BHIM App: Download, Features and How To Use
I have never expected that my search for best UPI app would end here. BHIM is the app of my choice. I love its simplicity and ease. It is clean, clear and vibrant. There are not too many function in this app that is why it is easy to operate.
Since the launch of UPI app, there has been numerous UPI based Apps, ICICI Bank’s iMobile and yes banks Phonepe were the pioneer. Gradually, other banks also launched their UPI app. Finally, SBI Pay and Baroda MPay were launched. These two were simpler than others. But, the BHIM has beaten all of them. It is the simplest and easiest UPI App. However, to make UPI app simple and easy, it was necessary to forego some features of UPI. It is a basic UPI app for all.
Basic Features of BHIM.
Like any other android app, The BHIM gives an easy method of payment and fund transfer. It has the following basic features of a UPI app.
You can transfer fund to any bank account.
You don’t need to register the payee beforehand.
BHIM transfers money immediately.
Transfer money anytime, even on holidays or night.
You don’t need to know the bank account number of the payee.
There is no need of ‘internet banking activated’ to use this app.
Special Features
Besides the regular features of a UPI app, the BHIM has some uniques features.
Through the BHIM app, you can transfer money to a person only using his mobile number. You don’t need a virtual payment address or bank account number. It makes the money transfer very easy. I have seen the same feature in PhonePe app.
Besides UPI PIN, you would be able to authenticate the fund transfer using your fingerprints.
This app would also work on feature phone without internet.
There is ‘Scan and Pay’ facility. It makes the payment transfer fast, specially at a shop.
You can also check bank balance of the account. It is not limited to the parent bank of the app.
There is a extensive FAQ about the app. It makes BHIM app very helpful to novice users.
You can also choose the desired language.
The BHIM app gives you a link to directly call the respective bank if there is an issue. In fact, it has saved the customer care number of all the banks.
You can easily download and share your QR code. This code can be used to pay to you.
Interface
Besides the Basic features and unique features of the BHIM app, I liked the interface. It looks very clean on white background. Because of the few option, App could use the larger font size. You won’t see any crowd in the screen. Even, you get to know all the option with only one look. The app has intelligently used the icons. This app is an example of minimal thinking.
Why one should download it
I recommend that any person who has not used any other app, should start with this app. This app would give the experience of UPI app payment. If you need some more features then only you should try other UPI apps.
Those, who are using other UPI apps, should also try the BHIM. Because, you would definitely like its ease and simplicity.
This app doesn’t links many bank account at a time. But we should understand that everyone doesn’t have many accounts. Neither everyone want to use every method of fund transfer. I think, transfer through the mobile number is most widely accepted and this app gives you option to transfer fund using mobile number.
The BHIM app is backed by the government of India, therefore, you can expect the new features of Adhaar payment and fingerprint authentication would be available first to this app.
How To Download BHIM
You can download the BHIM app from the Google playstore. Since, UPI system works on the Android platform, you would not find BHIM app for iPhone or windows phone. However, in future, you would expect the BHIM app for iPhone as well.
To get the BHIM app from the Google playstore search for ‘BHIM by national payment corporation of India’. Beware, as there are many fake app in the name of BHIM. You may also see the Chhota Bheem apps. Hence look for the author. It should be ‘National Payment Corporation of India’. You can also use the following URL to directly download to the BHIM app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.org.npci.upiapp
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How To Use BHIM
Install and Set Passcode
To use the BHIM App, you have to download and install it.
When you open this app first time, it would ask you to choose the language.
It would also show you some basic features of the app.
In the next step the App would ask your permission to send and view SMS from your Phone. It is necessary to verify your phone number.
If may also ask to choose the SIM if you have two SIM in your phone. You should choose the number which is linked to the desired bank account.
Now You have to set the Passcode/PIN to open this app. It would be a 4 digit PIN. Without entering this PIN, you would not be able to open this app in future. confirm the PIN again by entering it.
Now you would reach to the dashboard of the BHIM.
Add Bank Account
Your first step in the BHIM dashboard should be the bank account linking. You need to link bank account to transfer fund from that account an get money to the account.. Note, You can link only one account at a time in the BHIM app. Other UPI apps give you the facility to link multiple bank account.
To link bank account, you have to the choose the bank name from the given list.
You would see your bank account/s of that bank. Select the account. It links the bank account to the BHIM app.
Anytime, you can change your bank account by going through the same procedure.
Set UPI PIN
UPI PIN is required for the final authentication, when you pay money to any bank account. The UPI PIN is the same PIN which is called as MPIN in other UPI apps.
To set the UPI PIN, click on the Bank account.
You would see the linked bank account. Below the bank account, you would also see about the status of your UPI PIN in green fonts. If you have previously set the UPI PIN, there would be a message about this.
There would be links to RESET UPI PIN and Change UPI PIN. If you choose the RESET UPI PIN, you need debit card details to authenticate. You would also get an OTP SMS for authentication.
Changing UPI PIN is relatively easy. You have to only enter the existing PIN and new PIN twice. That’s it.
Send Money
Now you can send and receive money through the BHIM app.
To send money, you have to click on the send money link.
In the next step you have to enter the mobile number of payee. You can also enter the virtual payment address of the payee. You would not get any other option to pay. Other apps such as Baroda MPay give the liberty to pay money to bank account or Adhaar number as well.
Enter the amount and remarks to send money.
Finally, enter the UPI PIN. It is the same PIN which is used as MPIN with other apps. Once, you enter the UPI PIN, the money gets transferred to the bank account of the payee. You would instantly get notification about that.
Collect Money
To collect money Click on ‘Request’ on dashboard.
Again you have to enter the mobile number or VPA of the person from whom you want the money. Enter the amount and remarks and submit. As you submit the request, the payer would get a notification in his smartphone. By following the notification, the person can accept or reject the payment.
You can also generate the QR code to request payment. To generate QR code you have to only enter amount and remarks. The payer would scan this QR code and accept the payment.
Limitations of BHIM
There are certain limitations of BHIM. These can be a disadvantage for some people but because of these limitations BHIM app is very simple.
You can add only one bank account at a time.
You can have only two Virtual payment address. The first would be default containing your mobile number while you can set the second VPA.
Improvements Required
It should give the flexibility to enlist multiple bank account.
The app should fetch the mobile number from the contacts of the phone. The Phonepe app uses this feature. However,once you save a number for Future use, It would appear in the BHIM app itself.
There should be a feature to capture QR code which is shared with you. You can’t scan such QR code.
Some banks such as yes bank is missing from the list, Yes Bank is providing platform to the PhonePe, a leading UPI app.
General Questions About BHIM
You would have many queries about the BHIM. I am trying to answer as much as possible. To cover most of the topics, I have picked some questions and answers from the NPCI website.
What is BHIM or Bharat Interface for Money?
BHIM is a mobile app that lets you make fund transfer. It is very simple and easy. It is even easier than wallet. BHIM app uses the UPI platform for the transaction. That is why you don’t require bank account number of the payee to transfer fund. Mobile number or virtual payment address is suficient to pay money.
What is this UPI?
Unified Payment Interface(UPI) is an instant payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), an RBI regulated entity. UPI is built over the IMPS infrastructure and allows you to instantly transfer money between bank accounts.
How fast is a transaction over BHIM?
It is very fast. You can complete whole transaction within 20 seconds. You would get SMS of credit and debit immediately.
Are there any charges ?
There are no charges for transaction through BHIM or any UPI app. However bank can charge nominal UPI or IMPS transfer fee. Relax! banks are not charging any such fees yet.
How can I use the BHIM app?
To start using BHIM all you need is a Smartphone, Internet access, an Indian bank account that
supports UPI payments and mobile number linked to the bank account. Link your bank account to UPI through the app.
Does BHIM works on each Mobile platform?
No, It does not works on each mobile platform. As of now it is only available for Android. the NPCI has not developed the UPI payment sysetm for iOS and Windows mobile. That is why BHIM app for iOS is not available yet.
Can I send money to anyone using BHIM?
Yes, you can send money to anyone if the payee have any UPI app or created the virtual payment address of UPI. The BHIM uses UPI platform which facilitates fund transfer among the bank accounts. The banks account should from the UPI enabled banks. All the big national banks are the part of UPI. You would be able to transfer fund by entering bank account number and IFSC code.
What if I switch mobile operator.
No problem at all. You can continue using BHIM as usual.
What if I change my handset?
If you change your handset, you will need to
1) Download the BHIM app again
2) Login with your mobile number and password
3) Allow BHIM to verify you
After verification your account will be restored and you can use it as earlier.
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Can I continue using my BHIM account if my mobile number changes?
Yes you can do it, but You have to follow these steps.
Update your mobile number with your bank.
When you open the BHIM app next time It would ask your permission to send SMS to verify the mobile number.
After the verification, your old BHIM account would be restored.
However, for security reasons this account will be activated after 24 hours.
How safe is BHIM?
BHIM is very safe. It has 3 factor authentication.
You have to enter the passcode of BHIM app every time you open it. The app logs out if there is inactivity for some times. It would also logs out if you attend a call or start using another app.
The BHIM app would work only on your phone. Your passcode or UPI PIN can’t be used in any other phone.
Every transaction on BHIM requires you to enter your UPI-PIN which is known only to you. preventing unauthorised access. You should not share this UPI-PIN.
In addition all transaction initiated over BHIM are carried out over secure bank networks and all communications between BHIM and banks are over encrypted channels.
What if I lose my phone?
No other person can open or use your BHIM app as it requires passcode to open app and UPI PIN to transfer the money. However, you must block your sim immediately and inform to the bank.
Do I need to enable mobile banking on my bank account to use BHIM?
No, You don’t require mobile banking activated for BHIM. However, your mobile number should be registered with the bank. Means, you must be receiving SMS of deposit and withdrawal.
I have trasnferred money but did not get SMS. Why is that?
When you pay through the BHIM app, you see the notification about it in the BHIM itself. The SMS can delay due to problems of mobile operator or network. In case you have not received your confirmation within an hour please contact our customer support at your bank.
What are the transaction limits in BHIM?
Maximum amount for one transaction – ₹10,000
Maximum amount in 24 hours – ₹25,000
What is an UPI-PIN?
UPI-PIN (UPI Personal Identification Number) is a 4-6 digit secret code you create/set during first time registration with this App.You have to enter this UPI-PIN to authorize all bank transactions. If you have already set up an UPI-PIN with other UPI Apps you can use the same on BHIM.
Note: Please do not share your UPI-PIN with anyone. BHIM does not store or read your UPI-PIN details and your bank’s customer support will never ask for it.
How to Reset forgotten UPI PIN?
Don’t worry! In case you forget your UPI-PIN, you can reset it.
Go to App Home Screen ->Accounts->Forgot UPI-PIN ( for the desired bank account). Keep your debit card details handy and validate through a OTP.
How can I view my transaction history?
Go to BHIM Home Screen ->Transaction History. to view all your past and pending transactions.
Can I link multiple bank accounts with BHIM?
Currently, BHIM supports linking of one Bank only. At the time of account set-up, you can link your preferred bank account as the default account. In case you want to link another bank account, you can go to Main menu, choose Bank Accounts and select your default account.
Any money that is transferred to you using your mobile number or payment address will be credited into your default account.
Will BHIM ever auto-deduct payments from my account?
BHIM will not auto deduct payments from your account.
How BHIM get my bank a/c information?
This is a feature of the UPI payment platform (built by NPCI- an RBI regulated entity). The UPI platform retrieves the accounts details through your mobile number.
The collect request is not reaching the BHIM app. What do I do?
In this case, please first check the data connectivity. If you have entered your Payment Address at the merchant app, please re-check your Payment Address and re-try the transaction. Please check your pending transactions tab to check if the collect request has reached you.
I want to set my UPI-PIN but dont have an ATM/ Debit card.
You need to have your ATM/ Debit card in order to set your UPI-PIN for the first time or to reset it in case of a forgotten UPI-PIN.
I have selected the Bank name to link with UPI but it does not find my bank a/c .
In such a case, please ensure that the mobile number linked to your bank account is same as the one verified in BHIM App. If it is not the same, your bank accounts will not be fetched by the UPI platform. Also only Savings and Current bank accounts are supported by BHIM
Why is my UPI transaction failing?
UPI transaction can fail due to multiple reasons most likely due to connectivity issues to the banking system, incorrect Payment Address entered or wrong UPI PIN entry. If your transaction fails, please try again. If it doesn’t work, please contact customer support.
My UPI transaction has failed but my bank account has been debited.
In case of failures money will be refunded back to your account. Sometimes this takes longer than intended. If you do not receive the refund within 1 hour, please contact customer support at your bank.
I have sent money over UPI which shows as successful, but the receiver has not received the money.
Do not worry, sometime due to banking system errors money transfer may take longer than intended. In case the receiver does not receive the amount within 1 hour, please contact customer support at your bank.
How do I set my UPI-PIN with the bank directly?
You will be to able to set your UPI PIN through any other UPI enable Bank app.
Is there any limit to the number of UPI transactions I can make?
Yes. NPCI imposes a limit of 20 successful UPI transactions per linked bank account per day.
How do I pay an online merchant through UPI?
When you shop-online, you can pay through UPI when you see UPI as a payment option. On clicking that, you will need to enter your Payment Address (xyz[at]upi). Once entered, you will receive a collect request on your BHIM app. Enter your UPI-PIN here and your payment will be complete. As easy as this.
