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Is a debit card necessary for UPI? Here’s what you need to know

Key Takeaways

  • Aadhar-based UPI registration is helpful to the customer as it offers UPI without a debit card.
  • Certain banks like IDFC FIRST Bank are able to offer easy UPI registration in the form of digital savings accounts.
  • UPI transactions are easy, quick, and secure using multiple authentication methods.
02 Apr 2025 by Team FinFIRST
Understanding whether a debit card is required for UPI activation and exploring Aadhaar-based UPI registration alternatives.
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Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become very handy for all day-to-day digital transactions, offering a seamless and instant payment experience. One of its key advantages is the ability to make quick and secure payments via QR codes, which eliminates the need for cash or card swipes. However, while onboarding a UPI app, you may require debit card verification.  To enhance security, users can link their debit cards for verification, ensuring a safe and authenticated transaction process before enabling UPI payments on their mobile banking apps. 

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Is a debit card necessary for UPI?
 

All banks, by default, request a debit card during UPI opening since it enables them to verify your account details and establish a UPI PIN. The benefit is that even you can use UPI without a debit card.

How to activate UPI without a debit card?
 

If your bank allows Aadhar-based UPI registration, then you can follow the below steps:

  • Download a UPI app: Select a UPI-enabled app like PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm.

  • Select your bank: Provide your Aadhar-linked mobile number registered with your bank account.

  • Select Aadhaar verification: If the bank supports Aadhar onboarding at NPCI’s end, , select Aadhar-based verification over debit-card based verification.

  • Verify using OTP: Enter the OTP’s received on your Aadhar-enabled mobile number & bank account registered mobile number.

  • Set your UPI PIN: After verification, set a secure UPI PIN.

This method has the potential to offer UPI services of bill payment, online payment, and money transfer to non-debit card holders.

How to create UPI ID without a debit card?
 

To obtain a UPI ID without a debit card, make sure your bank has an Aadhaar-based UPI registration. Alternatively, you can:

  • Request a debit card to enable UPI.
  • Make payments using wallet-based UPI apps such as Paytm wallet or Amazon Pay.
  • Select bank accounts with zero-debit-card UPI registration facilities, such as some digital-first banks.

Digital payments need to go universal. UPI filled the gap by allowing one to make payments seamlessly, even in the non-debit card world.

Seamless UPI banking by IDFC FIRST Bank
 

IDFC FIRST Bank offers seamless registration of UPI through digital savings accounts. Customers have:

  • Easy UPI registration: Register through mobile banking or net banking.

  • Competitive interest rates: Earn one of the best interest rates in the industry with monthly interest payouts to boost your savings.

  • Secure payments: Multi-level authentication for fraud security.

  • Zero-fee banking: Enjoy zero fees on all common bank account services, including ATM withdrawals, online money transfers, debit card and DD issuance, chequebook reissuance, and more.  

IDFC FIRST Bank provides secure online banking facilities to enable easy payments and UPI activation with or without a debit card.

Conclusion
 

Though the debit card is not the conventional pre-requisite for UPI, Aadhar-based registration enables customers to leverage this facility. IDFC FIRST Bank makes UPI easy with digital savings accounts, interest-sweet returns, and transaction security. Choose the appropriate banking partner and make digital payments easy today!

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.

The features, benefits and offers mentioned in the article are applicable as on the day of publication of this blog and is subject to change without notice. The contents herein are also subject to other product specific terms and conditions and any third party terms and conditions, as applicable. Please refer our website www.idfcfirstbank.com for latest updates.

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