
PhonePe is a digital payment app that has revolutionized the way Indians make transactions. It was founded in 2016 by Sameer Nigam, Rahul Chari, and Burzin Engineer.
PhonePe is a subsidiary of Flipkart and has become the leading digital payment app in India. It offers a wide range of services including UPI payments, bill payments, and recharges.
With over 150 million registered users, PhonePe has become an essential part of Indian digital payments.
PhonePe Overview
PhonePe is a leading digital wallet that allows you to transfer money through UPI, recharge prepaid mobile, make utility bill payments, and much more. This convenience has made online shopping a breeze.
You can easily transfer cash from one account to another without involving physical money, as long as the buyer and seller have e-wallets. This eliminates the need to carry cash for shopping.
PhonePe is a great example of how e-wallets have made online shopping convenient. With PhonePe, you can generate a UPI ID by adding your bank account details, and start shopping safely and securely.
Here's a quick rundown of the benefits of using PhonePe:
- Convenient online shopping experience
- Easy transfer of cash between accounts
- No need to carry physical cash
- Safe and secure transactions
Overall, PhonePe is a great tool for anyone looking to make online shopping more convenient and hassle-free.
PhonePe Services

PhonePe offers a range of services that make mobile payments convenient and hassle-free.
You can use PhonePe to pay your utility bills, including electricity, gas, and water bills. PhonePe also allows you to pay your credit card bills.
PhonePe has partnered with several banks to offer services like cashback and rewards on transactions. For example, PhonePe has partnered with ICICI Bank to offer 10% cashback on mobile recharges.
PhonePe's UPI (Unified Payments Interface) service enables users to make instant payments to anyone with a UPI ID. This service is available 24/7, making it convenient for users to make payments at any time.
Expand your knowledge: Can You Get Cashback with a Capital One Credit Card
UPI and Payment Options
UPI transactions in India have seen a significant rise in December, with a total value of Rs 23.25 lakh crore. This represents an 8% increase from the previous month and a 39% increase from the same period last year.
The PhonePe app offers several payment options, including UPI Debit Card, UPI Credit Card, transactions via linked Bank account, and using the PhonePe Wallet. These options make it easy to manage your finances and make payments on the go.
Additional reading: Phonepe Upi Id

To make UPI payments through the PhonePe app, you can follow a series of steps, including adding a new bank account, verifying your card, and entering your UPI PIN. This process is designed to be user-friendly and secure, with the option to add a new bank account and verify your card in just a few steps.
You can make payments through the PhonePe app using your UPI account, which can be enabled by adding a new bank account and verifying your card. This allows you to transfer funds in real-time between banks, with a total value of Rs 6.02 lakh crore recorded in December.
The PhonePe app also offers a range of tools and features to help you manage your finances, including the "Sheets" tool, which allows you to integrate market data into spreadsheets and build custom models and strategies.
Here are the payment options available on the PhonePe app:
- UPI Debit Card
- UPI Credit Card
- Via linked Bank account
- Using PhonePe Wallet
Making Payments Through the App

You can make payments through the PhonePe app using various methods, including UPI Debit Card, UPI Credit Card, linked Bank account, and PhonePe Wallet.
To start, open the PhonePe app and click on 'My Money', then tap on 'UPI Bank Accounts'. From there, you can add a new bank account by selecting your bank and choosing the mobile number registered with the bank.
PhonePe supports Visa cards for device tokenisation, which enhances security and simplifies the transaction process. This solution benefits both consumers and merchants by offering faster transactions and reducing fraud risks.
You can carry out transactions in the PhonePe app by following these methods:
- UPI Debit Card
- UPI Credit Card
- Via linked Bank account
- Using PhonePe Wallet
To make payments below Rs.200, you can activate the UPI Lite feature on the PhonePe application. This feature allows you to make payments with a single tap, and the amount is debited from the on-device balance without involving your bank account.
To activate UPI Lite, simply load Rs.2000 into your Lite account and follow the steps mentioned in the PhonePe application. The feature is supported by most major banks and is accepted on all QR codes across the country.
Here's an interesting read: Shop Pay Application
UPI Transactions Rise 8% MoM, 39% YoY
UPI transactions in India saw a significant rise in December, with an 8% increase from the previous month and a whopping 39% jump from the same period last year.
The total value of UPI transactions in December reached a staggering Rs 23.25 lakh crore.
PhonePe's innovative tool, Sheets, was launched on Share.Market, offering traders a novel way to integrate market data into spreadsheets.
This tool empowers traders to build custom models and strategies, automating analysis and decision-making.
The Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) recorded 441 million transactions in December, amounting to Rs 6.02 lakh crore.
Worth a look: Direct Carrier Billing Market
PhonePe Business Features
PhonePe Business offers top-notch payment experience with higher success rates, making it a reliable choice for merchants.
The platform provides a seamless and reliable payment experience, capable of handling heavy transactions with ease.
Here are some key features of PhonePe Business:
- PhonePe Business allows payments across over 70 BHIM UPI apps.
- The merchant account for PhonePe is stable and convenient.
Ownership and Funding
PhonePe and its parent company, Flipkart, declared a partial split in December 2020, with Walmart maintaining its majority ownership in PhonePe.
The two entities now function independently, allowing them to make their own decisions and focus on their respective goals.
PhonePe announced a significant funding round, acquiring $350 million from General Atlantic, a US growth equity firm, at a pre-money valuation of $12 billion.
This funding boost gave PhonePe a major financial injection, enabling it to expand its services and invest in new technologies.
PhonePe received another $100 million in primary capital from Ribbit Capital, Tiger Global, and TVS Capital Funds in February 2023, bringing its total funding to $450 million.
Walmart also invested $200 million in PhonePe, further increasing its majority ownership stake.
General Atlantic invested another $100 million in PhonePe, maintaining the company's valuation at $12 billion.
This brings the total amount of funding raised by PhonePe to $850 million, a significant milestone for the company.
Readers also liked: American Express Company News
Esop
PhonePe allots employee stock options (ESOPs) to its full-time employees. This is a great way for employees to have a stake in the company's success.
75% of PhonePe's current workforce who have completed at least a year of service have had their ESOPs covered in a buyback worth ₹1.35 billion (US$16 million) in November 2021.
Features of Business

PhonePe Business offers top-notch payment experience with higher success rates, making it a reliable choice for businesses. This is thanks to its seamless and efficient platform that can handle heavy transactions.
PhonePe Business allows payments across over 70 BHIM UPI apps, giving businesses a wide range of options for accepting payments. As a BHIM UPI App user, you can trigger a merchant payment by using the "PhonePe for Business - Accept all digital payments".
Here are the key features of PhonePe Business:
- Top-notch payment experience with higher success rates.
- Seamless and reliable platform for handling heavy transactions.
- Payments across over 70 BHIM UPI apps.
PhonePe Business provides a convenient merchant account that is stable and easy to use, making it a great choice for businesses that want to accept digital payments. By using PhonePe Business, businesses can eliminate the need to install multiple apps and have a one-stop solution for all UPI transactions.
Insurance and Savings
You can now get insurance coverage through PhonePe, which offers a range of affordable plans. With PhonePe, you can get financial assistance in case of a medical emergency, such as the Coronavirus Insurance Policy, which covers up to Rs.50,000 for just Rs.199.
See what others are reading: Amazon Pay India Gets Rs 600 Crore Fresh Capital Investment
The benefits of the PhonePe insurance policy are numerous, including no requirement for health screening before buying, coverage of 30 days of pre-hospitalisation and post-hospital costs, and the ability to buy the policy at any time and from anywhere.
PhonePe also offers an all-in-one travel insurance plan that covers a range of risks, including trip cancellations, lost baggage, and accidental hospitalization expenses. Here are some of the key benefits of the all-in-one travel insurance plan:
- Fraud at home, up to Rs.1,00,000 while travelling
- Trip cancellations cover up to Rs.20,000
- Cover up to Rs.10,000 lost checked-in baggage
- Cover up to Rs.10,000 for missed connecting flights
- Cover up to Rs.1,50,000 for accidental hospitalization expenses
- Cover up to Rs.10,000 for OPD expenses
Insurance and Savings
With PhonePe's insurance options, you can have peace of mind while traveling or dealing with unexpected medical expenses.
You can buy the 'Corona Care' insurance policy for just Rs.199, which comes with a cover of Rs.50,000. This policy covers 30 days of pre-hospitalisation and post-hospital costs.
PhonePe's 'Corona Care' policy has some great benefits, including no need for health screening before buying, and the policy documents are issued immediately.
If you're planning a trip, PhonePe's all-in-one travel insurance policy is a great option. It covers up to Rs.1,00,000 for fraud at home while traveling, and up to Rs.20,000 for trip cancellations.
Broaden your view: Credit Cards for Traveling

Here are some of the key features of PhonePe's all-in-one travel insurance policy:
- Fraud at home, up to Rs.1,00,000 while travelling
- Trip cancellations cover up to Rs.20,000
- Cover up to Rs.10,000 lost checked-in baggage
- Cover up to Rs.10,000 for missed connecting flights
- Cover up to Rs.1,50,000 for accidental hospitalization expenses
- Cover up to Rs.10,000 for OPD expenses
PhonePe also offers international travel insurance, which can be bought on the app, whether you're a business traveler or a tourist. This policy is a result of PhonePe's partnership with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance.
Savings Product
The Savings Product on PhonePe is a game-changer. You can invest in a Liquid Fund tool on the app, which is as simple and accessible as a Savings Account.
With just a few minutes of your time, you can start investing by making a deposit of Rs.500 every month.
Why Choose Super Funds?
Choosing a super fund can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. With a super fund on PhonePe, you can easily classify and invest in top funds.
You'll have the flexibility to choose between Moderate, Aggressive, and Conservative funds, giving you more control over your investment strategy.
Professional fund managers will handle the day-to-day tracking and adjustments as market conditions change, so you don't have to worry about the details.
By focusing on the best fund for you, you can let the experts handle the rest and enjoy the benefits of a well-managed investment portfolio.
For another approach, see: Phonepe Limit per Day
PhonePe Registration and Setup
To get started with PhonePe, you'll need to register and set up your account. This process is straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps.
First, download the PhonePe app and open it. You'll then need to follow the initial instructions to allow SMS-based mobile verification. Click on 'Let's Get Started' to proceed.
You'll be asked to enter some basic details, such as your name, email ID, and a unique 4-digit password. Don't worry, this is all part of the registration process.
Once you've entered your details, you'll need to choose a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) by selecting 'Create New VPA'. This will be your unique identifier on the PhonePe platform.
After that, you'll be prompted to choose a bank from the list of available options. The app will then auto-detect your bank account details.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the registration process:
By following these steps, you'll be able to register and set up your PhonePe account in no time.
Money Transfer
To transfer money using PhonePe, launch the app and navigate to the 'Send' option. You can then enter the VPA of the recipient, plug in the transaction amount, and choose the bank account through which the money will be debited.
To ensure a smooth transaction, check all details carefully before sending. You can also choose to request money from someone using their VPA, entering the transaction amount and deadline for clearance.
To collect money through PhonePe, enter the VPA of the person from whom you want to request money, along with the transaction amount and deadline for clearance. After verifying the details, click on the request option to send the request.
To send money to yourself through PhonePe, you can follow these steps:
- Open your PhonePe app
- Go to the ‘Transfer Money’ section and click on the ‘Self Account’
- Choose the account that you wish to send money from
- Enter the amount and choose the account from which you want to transfer the money
- Finally, enter your UPI PIN to complete the transaction.
Note: Make sure to enter the correct UPI PIN to complete the transaction successfully.
PhonePe Business and Investment
PhonePe Business offers a convenient way to accept digital payments, allowing you to trigger merchant payments using the "PhonePe for Business - Accept all digital payments" feature.
For another approach, see: Does Walmart Accept American Express Credit Cards
You can use your BHIM UPI app to make payments to over 70 BHIM UPI apps through PhonePe for Business.
The merchant account for PhonePe is stable and convenient, making it a reliable option for businesses.
PhonePe's Investment Solution is designed to help you choose the best fund from multiple Mutual Fund Companies.
You can choose from three fund types: Moderate Fund, Aggressive Fund, and Conservative Fund.
A professional fund manager will track your portfolios and make adjustments based on market conditions through the PhonePe Super Fund.
Intriguing read: Bhim vs Phonepe
PhonePe Features and Benefits
PhonePe is a user-friendly app that's safe to use and available in multiple local Indian languages, making it easy for anyone to get started. The app is also available 24/7, so you can use it at any time.
One of the best features of PhonePe is its ability to allow quick money transfer, making it a convenient option for sending and receiving money. You can also avail instant discounts and cashback on your transactions, which is a great perk.
PhonePe offers a seamless and reliable platform for heavy transactions, making it a great option for businesses. The app also provides a top-notch payment experience with higher success rates.
Here are some of the key features of PhonePe:
- Recharge and pay bills: PhonePe allows you to pay utility bills and recharge your mobile number with ease.
- Split a bill with a friend: You can easily split a bill with a friend using the 'Split a bill' option.
- Send and transfer funds using QR code: PhonePe allows you to send and receive money using a QR code option.
- Single app for UPI: PhonePe is a one-stop solution for all UPI transactions, allowing you to link multiple bank accounts in the same app.
As you can see, PhonePe offers a wide range of features that make it a convenient and reliable option for sending and receiving money.
PhonePe Operations and Changes
PhonePe has significantly reduced its customer support staff over the past five years, slashing 60% of its agents. This drastic change is a result of the company's shift towards AI-driven solutions.
The use of AI-driven chatbots has allowed PhonePe to resolve over 90% of customer issues, greatly reducing the need for human support agents. This automation has been a game-changer for the company, enabling it to achieve profitability despite challenges like the zero MDR law and the COVID-19 pandemic.
You might like: History of American Express Company
Surrenders Nbfc Account Aggregator Licence
PhonePe has surrendered its NBFC-Account Aggregator licence. This decision marks a significant shift in the company's strategy.
PhonePe has chosen to exit the Account Aggregator business, instead opting to partner with other Account Aggregators in the market. This move is likely to have a ripple effect in the industry.
PhonePe is not the only digital payments firm to take a stance against third-party payment routers.
Slashes 60% of Customer Support Agents in 5 Years
PhonePe has made a significant change in its customer support team, slashing 60% of its customer support agents over a period of five years. This drastic reduction was made possible by leveraging AI-driven chatbots.
The company has seen a remarkable increase in transactions, with a 40-fold rise, which has likely contributed to the need for more efficient support systems.
PhonePe has managed to resolve over 90% of customer issues using these AI-driven chatbots, making the customer support team's workload significantly lighter.
This shift towards automation has not only helped PhonePe achieve profitability but also enabled it to navigate challenges like the zero MDR law and the COVID-19 pandemic.
PhonePe IPO and Listings
PhonePe has begun preparations for its initial public offering (IPO) in India.
The company feels this is a good time to list on Indian stock exchanges given its revenue growth trajectory and progress towards profitability.
PhonePe is planning to list the company on Indian stock exchanges.
A fresh viewpoint: American Express Company 200 Vesey Street
Walmart Starts India IPO Prep

PhonePe has begun preparatory steps for the launch of its initial public offering (IPO) as it plans to list the company on Indian stock exchanges.
The company feels this is a good time to begin planning for an IPO given its revenue growth trajectory and progress towards profitability.
Q-Comm IPO Plans
Groww's upcoming IPO has caught my attention, but let's start with PhonePe's q-comm ambitions. PhonePe is launching two insurance coverage plans for Maha Kumbh Mela travelers in collaboration with ICICI Lombard.
These plans are designed to offer comprehensive coverage for various risks, with costs ranging from Rs 59 for train/bus travelers to Rs 99 for flight travelers. The Maha Kumbh Mela is expected to draw a massive 40 crore people.
The rapid growth of digital payments has pushed small businesses like Indian Pani Puri vendors into the formal economy. They've received GST notices after their annual digital transactions surpassed Rs 40 lakh.
Platforms like PhonePe and RazorPay are making it easier for small businesses to join the formal economy. This is a significant development, especially for vendors who were previously operating outside the tax system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we use PhonePe in the USA?
PhonePe can be used internationally, including in the USA, but requires activation for international use. Learn how to make QR code payments from your Indian bank account to select merchants in the USA
How many countries use PhonePe?
PhonePe is available in multiple countries, including Bhutan, the UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, Oman, and Sri Lanka. PhonePe has expanded its services to several countries, with more partnerships in the works.
Featured Images: pexels.com