How to use UPI’s newly released credit line, Hello! Features and more

The days have gone by since people went to the bank to withdraw and deposit cash. However, since UPI (Unified Payment Interface) grabbed the market, many cash-related problems have been resolved. That idea became so impressive that UPI was recalled from around the globe since it catches up with the entire banking system in one hand and facilitates any bank transfer using a simple tap.

However, from the beginning, UPI was already an advanced thing for the country, but recently, August has been a positive month. You will be surprised that August 2023 UPI statistics showed a massive record, receiving 10.58 million transactions with a value of ₹15.76 lakh crore rupees. Furthermore, remember, this is a 55% increase compared to last year. Alongside this, a new payment feature has arrived, which we will explain to you here.

How to use UPI’s newly released credit line, Hello! Features and more

If you look at the recent UPI update, there are four new features added to this excellent payment service. These are Credit Line, Hello! UPI, Conversational Bill Payment, and Tap and Pay on UPI. However, since the features are newly added, many people need to learn what those features are and how they work. So, without further delay, let us see UPI’s recent advancements below.

Credit Line

From now on, you can make payments on credit using UPI. Here, you need to have a bank account and a UPI-enabled app. Along with that, you need a pre-approved credit line from your bank. Once pre-approved, you can link your credit line to your UPI. Here, the bank will decide on interest rates, and you need to repay the borrowed amount with interest. So, even if you have no money in your bank, you can pay using a credit line for groceries, online shopping, etc. To use this feature, follow these steps:

1. Simply visit your bank and ask for a pre-approved credit line.
2. Then, visit your bank’s branch and activate that feature.
3. Next, add that activated credit line to your UPI app.
4. After that, use the credit option and pay for whatever you want.
5. That is it; you are done.

Hello! UPI 

This is one of the most convenient features for UPI users who want to do transactions with just a voice command. UPI added this functionality this month, available in both English and Hindi. This feature works well for all who are exceptionally able. You can use this feature on prominent UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, CRED, Paytm, BHIM, etc. Just say Hello UPI to activate the voice assistant and enjoy this new way of payment. But remember, with this functionality, you can send and pay bills, check balances, add money to your wallet, and do similar things. 

Conversational bill payment

Like the previous feature, this payment feature has the same functionality. You can also pay using voice commands. The difference is that with Hello! UPI, you pay with voice commands within that UPI app. This feature is mainly for voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. We just want to command that assistant, and it will execute it. However, since the feature has just been released, it might be possible that you feel some inconsistency. To use this, do the steps below.

• Launch a voice assistant on your device.
• Then say “Pay my bill” or any other command.
• The voice assistant will then ask you for the biller’s name and the amount due.
• Next, speak the information, and the voice assistant will pay you.
• That is it; you are done.

Tap and pay with UPI. 

One of my favorite features is where you place your NFC-enabled smartphone at a POS machine, and payment will be made. However, this feature is only available on Pine Labs POS terminals across India. To use this feature, you need an NFC-enabled smartphone (UPI), with a bank account linked. I know some of you were having issues with how to use it. So, here are the steps for it.

• Simply unlock your phone.
• Tap your phone on the POS terminal.
• Following this, the Google Pay app will open.
• Confirm the amount to be paid and proceed.
• Lastly, enter your UPI PIN and pay.

So, these are the major highlights of the recent UPI update. Remember, these are not the least, as developers have more plans for users to make more straightforward payment solutions. It would be interesting to see what happens next. But at present, I hope you understand how adequate the new UPI facilities will be for you. Even after such a discussion, if any user has a query, ask them below.

Frequently asked questions