BHIM

With the aim of digitally empowering the Indian society as well as encouraging a financial inclusion across the nation, the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, launched the BHIM app (or Bharat Interface for Money) on December 2016, soon after the massive waves of demonetization hit the Indian populace. A digital payment method, it is a remarkably convenient way of financial transaction that allows users to make various financial transactions like sending and requesting money. It works through a Virtual Payment Address (or VPA) on a real-time basis. Funds can be sent as well as received instantly at all times on every single day in a year, including bank holidays. Payments through BHIM do not require to provide bank account information such as account number or IFSC code. All transactions are carried out using a VPA linked to the mobile number registered with the concerned bank account. Customers can directly send and receive funds using their VPA or they can scan the QR code and make payments using the BHIM app. The app is available in several Indian languages. One can transfer funds to acquaintances using their UPI ID or ever make payments to various online and offline retailers using this app.

BHIM App: Features

The BHIM app allows a user to do the following using UPI:

Sending and receiving money

Paying bills on merchant websites

Booking flight tickets

Recharging the phone connection

Splitting a bill with multiple users.

Getting payment reminders for scheduled payments.

Downloading BHIM App

The BHIM app can be downloaded on both Android and Apple platforms from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

Registering and using BHIM app

Here is a step-by-step guide for a first-time user of BHIM app:

1: Download the app on your phone.

2: Choose the language that you prefer.

3: Enter the mobile number that is registered with your bank account.

4: Complete the verification process.

5: Select your bank.

6: Assign a 4-digit password to link your bank account with the BHIM app.

7: Start using the app.

After you have registered on the app, you will be able to send or receive payments. To send money, you have to enter the mobile number/payment address of the recipient. If you wish to send money to banks that don't support UPI, you need to use the MMID or IFSC code.

You can use the 'Scan and Pay' option to while making payments to any merchant, by scanning their QR code and making the payment.

Creating a UPI ID or a VPA

A default UPI ID or VPA is automatically allotted to users upon registering on the BHIM app. In case you wish to add another VPA, you can find the required option in the profile section of the app.

Sending money using BHIM app through UPI

1: Click on the 'Send' icon after logging in to the app

2: Choose the VPA of the recipient

3: Enter the amount and remarks, if any; then proceed to send the money

4: Enter in your UPI PIN to authenticate the transaction and successfully send money

Receiving/requesting money using BHIM app

1: Click on the 'Receive' icon after logging into the app

2: Select the VPA of the desired remitter, from whom you want to receive money

3: Enter the transaction amount.

4: Once you submit, the remitter will receive a notification of either accepting or rejecting the request

FAQs

Is BHIM app a mobile wallet?

No. The BHIM app is definitely not a mobile or digital wallet. It is a payment application which lets you can make payments using a VPA or QR code.

What is UPI?

UPI is a type of payment method. You can process transactions through it using a VPA. Unlike, NEFT or RTGS, it doesn't require bank account details or IFSC code.

Can I use BHIM if my bank is not UPI-enables?

No.

What is a VPA?

VPA is a Virtual Payment Address. It is like an email id. It helps to identify users using this app. You can send and collect money using the VPA.

Does BHIM work in foreign countries?

BHIM can be used abroad but you can send and receive money only from Indian accounts.

What are the transaction charges for using BHIM?

Nothing. It is completely free.

Can I use BHIM without access to the internet?

Yes. You can use the *99# service to use the BHIM app without internet.

What if the money is debited from the bank account but not received by the beneficiary?

Report the issue on the BHIM app. The amount will be sent back to the bank account within three working days.

What If I send money to the wrong person?

Since BHIM allows instant money transfers, a transaction once processed cannot be reverted. However, you may raise a collect request by mentioning that the money was sent by mistake.