How a UPI QR code works
The code holds a UPI deep link in the format published by NPCI: upi://pay?pa=yourid@bank&pn=Your%20Name&am=250.00&cu=INR&tn=Table%204. The pa parameter is your UPI ID (also called a VPA), pn is the payee name shown to the payer, am is the optional amount, cu is always INR and tn is an optional note. Spaces and special characters in the name and note are percent-encoded, so the link is one unbroken string.
Every UPI app in India is required to understand this link, so the same code works in PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, BHIM, Amazon Pay and bank apps. The payer opens the app, taps Scan, and the app fills in your UPI ID, the name and the amount if one was set. The payer confirms with their UPI PIN and the money moves between bank accounts in seconds.
This is the static, merchant-presented form of the link. Fields used by payment gateways for dynamic codes, such as a transaction reference, merchant code or signature, are left out on purpose. That keeps the code simple and valid for a personal UPI ID; a registered merchant account works too, since the app only needs the ID.
Where it helps
- A kirana store or tea stall prints a code with no amount, so customers type what they owe after each sale.
- A home baker or tailor shares a code with a fixed price in a WhatsApp message or on a flyer.
- A housing society or school collects a fee with a code that has the amount and a note such as Maintenance March.
- A temple, NGO or college festival displays a donation code on a banner or on screen at an event.
Tips before you print
- Check the UPI ID character by character. Common handles include @okaxis, @oksbi, @ybl, @paytm, @ibl and @upi; a wrong letter sends money to someone else or fails.
- Type the payee name as it appears in your bank, so the payer sees a name they recognize. The app shows both this name and the verified account holder name.
- Leave the amount empty for shops with varying bills. For fixed charges, fill it in so the payer cannot mistype it.
- Scan the finished code with two different UPI apps before printing. If one shows the wrong name or amount, fix it now rather than after a hundred copies.