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Virtual Payment Address (VPA)—What is VPA in UPI?

By Saloni Dhumne

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Updated on: May 27th, 2025

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4 min read

Unified Payment Interface (UPI) has become one of the most popular and convenient payment methods for money transfers, bill payments, and merchant transactions. One of its key benefits is that it does not involve any additional transaction charges, and your bank account details remain private since only your Virtual Payment Address (VPA) is shared with the receiver. Currently, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has set a standard daily transaction limit of Rs 1 lakh and a maximum of 20 UPI transactions per day. However, individual banks may have their own limits ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh, which can vary over time.

What Is VPA?

A Virtual Payment Address (VPA) is a unique identifier that helps UPI to track a person’s account. It acts as an ID independent of your bank account number and other details. VPA can be used to make and request payments through a UPI-enabled app. You need not fill in your bank account details repeatedly for making multiple payments.

Example Of VPA

A typical VPA looks something like abc@bankname. Generally, a primary default VPA will be set by the UPI app you are working on. The ‘abc’ part of the above example can be anything, such as your name, your registered mobile number, or things like that. The ‘bank name’ in the example can be the name of the bank your account is held with, or the name of the bank the app is associated with, or just the word ‘upi’.

For example, ‘geooorge@hdfcbank’, ‘anjeliene25@upi’, and ‘123456789@ybl’, can be a few examples of a VPA. 

On the other hand, you can check for the availability of a VPA that you would prefer and create one as you desire.

Creating VPA Of Your Choice

  • Step 1: Open the UPI app you have installed on your mobile device. Here, the BHIM app is used for demonstration purposes.

UPI app

  • Step 2: Click on the ‘Profile’ tab on the home screen.

Click on the profile tab as given below

  • Step 3: If you have already set a VPA, the primary VPA will be shown. Click on the arrow that leads to the right.

Click on the arrow on the right of the QR code

  • Step 4: Click on the ‘+’ mark on the screen to create a VPA of your choice.

create VPA of your choice

  • Step 5: You will be given an option to choose the first part of the VPA, i.e. the segment that appears before the ‘@’ symbol. A list of recommendations also appear. You can choose one from the list or type your desired VPA and check for its availability.

create UPI ID

  • Step 6: Click on ‘Submit’ to confirm the VPA. That’s all!

Last step to create UPI ID

VPA Suffixes For Third-Party Apps

Below is a table listing the VPA suffixes used by some of the most popular Third-Party Application Providers:

TPA Name

Bank Name

VPA Suffix

Amazon Pay

YES Bank

@yapl

Axis Bank

Axis Bank

@apl

Bajaj MARKETS

Axis Bank

@abfspay

CRED

Axis Bank

@axisb

FinShell Pay

HDFC Bank

@rmhdfcbank

Google Pay

Axis Bank

@okaxis

Google Pay

State Bank of India

@oksbi

Google Pay

HDFC Bank

@okhdfcbank

Jupiter Money

Axis Bank Limited

@jupiteraxis

Make My Trip

IndusInd Bank

@indus

MobiKwik

HDFC Bank

@ikwik

Samsung Pay

Axis Bank

@pingpay

Timepay

The Cosmos Co-Operative Bank Ltd

@timecosmos

Ultracash

IDFC Bank

@idfcbank

WhatsApp

Axis Bank

@waaxis

WhatsApp

State Bank of India

@wasbi

WhatsApp

HDFC Bank

@wahdfcbank

CoinTab

Federal Bank

@fbl

Fave (Pinelabs)

IDFC FIRST Bank

@idfcbank

Groww

Axis Bank

@axisbank

JustDial

HDFC Bank

@hdfcbankjd

Maxwholesale

HSBC

@hsbc

PhonePe

YES Bank

@ybl

PhonePe

Axis Bank

@axl

YuvaPay

YES Bank

@yesbank

SuperPay (Chintamoney)

Kotak Mahindra Bank

@kmbl

tvam (Atyati)

YES Bank

@yesbank

 

How Do Transactions Happen Under VPA?

Once you have installed a UPI-enabled app, you are required to choose a UPI ID for all your further transactions. A VPA can be anything ranging from your name, the first half of your email address, or even your mobile number.

This is to make sure that you do not forget it when required. You can log in to a UPI-enabled app using VPA. Linking VPA to a bank account is an essential step before you initiate any transaction via UPI. Also, make sure that the mobile number you have linked to the bank account is the same as the one you have registered you are receiving a notification.

Upon entering the VPA and the amount to be sent/received, you must enter the valid UPI PIN that was created while registering with UPI. This is a validation required to confirm that the right person is making the transaction.

General UPI Transaction Limit

Currently, the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) has predefined the UPI transaction limit to Rs 1 Lakh per day. The maximum number of UPI transactions is 20 per day. However, the upper limit differs from bank to bank. Hence, the upper limit could be anywhere between Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh. It is important to note that the transaction limit might change from time to time.

UPI AutoPay

NPCI has introduced UPI AutoPay for regular payments. With this facility, you can enable a recurring e-mandate using any UPI application for recurring payments such as telephone bills, OTT charges, Netflix, WiFi charges, electricity bills, EMI bills, etc. 

Following is the list of a few banks and their respective partners (not limited to):

Issuer Bank

UPI Apps

Axis BankBHIM
Bank of BarodaPaytm, BHIM
IDFC BankBHIM
ICICI BankGpay, PhonePe
Indusind BankBHIM
HDFC BankGpay, PhonePe, Paytm
HSBC BankHSBC SimplyPay
Paytm BankPaytm, BHIM

Note: The NPCI and UPI website has not disclosed if such auto payments also will be included under the UPI transaction limit or not.

Google Pay UPI Transaction Limit

  • Maximum of Rs 1 lakh per day across all UPI apps.
  • Maximum of 10 times per day across all UPI apps.
  • A maximum request of Rs 2,000 from another individual or party.

PhonePe UPI Transaction Limit

  • Maximum of Rs 1 lakh per day across all UPI apps.
  • Maximum of 10 times across all UPI apps per day.

UPI Transaction Limit for BHIM App

You can transfer up to Rs 40,000 per transaction and a maximum of Rs 40,000 per day concerning one bank account. This UPI transfer limit is determined based on the bank account linked with BHIM. The State Bank of India introduced its own mobile payments app called BHIM SBI Pay. It can be used not only by SBI account holders, it can be used by customers of other UPI-enabled banks too. The fund transfer is executed via VPA.

What are the Advantages of Using VPA?

  • Make payments from any bank account linked to your mobile number with sufficient balance using a simple Virtual Payment Address (VPA).
  • Track all your transactions easily in one place with a single VPA.
  • Use ‘Pay with VPA’ to transfer funds instantly by entering the recipient’s VPA, amount, and remarks.
  • Request money via VPA and receive funds immediately once authorized.
  • UPI transactions are available 24/7, including weekends and bank holidays.
  • No need to add beneficiaries manually; transfers are fully online and fast.
  • Funds remain in your bank account, allowing you to earn interest, unlike e-wallets.
  • Link multiple bank accounts under one app and create or change VPAs anytime for added security.
  • UPI transactions cost almost nothing compared to NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS.
  • Powered by IMPS infrastructure, UPI ensures instant fund transfers.

In summary, UPI with Virtual Payment Address (VPA) offers a secure and convenient, avenue to manage your financial transactions. With instant transfers, 24/7 availability, and seamless integration across multiple bank accounts, it simplifies payments and enhances your banking experience. Embracing UPI means faster, smarter, and more efficient money management at your fingertips.

Related Articles:
1. BHIM UPI Registration 
2. BHIM UPI Payments App-How to Use It?

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find my VPA address?

After installing the UPI app on your mobile, click on the ‘Profile’ tab on your home screen. If you have already set a VPA, the primary VPA will be displayed.

What is the UPI transaction limit for international transactions?

Currently, the UPI fund transfer feature is not available for international transactions.

Is it possible to reduce my existing UPI transaction limit?

A few banks offer the feature of bringing down the UPI transaction limit in terms of both the amount as well as number. This can be initiated by visiting their net banking website.

Is it possible to change an existing VPA?

Yes, it’s possible. You can change or edit an existing VPA. This feature can be seen under the UPI app settings.

Can I link an existing VPA with a new app?

Yes, you can link an existing VPA to a new app provided your app supports that feature.

Is it possible to link different bank accounts under one VPA?

Yes, all your bank accounts can be linked under a single VPA.

Will VPA get lapsed when not in use?

No, VPA will not get lapsed even if you do not use it daily or periodically.

How many VPAs can be created on a UPI platform?

You can create as many as VPA’s you intend to on various UPI platforms and link them to the same bank account.

About the Author
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Saloni Dhumne

Content Writer - Personal Finance
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A former journalist by profession, I live by the power of the written word. Specializing in personal finance, I simplify wealth planning for individuals looking to grow their money effectively. Beyond my work, I eagerly seize any opportunity to travel, exploring offbeat destinations and embracing new experiences.. Read more

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