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Enter your UPI PIN only when you are deliberately making a payment and the payee and amount shown in your trusted UPI app match what you intend. You do not need a UPI PIN to receive money. If someone says you must enter it, scan a QR code, open a link or approve a request to receive money or claim a reward, stop.
When should you enter a UPI PIN?
A UPI PIN is a 4–6 digit passcode used to authorize bank transactions, according to the NPCI UPI FAQ. Enter it only when you are authorizing a payment you chose to make, after checking the transaction details in your trusted UPI app.
- Confirm the payee or beneficiary is the person or business you mean to pay.
- Check that the amount is correct.
- Make sure the action is a payment you initiated, not an unexpected request presented as a way to receive money.
If any detail is unfamiliar or does not match your intention, do not enter the PIN. Verify the request with the intended recipient using a contact method you already trust.
Do you need a UPI PIN to receive money?
No. Receiving money does not require you to enter a UPI PIN. NPCI and the national cybercrime safety manual explain that PIN entry is for making payments, not receiving them. NPCI warns that scanning a QR code and entering a UPI PIN is only meant for making payments, not receiving them: NPCI Fraud Awareness.
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- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
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Be cautious if someone says a PIN, QR scan, link or approval is needed to accept a payment, refund, prize, cashback or reward. An unsolicited link or QR code that leads you to enter your PIN is not a safe way to receive money.
How to judge a UPI prompt before approving it
Do not approve a prompt just to clear a notification. First identify who initiated it and what the app is asking you to authorize. A collect request is a request for you to pay; review it rather than treating it as proof that money is being sent to you.
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- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
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| What is happening? | What to check | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| You started a payment | Whether the payee and amount in the trusted app match your intention | Enter the PIN only if both are correct and you intend to pay. |
| Someone says they are sending you money | Whether the app shows an unexpected collect request or payment approval | Do not enter a PIN to receive money. Review any request carefully; decline or stop if it is unexpected. |
| A reward, refund, prize or cashback comes with an unsolicited QR code or link | Whether you are being asked to scan, open or authorize something to claim it | Stop. Do not enter your PIN in response to that prompt. |
| A caller or supposed support agent asks for your PIN or OTP | Whether the person is asking you to disclose a credential | Refuse and end the interaction. NPCI says bank customer support will never ask for your UPI PIN. |
| A request is unfamiliar or the displayed details are wrong | The initiator, transaction type, beneficiary and amount | Do not approve it. Verify independently through a known contact method. |
RBI guidance advises users to review collect requests and reconfirm the amount and beneficiary before authorizing a payment. See the RBI Financial Awareness Messages.
Keep your PIN and related account access private
NPCI states: “Please do not share your UPI-PIN with anyone.” Its FAQ also says your bank’s customer support will never ask for it. Do not disclose your PIN, OTP or password to callers, people claiming to investigate a transaction, or anyone messaging you.
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- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Fraud attempts can also involve SIM swaps, deceptive links in messages or email, and spurious apps. RBI’s digital-banking safeguards advise against sharing credentials and warn about these kinds of risks. Use your bank’s transaction alerts, and avoid opening unknown links or installing unfamiliar apps. The RBI circular dated 22 June 2020 discusses these fraud approaches; it does not provide a UPI PIN fraud prevalence figure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do if a UPI payment appears unauthorized
- Open transaction history in your UPI app and select the transaction in question.
- If the app offers it, raise a complaint through UPI Help. NPCI describes this route in its UPI Help guidance.
- Contact your participating bank through its official support channel for case-specific assistance.
- Do not disclose your PIN to anyone who claims to be investigating the transaction.
NPCI’s guidance also points users to their participating bank’s UPI support for grievances. The applicable complaint process and any recovery outcome depend on the case; these sources do not establish a reimbursement deadline or guarantee that money will be recovered.
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- FIDO2 & Passkey Ready: Business-ready and FIDO2 L1 certified. This key is supported by major management suites and is ideal for both individual and enterprise deployment. Works seamlessly with Gmail, Facebook, GitHub, Dropbox, Coinbase, and more.
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- Dedicated Manager App: Use the Thetis Manager App for the initial hardware PIN setup. Setting the PIN on the device first ensures a smooth registration process. Once the PIN is configured, you can begin registering the key across your favorite FIDO2-compatible online services.
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- Check FIDO2 compatibility before purchase - Known limitations: ID Austria is not supported (requires FIDO2 Level 2). Windows Hello login only works with Windows Enterprise editions that support Entra ID, and NFC is NOT supported.
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- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
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