In today’s digital world, even children are becoming part of the cashless economy. If you’ve ever wondered whether your child can use UPI to make payments, the answer is yes, with the right safeguards in place. Thanks to a feature called UPI Circle, children can now make UPI payments under parental supervision without needing their bank account.
What Is UPI Circle?
UPI Circle is a feature available on popular apps like Google Pay and BHIM. It lets a parent or guardian share limited UPI access with a trusted user, like a child, family member, or friend. This means your child can make payments from your linked UPI account, but only within the rules and limits that you decide.
Here’s what makes UPI Circle ideal for kids:
• No access to your bank account or balance
• No UPI PIN is shared
• You decide the spending limit
• You can approve each payment manually
• You can remove or pause access anytime
Why Is UPI Circle Great for Minors?
For children under 15—or those who don’t yet have their own bank accounts—UPI Circle offers a safe way to learn about digital payments. It can be used for:
• Buying snacks at school
• Paying for metro, cab, or auto rides
• Making small online purchases
• Sending money to friends or siblings (within limits)
It introduces kids to responsible money habits and digital payment tools, all while keeping the parent in charge.
Can Teens Have Their Own UPI ID?
Yes—but with a few conditions:
• If your child is 15 years or older and has a bank account in their name (not a joint minor account), they can get their own UPI ID.
• Most banks allow minors aged 10 and up to open bank accounts, but they require parental documents like a PAN or Aadhaar card.
• With their own UPI ID, your child can make payments independently. However, banks usually apply a daily limit (up to ₹1 lakh) depending on the account type.
Many parents still choose UPI Circle for teenagers to keep a closer watch on their spending.
How to Set Up UPI Circle (Step-by-Step)
• Open Google Pay or BHIM
• Tap your profile photo
• Scroll down and select UPI Circle
• Choose Add Family or Friends
• Add your child by entering their UPI ID or scanning their UPI Circle QR code.
Select your control type:
- Spend with limits (you set the daily/monthly budget)
- Approve every payment (you get alerts for each transaction)
• Enter your UPI PIN to confirm
That’s it—your child can now make UPI payments safely through your account, with your rules.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Age Group – Best Option
Under 15 or no bank account – Use UPI Circle for supervised access
15+ with bank account – Use personal UPI ID or combine with UPI Circle for limits
If your child is younger or new to digital money, UPI Circle is the safest way to introduce them to mobile payments. It gives kids freedom with boundaries and keeps parents informed every step of the way.
Why UPI Circle Matters
In a world where digital scams are on the rise, financial safety and awareness matter more than ever. UPI Circle ensures:
• No misuse of funds
• No risk of account hacking
• Healthy money habits for kids
Whether it’s pocket money, a school payment, or a small gift to a friend, UPI Circle empowers your child without compromising security.
