How to Link Multiple Bank Accounts to a Single UPI ID

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) revolutionized how people transfer money around India. With a phone, users can transfer or receive cash, pay bills or shop on the internet instantly. While UPI growth continues and more users are trying to join several bank accounts with one UPI ID for ease of use and improved managing their money.

In this post we'll show you the steps required to link several banks to one UPI ID. We'll highlight the advantages and the best security practices to prevent frauds with fake payments UPI frauds which have become more prevalent.

Why Link Multiple Bank Accounts to One UPI ID?

Before you jump into the steps Let's look at the reasons behind this can be beneficial.

• Simplified transactions You don't have to manage multiple applications or IDs for every bank.
• Better Money Management It is easy to switch accounts with different goals (e.g. pay, salary and savings or expense).
• Single-Stop UPI Access The UPI app you use is the most popular UPI application (like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.) for your entire bank account.
• Accelerated Reconciliation Help keep all your UPI transactions in the same ID.

Can You Actually Link Multiple Accounts to a Single UPI ID?

Yes, you can. The majority of UPI applications allow users to connect and manage multiple banks within a single app profile. But, there's a distinct difference between the linking of accounts as well as having the same UPI ID (VPA - Virtual Payment Address) for all.

This is how it will work:

• It is possible to connect multiple bank accounts to the UPI application.
• You may set up one bank account to serve as your default for receiving and sending money using your primary UPI ID (e.g. yourname@upi).
• If you want to transfer funds into another account, must either transfer the account to a different one or utilize the bank's unique UPI account number (e.g. Yourname@OKSBI).

Thus, even though you are using an UPI account with a single ID but the bank account is able to be transferred in accordance with your requirements.

How to Link Multiple Bank Accounts to a Single UPI ID (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose a UPI App

The first step is to select a UPI enabled application that supports multiple accounts control. Some of the most well-known options include:

• Google Pay
• PhonePe
• Paytm
• BHIM
• Amazon Pay

Tips: Certain apps such as BHIM can be more simple for bank-only transactions, but other apps like PhonePe as well as Google Pay provide rewards as well as pay bills as well.

Step 2: Register Your Mobile Number

Make sure your mobile number ensures that it is connected to all of the bank accounts you would like to link. This is vital because UPI confirms accounts with the mobile number you have that is registered with your bank.

Step 3: Add Your First Bank Account

• Start the app, and then complete the mobile number verification.
• Choose the first account you want to open from the options.
• The app will retrieve your account's information automatically, and then join it.
• Make an UPI PIN (if you haven't already established).

Step 4: Add Additional Bank Accounts

• Navigate to the Settings or the Bank Accounts section within the app.
• Click "Add Bank Account".
• Pick the next bank on the options.
• The app can detect the app and connect it to SMS confirmation.
• Repeat this process for any banks that you would like to add.

Step 5: Manage Accounts and Set Default

After linking:

• You are able to see all associated accounts in the "Bank Accounts" tab.
• Choose one to be the primary account to make transactions using the UPI ID you use for your primary account.
• It is possible to switch between the receiving account at any time prior to making the payment.

Note: Although a single UPI ID will typically be associated with one account, certain apps permit to manage the identical VPA across multiple accounts, by changing defaults. You can also make additional VPAs in the application to link them with different banks.

How to Switch Bank Accounts During a Transaction

In the majority of apps:

• When you are making a payment When you're sending money, simply click the symbol for the bank or the drop-down close to the screen for payment.
• Choose the bank account you wish to use for the specific purchase.
• The beneficiary will be able to see that the money is being made through your UPI ID. However, the money will be deducted from the account you have chosen.

Security Tips to Avoid Fake Payment UPI Scams

Although it's convenient UPI can be, it has been a fertile ground for fraud, particularly frauds involving fake payments UPI scams in which fraudsters make fake screenshots or employ fake applications to trick customers.

Here's how to be in peace:

1. Always check the SMS or Bank message If it is a genuine UPI transaction generates an SMS, which will reflect in your account passbook of the bank or application.
2. Utilize Official Apps Only Use UPI applications to download only from approved store stores for apps. Beware of third-party applications that are not from known creators.
3. Beware of fake screen shots A lot of scammers send fake UPI payment images to storekeepers as well as delivery personnel. Make sure to confirm credit via an app or an SMS message.
4. Don't share your UPI PIN:- The only legitimate person or institution would ask you for your UPI PIN. PINs are only needed to authorise the payment.
5. Install App Lock Secure your UPI application with fingerprints or a PIN lock.
6. Do not click on untrusted URLs The majority of fraudsters provide phishing-related links, which resemble UPI applications.

Pros and Cons of Linking Multiple Bank Accounts

Pros:

• Centralized access to payment.
• Easy to transfer funding sources.
• The clutter is reduced when using several apps.

Cons:

• It can be confusing for those who are new to the field.
• High risk for phone loss or theft if lost or stolen.
• Account errors that are not properly maintained may result in debits that are incorrect.

Final Thoughts

The ability to connect multiple accounts of a bank with one UPI ID makes digital payments faster and more personalized. If you're a freelancer who manages revenue from multiple sources or an owner of a business who wants to separate expenses, this option is very efficient. Make sure you stay aware and educated to guard yourself from frauds that are based on UPI payment frauds that become more sophisticated with each passing day.