MyUPI: NPCI's new AI helper for UPI. What works, and what doesn't yet
What happened: At the Global Fintech Fest in September 2026, NPCI showed MyUPI, a conversational AI assistant for UPI in the BHIM app, built on NPCI’s own small language model. Announced features include:
- Pay Safe: check a UPI ID or QR code to see who you’re really paying.
- Safety Switch: ask for UPI debits to be declined if you think your account is compromised.
- Help with complaints and chargebacks, in several Indian languages.
- A tap-and-pay experience.
The catch: when MediaNama tested MyUPI in late September, the Safety Switch and automated chargebacks didn’t appear to work yet, and payee checks were limited to 3 a day. It works in five languages (English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Bengali), but you have to switch the whole app’s language to use them. Features may improve, so check the app for updates.
UPI safety habits that always work:
- Read the payee name your app shows before you enter your PIN.
- You never need your PIN to receive money. A “collect request” asking for your PIN is a scam.
- Never share OTPs or screen access, or install “support” apps on a stranger’s instructions.
- If money goes wrong, call 1930 immediately and report it in your UPI app.