Google Pay is one of the most widely used payments apps in India. And to further enhance the whole experience for users, Google has added some new features to its payments app. At the Global Fintech Fest 2024, Google announced new features including UPI Circle, UPI Vouchers, Clickpay QR, and more, all of which are set to roll out later this year. Each of these additions aims to simplify how users manage and conduct their financial activities, making digital payments even more seamless for people across India.
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UPI Circle
One of the standout features announced is UPI Circle. This feature allows users to delegate payment responsibilities to trusted family members or friends. UPI Circle is particularly beneficial for those who might not have direct access to banking services or are hesitant to use UPI for digital payments. With UPI Circle, an existing UPI user on Google Pay can add secondary users to their account. There are two levels of delegation:
–Partial Delegation: The primary user retains full control and must approve each payment request initiated by the secondary user.
–Full Delegation: The primary user can set a monthly limit (up to Rs15,000), allowing the secondary user to make payments independently within that limit.
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UPI Vouchers
Google Pay is also expanding the functionality of UPI Vouchers, a feature initially introduced for COVID-19 vaccination payments. UPI Vouchers allow users to send prepaid vouchers linked to a recipient’s mobile number. These vouchers can be used for payments without requiring the recipient to link a bank account to UPI.
This feature is now being adapted for broader use across various sectors, making it easier for organisations and individuals to issue and utilize UPI vouchers. Whether it’s a government program, corporate gifting, or any other scenario, UPI Vouchers provide a seamless way to pay digitally, further simplifying financial transactions for users.
Clickpay QR
To make bill payments even more convenient, Google Pay has introduced Clickpay QR in partnership with NPCI Bharat Billpay. This feature allows users to pay bills by simply scanning a Clickpay QR code with the Google Pay app. The QR code, which can be generated by billers, automatically fetches the latest bill details, eliminating the need for users to remember account numbers or customer IDs.
This streamlined process ensures that paying bills is fast, accurate, and hassle-free, enhancing the overall user experience.
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Prepaid Utilities Payment
Google Pay is broadening its support for recurring payments by introducing prepaid utilities payment. Users can now discover and link their prepaid utility accounts, such as electricity or housing society bills, directly through Google Pay. This feature is designed to make it easier to manage and track recurring payments, all within the app.
As more utility providers join this category, users will benefit from a centralised platform to handle all their recurring payment needs.
Tap & Pay with RuPay Cards
In a move that further simplifies payments, Google Pay is rolling out Tap & Pay for RuPay cards. This feature allows users to add their RuPay cards to Google Pay and make payments by simply tapping their mobile phone at a card machine. The card details are securely stored, ensuring that the 16-digit card number remains protected during transactions.
This addition makes it even more convenient for RuPay cardholders to make payments, reducing the need to carry physical cards.
Autopay for UPI Lite
Finally, Google Pay is introducing Autopay for UPI Lite. This feature automatically tops up a user’s UPI Lite balance when it falls below a certain threshold. UPI Lite is a simplified version of UPI designed for small-ticket transactions. With Autopay, users can continue making small payments without worrying about insufficient balance.
These new features reflect Google Pay’s commitment to making digital payments more accessible and user-friendly for everyone in India. Whether it’s through delegating payments, using prepaid vouchers, or simplifying bill payments, Google Pay is paving the way for a more inclusive and convenient financial ecosystem.
