Google Pay is one of the most used payment apps in India. And to make the overall experience even better for users, Google has added some new features to its payment app. At the Global Fintech Fest 2024, Google announced UPI Circles, UPI Vouchers, ClickPay QR, and many other new features that are set to roll out later this year. Each of these features aims to simplify the way users manage and conduct financial activities, making digital payments even more seamless for people across India.

UPI Circle

One of the coolest features announced is UPI Circle. This feature allows users to delegate payment responsibilities to their trusted family members or friends. UPI Circle is especially beneficial for those who do not have direct access to banking services or are hesitant to use UPI for digital payments. With UPI Circle, existing UPI users on Google Pay can add secondary users to their account. There are two levels of delegation:

–Partial delegation: The primary user retains full control and must approve each payment request initiated by the secondary user.

–Full Delegation: The primary user can set a monthly limit (up to Rs 15,000), allowing the secondary user to make payments independently within that limit.

UPI Voucher

Google Pay is also expanding the functionality of UPI vouchers, a feature initially introduced for COVID-19 vaccination payments. UPI vouchers allow users to send prepaid vouchers linked to the recipient’s mobile number. These vouchers can be used for payments without the recipient needing to have a bank account linked to UPI.

This feature is now being adapted for wider use across various sectors, making it easier for organizations and individuals to issue and use UPI vouchers. Whether it is a government event, corporate gifting or any other scenario, UPI vouchers provide a seamless way to pay digitally, making financial transactions even simpler for users.

ClickPay QR

To make bill payments even more convenient, Google Pay has introduced Clickpay QR in partnership with NPCI India Billpay. This feature allows users to pay bills by scanning the Clickpay QR code with the Google Pay app. The QR code that can be generated by billers automatically fetches the latest bill details, eliminating the need for users to remember account numbers or customer IDs.

This streamlined process ensures that bill payments are fast, accurate, and hassle-free, improving the overall user experience.

Prepaid utility payments

Google Pay is broadening its support for recurring payments by introducing prepaid utility payments. Users can now search and link their prepaid utility accounts, such as electricity or housing society bills, directly through Google Pay. The feature is designed to make it easier to manage and track recurring payments, all within the app.

As more utility providers join this category, users will benefit from a centralized platform to meet all their recurring payment needs.

Tap and pay with Rupay card

To make payments even easier, Google Pay has introduced Tap & Pay feature for RuPay cards. This feature allows users to link their RuPay cards to Google Pay and make payments by tapping their mobile phone on the card machine. The card details are stored securely, ensuring that the 16-digit card number remains safe during transactions.

This will make it even more convenient for RuPay cardholders to make payments, reducing the need to carry physical cards.

Autopay for UPI Lite

Finally, Google Pay is introducing AutoPay for UPI Lite. This feature automatically tops up a user’s UPI Lite balance when it falls below a certain threshold. UPI Lite is a simplified version of UPI designed for small-ticket transactions. With AutoPay, users can continue making small payments without worrying about insufficient balance.

These new features reflect Google Pay’s commitment to make digital payments more accessible and user-friendly for everyone in India. Whether it’s handing over payments, using prepaid vouchers or simplifying bill payments, Google Pay is paving the way for a more inclusive and convenient financial ecosystem.