Now create a custom UPI ID on GPay and Paytm, your mobile number will remain secure

Today, millions of people in India use UPI for digital payments. However, until now, most UPI IDs were linked to mobile numbers, posing a privacy risk. Now, Google Pay and Paytm have allowed users to create a custom UPI ID of their choice. This means that your mobile number will no longer be visible to others, and transactions will be more secure.

Previously, UPI IDs displayed your phone number along with the bank's name. The visibility of the phone number has always posed a privacy risk. However, with the new UPI feature, you can completely hide your phone number. This will not only increase security but also give you the opportunity to create your own digital identity.

How to Create a New UPI ID on Paytm

• If you're a Paytm user, creating a new UPI ID is very easy.
• First, open the Paytm app.
• Go to the Profile section and select "UPI & Payment Settings."
• Here, you'll see all your linked accounts and existing UPI IDs.
• Now, click "Create a New UPI ID."
• Create an ID of your choice by matching letters and numbers.
• If desired, you can also create a backup UPI ID so that transactions don't stop in the event of a payment failure.

Google Pay users have also now received this feature. This means that users can now use a UPI ID of their choice instead of their mobile number. This feature is especially useful for those who are vigilant about their privacy.

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) recently made a major change to the UPI system. The P2P Collect Request feature is being discontinued from October 1, 2025. This means that users will no longer be able to send or receive "collect requests." Only direct transfers will be possible. NPCI took this decision because many fraudsters were abusing this feature. People would mistakenly approve collect requests, resulting in money being deducted from their accounts.

This new feature from GPay and Paytm is a major step towards making digital payments more secure. Now, there's no need to share your mobile number, nor will your privacy be compromised. If you conduct digital transactions, creating a custom UPI ID can prove to be a smart move.