How to change default bank account to receive UPI payments?

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized the way Indians transact, allowing instant money transfers using a virtual payment address linked to their bank accounts. Many users, at some point, find the need to change their default bank account in UPI for various reasons—perhaps due to better features offered by another bank or simply to use a recently opened account more frequently. 

In this blog, we will guide you through the process of how to add and change your default bank account to receive UPI payments, with specific tips for users of Airtel UPI.

Adding a New Bank Account to UPI

Before changing your default bank account, you must first link the new account to your UPI profile. Here’s how to add a bank account in UPI:

General Steps to Link a Bank Account in UPI

1. Open Your UPI App: This could be any UPI-enabled app like the Airtel Thanks UPI app. 
2. Navigate to Bank Accounts: Usually found in the ‘My Profile’ or ‘Bank Accounts’ section.
3. Add New Bank Account: Select the option to link a new bank account. The app will prompt you to choose from a list of banks.
4. Select Your Bank: Choose the bank where you hold an account that you want to add. The app will then automatically fetch the details of any account associated with your mobile number registered with UPI.
5. Verify the Account: Complete the verification, which typically involves sending an SMS from your registered mobile number.
6. Set UPI PIN: If you haven’t already set a UPI PIN for this account, you’ll be prompted to do so by entering your debit card details and the OTP received from your bank.

Read more: What to do in the case of failed UPI transactions?

Specific Steps for Airtel Thanks UPI Users

For Airtel users, the process to add a bank account is similar but tailored within the Airtel UPI interface:

1. Open the Airtel Thanks App: Go to the banking section on the pay tab.
2. Access ‘Manage Accounts’: Find the option to add/manage bank accounts.
3. Link New Account: Follow the prompts to link a new bank account by selecting your bank and verifying your account details.

Adding Multiple Bank Accounts in Airtel UPI

For those who wish to manage multiple bank accounts through Airtel UPI, the steps are straightforward:

1. Repeat the Account Linking Process: Within the Airtel Thanks app, you can add additional accounts by repeating the account linking process for each new bank account you wish to include.
2. Manage Multiple Accounts: Once added, you can easily switch between accounts or set any one of them as the default for receiving payments.

How to Change the Default Bank Account in UPI

Once you have your bank accounts linked, you can change your default bank account to receive UPI payments as follows:

1. Open Your UPI App: Start by launching the UPI app where you manage your payments.
2. Go to Bank Accounts Section: Access the section where all linked bank accounts are displayed.
3. Select the Account: Find the account you want to set as default for receiving payments.
4. Set as Default: Use the option to set this account as the default. Some apps may have a ‘Set as Default’ button, or you might need to select the account and choose ‘Receive payments in this account’.

Read more: Your quick guide to secure UPI payments

How to Check Which Bank Account is Linked as Default in UPI

It’s always a good practice to check which of your bank accounts is set as the default in UPI, especially after you make any changes. Here’s how:

1. Access Your UPI App: Open the app you use for UPI transactions.
2. Navigate to Bank Accounts: Go to the section where your bank accounts are listed.
3. View Default Account: The default account usually has a mark or a different colour, or it might be listed at the top. Alternatively, the app might explicitly label it as ‘Default Account’.

Changing your default bank account for receiving UPI payments is a simple yet powerful way to manage your digital finances better. Whether you are using Airtel UPI or any other platform, the flexibility to link multiple bank accounts and set any one of them as the default ensures that you can always align your financial tools with your current priorities.

Get the most out of your UPI transactions by using the Airtel Thanks app. Make prepaid SIM card recharges, postpaid bill payments, DTH or broadband, utility bills and so much more.