Google Pay Introduces UPI Lite: Simplifying Everyday Payments for Indian Users

Google Pay, the popular mobile payment service, has launched the UPI Lite feature for its users in India. This new feature aims to provide a faster and more convenient way for users to make everyday payments for groceries, snacks, and cab rides.

UPI Lite, which was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India in September last year, is a digital payment service developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It allows users to send up to ₹200 with a single tap from their UPI Lite account without requiring them to enter a PIN for every transaction. The main goal of UPI Lite is to simplify and expedite digital payments.

Unlike traditional UPI transactions, UPI Lite does not rely on the issuing bank’s core banking system in real-time. This means that even during peak transaction hours, UPI Lite is expected to have higher success rates. Initially, users can load up to Rs 2,000 twice a day and make payments of up to Rs 200 at a time.

It is worth noting that other platforms like Paytm and PhonePe have already implemented the UPI Lite feature on their platforms. Currently, 15 banks support UPI Lite, enabling a wider user base to benefit from this simplified payment experience.

Ambarish Kenghe, VP Product Management at Google, expressed excitement about partnering with the Indian government, NPCI, and RBI to expand the reach and usefulness of UPI. Kenghe emphasized the importance of unique offerings and use cases in driving further adoption of digital payments in India. The introduction of UPI Lite on Google Pay aims to simplify small-value transactions and provide users with a convenient, compact, and fast payment experience.

To activate UPI Lite on Google Pay, users can follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Google Pay app by tapping on the profile icon at the top right corner of the screen.
2. Scroll down and find the ‘UPI Lite’ feature, then tap on it.
3. A new screen will appear with instructions and details about UPI Lite. Tap on “activate UPI Lite.”
4. Link your bank account and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Once the process is complete, you will receive a confirmation message stating that UPI Lite has been activated.
6. You can now add funds to your UPI Lite account, with a limit of up to Rs 2,000.

With the launch of UPI Lite on Google Pay, users can enjoy a simplified and efficient payment experience, contributing to the growth of digital payments in India.