Google Pay (GPay) has introduced a major feature called UPI Circle, designed to make digital payments inclusive for everyone. This feature allows a Primary User (who holds a bank account) to delegate payment authority to a Secondary User (like a child, elderly parent, or spouse) who might not have their own bank account linked.
Whether you want to give your child pocket money digitally or help your parents make payments from home, this guide answers every question on how to use UPI Circle in GPay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is UPI Circle?
UPI Circle is a “delegated payments” feature. It links a Secondary User’s Google Pay app to a Primary User’s bank account.
- Primary User: The bank account holder who authorizes payments.
- Secondary User: The trusted person who spends the money but does not need a bank account of their own.
2. How do I set up UPI Circle as a Primary User?
To add a family member or friend to your circle, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Pay app
- Tap on your Profile Picture (top-right corner)
- Select the “UPI Circle” option in the menu
- Tap “Add people to your UPI Circle”
- Scan the QR Code of the Secondary User (or enter their UPI ID/Phone Number from your contacts)
- Choose the Delegation Type (see FAQ #3)
- Confirm using your UPI PIN. The Secondary User will receive an invite to accept
3. What are the different Delegation Types?
When adding a user, you must choose between two levels of control:
- Full Delegation (Spend with limits): The Secondary User can make payments independently without your approval for every transaction. You set a monthly limit (max ₹15,000)
- Partial Delegation (Approve every payment): The Secondary User initiates the payment, but it stays “Pending” until you approve it on your phone by entering your UPI PIN
4. What are the transaction limits?
- Monthly Limit: Maximum ₹15,000 per month (for Full Delegation)
- Per Transaction: Maximum ₹5,000 per single transaction
- First 24 Hours: For security, the limit is capped at ₹5,000 for the first 24 hours after adding a new user
5. How does the Secondary User make a payment?
The process is nearly identical to a standard payment:
- Open GPay and scan a merchant QR code
- Enter the amount
- Under payment methods, select the “UPI Circle” account
- If Full Delegation: The payment succeeds instantly
- If Partial Delegation: A request is sent to the Primary User’s phone for approval
6. Is UPI Circle safe?
Yes, it includes several safety layers:
- Cool-off Period: There is a 30-minute cool-off after adding a new user before they can transact
- App Lock: Secondary users must have a screen lock/biometric enabled on their phone to use the feature
- Revoke Access: You can remove a user instantly by going to UPI Circle > Select User > Remove
7. Can I add multiple people?
Yes, a Primary User can add up to 5 Secondary Users to their UPI Circle. However, a Secondary User can only accept an invitation from one Primary User at a time.
Quick Reference
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Secondary Users | 5 per Primary User |
| Monthly Limit (Full Delegation) | ₹15,000 |
| Per Transaction Limit | ₹5,000 |
| First 24 Hours Limit | ₹5,000 |
| Cool-off Period | 30 minutes after adding user |
Important Notes
UPI Circle makes digital payments accessible to family members without bank accounts while maintaining security through limits and approval mechanisms. Always ensure your GPay app is updated to the latest version to access this feature.
