Paytm Now Lets You Create Your Own UPI ID – Here’s Why That’s a Big Deal
India’s favorite digital wallet, Paytm, has just launched something new—and it’s all about putting you in control of your digital payments. The company now allows users to create personalized UPI IDs, which means you no longer have to use your phone number as your UPI address. Sounds small? Think again. This could be a game-changer for privacy and ease of use in digital transactions.
Let’s break it down.
What Is a UPI ID, and Why Should You Care?
UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is how most of us send and receive money instantly in India. Every UPI transaction requires a UPI ID, which is often based on your mobile number—like 9876543210@paytm.
But here’s the problem: using your phone number as a UPI ID can feel a little too personal. Every time you make a payment, your number is visible to the receiver. In a world where data privacy is more important than ever, that’s not ideal.
Now, Paytm’s new feature changes all that.
What’s New: Personalized UPI Handles Like yourname@ptm or coolguy@ptaxis
Paytm users can now create a custom UPI handle such as yourname@ptyes or shopnow@ptaxis. This is very similar to how email works—easy to remember, private, and personal.
This update is currently supported via Yes Bank and Axis Bank UPI handles, but more banks are expected to join the party soon.
Imagine sending money to your friend using a sleek ID like arjun@ptm instead of something like 8876543210@paytm. Much cleaner—and no phone numbers involved.
Why This Matters: More Privacy, More Control
Let’s be honest. Not everyone feels comfortable sharing their phone number with strangers—especially when making payments for deliveries, online purchases, or freelance gigs.
By allowing you to decouple your UPI ID from your mobile number, Paytm is giving users more control over their financial identity. It’s a thoughtful move in a world where protecting your personal data is just as important as convenience.
Who Can Use This Right Now?
If you’re using Paytm and have your UPI account linked with either Yes Bank or Axis Bank, you’re good to go. Others may need to wait a little longer until their banks roll out support for this feature.
But the trend is clear: this is the future of UPI in India.
How to Create Your Own Custom UPI ID on Paytm
Want to try it out? Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open Your Paytm App
Make sure your app is updated to the latest version.
Step 2: Go to ‘UPI & Payment Settings’
You can find this in the main menu or by clicking on your profile.
Step 3: Tap on ‘Create New UPI ID’
You’ll see suggestions like @ptm, @ptyes, or @ptaxis depending on your bank.
Step 4: Choose Your Handle
Type your desired name or phrase—just like choosing an email ID.
Step 5: Confirm and Save
Once your handle is available and approved, it’s ready to use.
You can now send or receive money using this brand-new UPI ID.
A Smart Move by Paytm in the Digital Age
This new feature comes at a time when people are more conscious than ever about their digital footprint. In a country where digital transactions are growing at lightning speed, users want more privacy, better control, and smarter tools.
Paytm’s decision to offer personalized UPI IDs isn’t just a fun cosmetic change—it’s a real step toward a safer, more user-friendly payment experience.
And let’s face it, it’s pretty cool to have your own payment handle. Just like how we used to customize our email IDs back in the day, UPI is now becoming more personal.
What Could Be Next?
As more banks join the personalized UPI ID system, we could see even more creative options like brand-specific handles or regional language handles. It’s also likely that other payment apps like PhonePe and Google Pay will follow Paytm’s lead.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try It?
Absolutely. Whether you’re privacy-conscious, want a more professional-looking payment ID, or just want to stand out, this feature is worth checking out. It’s easy to set up, completely free, and makes your digital payments feel a little more… yours.