
This ingenious system was developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and has completely transformed the game.
How UPI apps simplify our lives
A UPI app is merely an app on a mobile phone that utilizes this UPI system. These applications are a remote control to your money. With a UPI app, you can:
- Send and receive money: Instantly send money to a friend with UPI ID or mobile number. You can also make a request to a person who owes you money.
- Scan and Pay: All stores, large supermarkets as well as your local vegetable stand now have a QR code. All you need to do is scan the code with the camera of your app, input the amount, input your secret PIN, and the payment is completed!
- Pay Bills: Forget due dates! You can even pay your electricity, water, gas, DTH and mobile bills directly through the app. There are even many apps that can remind you of a bill.
- Shop Online: You can use UPI to pay at the checkout when you are shopping on a platform like Amazon or Myntra: simply select Pay by UPI as your payment method, enter your UPI ID, and confirm the purchase on your phone. It’s fast and secure.
Why UPI Cashback Apps are a Game Changer
One of the most thrilling aspects of using these apps is cashback and rewards, which is what we are going to discuss.
You will receive small gifts when you use a UPI app, such as a few rupees returned to a bill payment or a scratch card with an unknown amount after sending money to your friend. Why does this happen? Well, there are so many apps that want your attention, so they are giving you these rewards to make you use their app more frequently.
This is an awesome bonus to you, the user. The digital transactions will be even more rewarding as these small cashbacks can accumulate over time. It is a small reward on things you would have bought anyway.
Comparison Table: Top UPI Apps
Here’s a quick summary to help you compare at a glance:
| App Name | Best For | Plausible Rating (out of 5) |
| Google Pay | Simplicity and secure, no-fuss payments. | 4.5 |
| PhonePe | An all-in-one “super app” for payments & services. | 4.6 |
| Paytm | Power users needing a vast range of financial services. | 4.4 |
| Amazon Pay | Regular Amazon shoppers seeking integrated rewards. | 4.3 |
| CRED | Credit card users wanting premium rewards. | 4.7 |
| BHIM | A basic, official, and ad-free UPI experience. | 4.2 |
| WhatsApp Pay | Quick money transfers to friends and family. | 4.1 |
| Tata Neu | Loyal customers of Tata Group brands. | 4.0 |
| MobiKwik | Users who want a “Buy Now, Pay Later” feature. | 4.3 |
| Freecharge | A clean interface with simple financial products. | 4.2 |
10 Best Payment Apps in India (2025) – UPI Apps List
Okay, the part that you’ve been waiting for! Let’s explore the top 12 best payment apps in India for 2025.
1. Google Pay (GPay)
Google Pay, or simply GPay as it’s affectionately known, is the embodiment of simplicity and clean design in the world of payment apps. Supported by the confidence of Google, it has emerged as a household name in India for its amazingly simple and secure user experience. It is the best payment app in India. The app is focused on doing one thing really well: making payments.
It doesn’t throw a lot of other services at you, which many users find refreshing. The security is of the highest quality, and it is protected by several layers of security, including the advanced security infrastructure of Google. The unpredictability of the scratch card rewards system adds an element of surprise to each transaction, making GPay a delightful and reliable choice for everyday digital payments.
Key Features:
- Easy and clean user interface.
- Tez Shield protection – strong security
- Bill payments and mobile top-ups
- Integration with Google Services.
- Fun, gamified scratch cards and rewards
Pros:
- Very easy to use, ideal for beginners.
- Google-backed high-level security
- Fast and accurate transactions
Cons:
- Less additional services than super apps
- Prizes are random and sometimes are coupons rather than cash.
Best For: Anyone looking for a simple, secure, and hassle-free app that is strictly for payments.
Link: https://share.google/uV0IW5HKw5xMt7u1F
2. PhonePe
PhonePe is one of India’s largest “super apps,” with a universe of services far beyond just UPI payments. PhonePe has managed to embed a whole ecosystem of services. You can purchase insurance, invest in mutual funds, book flights and hotels, pay utilities and even order food from your favorite food apps, all from within the PhonePe app. This all-in-one approach is its greatest advantage.
It is the best payment apps in India. The app’s interface is busy, but well-organized, with categories of services to make them easy to find. Its rewards program is strong, with a combination of direct cash back, partner coupons and points, so there’s always a reason to return. It’s a comprehensive and multifunctional tool for those who want to handle their financial and daily needs from one place.
Key Features:
- Wide variety of services including investments, insurance and travel bookings
- Digital wallet to pay more quickly.
- PhonePe Switch platform to open other apps like Swiggy, Myntra etc.
- Strong bill payment and reminder system
- Huge cashback and reward deals.
Pros:
- A true all-in-one “super app.”
- Popular throughout India
- Valuable and consistent reward offers.
Cons:
- The interface can be confusing for new users.
- Sometimes notifications are overwhelming.
Best For: Users who wish to have a single app to handle all their financial transactions and lifestyle needs.
Link: https://www.phonepe.com/
3. Paytm
Paytm is the first digital payments company in India and has grown into a full-fledged financial services company. It began with mobile recharges and its popular Paytm Wallet, one of the leading digital wallets in India, but today it provides an exhaustive list of services. From UPI transfers to bill payments, booking movie tickets, paying school fees, to even trading stocks with Paytm Money, the app really tries to be a one-stop shop for everything money.
It has a payments bank, an e-commerce platform (Paytm Mall), and wealth management services – which, while making the app seem complex, is unquestionably integrated into the Indian economy. Paytm’s QR codes are everywhere and its frequent promotions and cashback offers on a wide range of services continue to attract a massive user base.
Key Features:
- Integrated Paytm Payments Bank and wallet
- Multiple payment of bills (rent, fees, credit card bills).
- Ticket booking, e-commerce, financial products, etc.
- Paytm Postpaid (a buy now pay later service)
- Loyalty points and regular cashback promotions.
Pros:
- The most thorough set of services found in any application.
- Extensive QR code acceptance and deep merchant network.
- The integrated wallet can be used for non-UPI payments.
Cons:
- The user interface is extremely cluttered and overwhelming.
- Customer support is sometimes slow at solving problems.
Best For: Power users, who want a single application for payments, banking, shopping and financial services.
Link: https://paytm.com/
4. Amazon Pay
Amazon Pay is brilliantly taking advantage of the huge user base of one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world. If you’re an Amazon shopper this app is a no-brainer. Its biggest advantage is that it is integrated seamlessly with the Amazon.in shopping experience, allowing for a seamless checkout process and exclusive rewards. However, it is also a complete UPI app in India.
You can send money, scan any QR code, and pay your bills as in any other app. The Amazon Pay balance (wallet) is really a nice feature—you can load it with money and pay lightning-fast. The rewards system is heavily biased towards shopping at Amazon, cashback gets credited to your wallet, so you’re encouraged to spend within its ecosystem. It’s a convenient, reliable, and rewarding option.
Key Features:
- Easily integrates with the Amazon shopping app.
- Amazon Pay Balance (wallet) and ICICI co-branded credit card
- Complete UPI support for transfers and QR payments.
- Periodic cashback on bill payments and recharges
- Pay Now, Pay Next Month option
Pros:
- Great for Amazon shoppers who have special offers.
- Brand name and safe platform.
- Cashback is deposited directly to the wallet for easy use.
Cons:
- Most rewards are set to keep you in the Amazon environment.
- The standalone payments interface is not as well designed as dedicated apps like GPay.
Best For: Regular Amazon shoppers and users who value cashback in terms of dollars saved
Link: https://www.amazon.in/amazonpay/home
5. CRED
CRED is a unique and premium player in the payments space, catering to a specific segment of the market: people with a good credit score (typically above 750). It’s not just a payment app. One of its key features is its beautifully designed interface for keeping track of and paying all your credit card bills in one place. For each bill you pay, you earn “CRED Coins” that can be redeemed for exclusive rewards and discounts from premium brands.
It is one of the best payment apps in India. While it initially started as a credit card tool, CRED has since added UPI payments, rent payments, and more. The user experience is very slick and sophisticated. CRED is exclusive, and rewards are of high value, making it a must-have for everyone who uses credit cards frequently.
Key Features:
- Get all credit card bills in one place and pay them.
- Receive CRED Coins for timely payments of bills.
- Bonuses and discounts from premium brands.
- UPI payments, mobile recharges.
- CRED Mint (peer-to-peer lending) and CRED Cash (credit line immediately)
Pros:
- Great for keeping track of multiple credit cards
- Premium, exclusive rewards of high value.
- Beautiful, clean user interface.
Cons:
- Only available to users with a good credit score.
- UPI and other payment capabilities are ancillary to its core credit card service.
Best For: Credit card users who want to earn quality rewards for paying bills on time.
Link: https://cred.club/
6. BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money)
BHIM is the first-ever UPI app in India launched by the NPCI itself. You can consider it as the blueprint for other UPI apps. Its vision is to become an easy, safe, and accessible payment solution for all Indians. The app is named after Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and it bears the weight of a government-backed initiative. It has a clean and user-friendly interface.
BHIM is a UPI app in India that lacks any of the fluff or commercial services of other UPI apps and instead delivers all the necessary features for UPI. It’s purely for payments. While it might lack the flashy cashback deals of its private counterparts, its reliability and direct connection to the UPI creators make it a trusted option for users seeking a simple and straightforward payment experience.
Key Features:
- UPI was developed by NPCI, the creators of UPI.
- Easy, clean, and ad-free interface.
- Available in many local languages
- All basic UPI functionality: transfer/receive money, scan QR, view balance.
- High transaction limits.
Pros:
- Official, trusted, and secure.
- No advertisements or extraneous clutter
- Works with all banks on the UPI platform.
Cons:
- Lacks cashback and rewards.
- Less functionality than other apps
Best For: Purists, who want the simplest, most direct, and most official UPI experience.
Link: https://www.bhimupi.org.in/
7. WhatsApp Pay
The most powerful superpower of WhatsApp Pay is its sheer convenience. It’s integrated right into the messaging app that over 500 million Indians use every single day. This means you can send money to a contact with the same ease as sending them a photo or a message. No need to download a separate app or make a new account.
The functionality is natively integrated into the chat interface; you just tap the attachment icon and select Payment. This makes it very easy for informal transactions between friends and family to be made quickly. While it is not a “super app” with many features, its integration into our everyday communication makes it one of the most accessible and frictionless methods of making peer-to-peer payments. It is safe, supported by the resources of Facebook, and is gradually gaining popularity for its simplicity.
Key Features:
- Built directly into the WhatsApp chat interface.
- Send and receive money with the ease of sending a message.
- Powered by the UPI platform.
- No need to download an application separately.
- Pay privately with a UPI PIN
Pros:
- Very easy for WhatsApp payments to contacts.
- Taps into an already large user base.
- Clean and familiar user interface.
Cons:
- Does not have bill payment and other advanced features
- Not appropriate for merchant payments or online shopping
Best For: Instant and easy transfers of money between friends and family.
Link: https://www.whatsapp.com/payments/in
8. Tata Neu
Tata Neu is the ambitious “super app” from the Tata Group, one of India’s most trusted conglomerates. The app is in the process of unifying all of Tata’s disparate brands—from BigBasket for groceries, 1mg for medicines, Croma for electronics, to Taj for hotels—under one digital umbrella. Payments are the thread that unites this whole ecosystem. Tata Pay UPI is one of the fastest money transfer apps in India, allowing you to make UPI payments, pay bills, and manage your finances.
The USP of the app is its loyalty program, where every transaction earns you “NeuCoins” that can be redeemed across any Tata brand on the platform. This creates a strong and connected ecosystem that rewards loyal customers. While still in the development phase, its potential to emerge as a dominant player by riding on the Tata brand’s trust and vast network is immense.
Key Features:
- Embedded UPI payment service (Tata Pay).
- Integrated loyalty program with “NeuCoins.”
- Easy access to a wide range of Tata brands such as BigBasket, Croma, 1mg
- Bill payments, topping up, and financial services.
Pros:
- Supported by the enormous trust of the Tata Group.
- Beneficial loyalty program for Tata customers.
- A growing ecosystem of integrated services
Cons:
- The app is slow at times and still in development.
- The user experience is not as refined as its competition yet.
Best For: Existing customers of Tata brands who want to maximise their rewards in one ecosystem.
Link: https://www.tataneu.com/
9. MobiKwik
MobiKwik is another Indian digital wallet veteran that has successfully transitioned to the UPI era. It is unique in that it is focused on financial services including its Buy Now, Pay Later feature known as ZIP. This can give users access to a small, instant credit line that can be used to pay bills or make purchases, and then repaid later.
This feature makes it a very useful tool for keeping track of monthly expenses. It is the best payment apps in India. Apart from its robust wallet and ZIP functionality, MobiKwik also provides UPI functionality, bill payments, and investment options like digital gold. The app presents itself as a spending management app more than a payment app. Its interface is colorful and user-friendly, while it also offers cashback directly to its wallet, which is a huge advantage for its users.
Key Features:
- “ZIP” – Buy Now, Pay Later feature.
- Robust digital wallet.
- Standard UPI for QR payments and money transfers.
- Provides financial products such as loans and insurance
- Cashback is usually credited in the form of supercash or to the wallet.
Pros:
- The ZIP pay-later functionality is very helpful for cash flow management.
- Good discounts on bill payments and recharges.
- Brand that is well-known and trusted.
Cons:
- The rewards program concept of SuperCash is confusing.
- The interface is a little cluttered with promotions.
Best For: People who prefer a Buy Now, Pay Later option to help manage their monthly expenses.
Link: https://www.mobikwik.com/
10. Freecharge
Freecharge, which is now part of Axis Bank, was one of the initial players in the digital payments space and was famous for its easy and rewarding mobile recharge platform. It has since grown to become a comprehensive financial services and payment app. Freecharge has a clean and snappy user interface that makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including UPI payments, digital wallet, bill payments, and even financial products such as digital gold, mutual funds, and a popular Pay Later feature.
The patronage of Axis Bank lends an extra layer of trust and security to the platform. Freecharge is renowned for its transparent cashback offers and deals that are typically directly credited without intricate point systems. It’s a solid and reliable choice for users who are looking for a balance of payment features and financial products.
Key Features:
- Easy and familiar user interface.
- Short term credit: Pay Later option
- Complete UPI and wallet support.
- Investment alternatives such as mutual funds and digital gold
- Supported by the security and trust of Axis Bank
Pros:
- Clean, quick and easy to use interface.
- Good, simple offers and deals.
- The support of a big bank means credibility.
Cons:
- Not as popular for merchant QR payments as PhonePe or GPay.
- Rewards are not as common as on some other platforms.
Best For: Individuals who prefer a clean interface and seek a simple platform for accessing financial products
Link: https://www.freecharge.in/
Which is the Best Payment App in India?
After reading through all these options, you may still be wondering, “So, which one is the very best?”
The truth is, the best app is the one that is best for you. There is no one winner that is right for everyone. It all depends on your own requirements. Let me help you decide:
- If your ultimate priority is simplicity and a clean interface, Google Pay is your best friend.
- If you’re looking for a comprehensive app that can do everything from payments to investments, PhonePe or Paytm are excellent choices.
- If you are a heavy credit card user you just can’t afford to miss the premium rewards on CRED.
- If you are an avid Amazon consumer, Amazon Pay will fit seamlessly into your life.
- If you want to send money to a friend as easily as you send a text, then WhatsApp Pay is the most convenient option.
My advice? Don’t hesitate to use two or three of them! They are all free to install. Try them for a week and see which one seems most comfortable and satisfying to you.
Conclusion
We’ve gone through the evolution of coins into transferring money across the country with a tap of a button. UPI and these incredible payment apps have truly put the power of banking in our pockets, simplifying, speeding up, and connecting our lives.
The choice of best payment apps in India is a personal decision. Whether you opt for the clean and straightforward Google Pay, the feature-rich PhonePe, or the exclusive CRED, you are contributing to India’s remarkable digital narrative. Every app has a different flavor and the best part is that you have the liberty to pick and choose the one that makes your life the easiest.
FAQs
Can I have more than one UPI app on my phone?
Yes, absolutely! You can install more than one UPI app and use the same bank account for all of them. This way you can use various offers on various apps.
Is using UPI free of charge?
Yes, UPI is completely free for customers. There is no fee to send or receive money.
What is a UPI PIN?
A UPI PIN is a 4 or 6 digit secret code that you create for your bank account. As with an ATM PIN, this PIN must be used for every transaction. Never share it with anyone.
Do I need a bank account to use UPI?
Yes, UPI works on the basis of direct debit and credit on your bank account, hence you must have an active bank account with a mobile number associated with it to use UPI.
