UPI has completely changed how Indians make payments. From street vendors to large online retailers, it is now the go-to payment method. As UPI continues to grow, new features are being introduced to speed up payments and improve user experience. One of these features is Intent UPI.

If you have ever tried to pay on an app and found yourself taken directly to your UPI app without scanning a QR code or entering any information then you have experienced Intent UPI in action. It seems simple, but it significantly affects how businesses receive payments and how users interact with the payment process.

Let’s break it down so that both businesses and everyday users can grasp what Intent UPI is, how it functions, and why it matters.

What Is Intent UPI?

At its core, Intent UPI allows apps or websites to open UPI apps directly on a user’s phone to complete a payment. Instead of having to manually enter details or scan a QR code, the user sees a list of installed UPI apps on their device. After selecting their preferred app, the payment request opens directly within that app.

This method makes the payment process easier, reduces errors, and creates a smoother checkout experience. For businesses, it translates to fewer abandoned transactions. For users, it means convenience and speed.

How Intent UPI Works

Here’s a look at what happens behind the scenes:

• A business app or website adds the Intent UPI feature.

• When a customer chooses UPI as the payment option, the app sends an intent call to the phone.

• The phone checks for installed UPI apps such as Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, or others and shows them as choices.

• The customer taps their preferred app, where the pre-filled payment request awaits.

• The customer confirms the payment using their UPI PIN.

• A confirmation is sent back to the business app or website immediately.

This entire process typically takes just a few seconds. No typing, no searching. Just tap, pay, and it's done.

For a detailed technical perspective, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) provides UPI guidelines and developer resources here.

Why Intent UPI Matters

The rise of Intent UPI goes beyond just convenience. It addresses several issues in digital transactions.

• Less drop-off during checkout: Users are more likely to complete the transaction when they don’t have to copy and paste information or scan codes.

• Wider adoption of UPI: Since many users have several UPI apps, Intent UPI ensures they can use their preferred option.

• Standardized experience: Regardless of which app they choose, the process remains familiar and consistent.

• Business trust: Payments go through secure, verified UPI channels, which lowers fraud risks.

Benefits of Intent UPI for Businesses

Let’s explore why businesses, especially those in the digital space, should pay attention to Intent UPI:

1. Higher Conversion Rates

Each extra step in the checkout process can reduce the chances of completing a payment. By integrating Intent UPI, businesses simplify the path to payment, resulting in more transactions.

2. Faster Checkout Process

Imagine a customer shopping on your website. Instead of looking for their UPI app, opening it, and entering details, they just tap once. A few seconds later, the transaction is complete. That speed matters.

3. Reduced Manual Errors

When users enter UPI IDs manually, mistakes can happen. Wrong entries lead to failed payments and frustration. With Intent UPI, all details are pre-filled, minimizing human error.

4. Better Customer Experience

A smooth payment experience isn’t just about making profits. It's about building trust. When users find the payment process easy, they’re more likely to return.

5. Cost-Effective for Businesses

Compared to cards or wallets, UPI transactions have low costs. Intent UPI simplifies adoption, letting businesses reduce reliance on higher-cost payment options.

Benefits of Intent UPI for Users

Intent UPI isn’t just beneficial for businesses; it also serves everyday users well:

• Saves time: No scanning or manual entry is required.

• Freedom of choice: Users can select whichever UPI app they prefer.

• Secure payments: The transaction happens within the trusted UPI app.

• Fewer failed attempts: There is no risk of entering the wrong UPI ID.

Overall, Intent UPI makes digital payments easier, faster, and more reliable for everyone.

Key Differences Between Collect UPI and Intent UPI

Since UPI offers various ways to pay, it’s worth comparing Collect UPI with Intent UPI.

Collect UPI involves a request from the merchant, who sends a payment request that the user approves in their UPI app.

Intent UPI is user-driven, activated by the merchant app to launch the UPI app for payment.

Both methods have their benefits, but Intent UPI stands out for businesses looking for an instant, smoother user experience without extra steps.

Use Cases of Intent UPI

So where is Intent UPI being implemented today? In many places.

1. E-commerce Platforms: Online shopping apps use Intent UPI to speed up checkout, ensuring buyers don’t abandon their carts.

2. Food Delivery and Ride-Hailing Apps: Ordering food or booking a ride becomes simpler when users can quickly choose their UPI app and pay.

3. Subscription Payments: Streaming services, online learning platforms, and SaaS products utilize Intent UPI for quick renewals.

4. Small Businesses and Startups: Small businesses operating online can benefit, providing a smooth checkout experience similar to larger companies.

5. Offline-to-Online Transactions: Consider a local store that takes orders on WhatsApp. With Intent UPI links, customers can pay right away without scanning anything.

Security Aspects of Intent UPI

Some businesses and users may wonder about safety. The answer is yes Intent UPI is built within the UPI framework managed by NPCI.

• Payments are processed within secure UPI apps.

• Users must always verify using their UPI PIN.

• Sensitive information, like bank accounts or UPI IDs, is not shared with merchants.

• This layered security ensures that Intent UPI is both fast and reliable.

For more on UPI security standards, you can check the RBI’s official UPI guidelines.

The Future of Intent UPI

UPI is not slowing down. As of 2025, UPI surpassed 14 billion transactions monthly (according to NPCI data). With features like UPI Lite, AutoPay, and Intent UPI, the ecosystem is growing quickly.

What’s likely to come:

• Deeper business adoption: More industries from retail to education to healthcare will integrate Intent UPI.

• Cross-border payments: NPCI has begun UPI collaborations with countries like Singapore and UAE. Intent UPI could help simplify international payments.

• Improved user interfaces: As more apps implement Intent UPI, we can expect smoother, standardized designs that enhance ease of use.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Intent UPI is not just another payment feature. It’s a practical improvement that makes digital payments faster, safer, and easier for both businesses and users.

For businesses, it means better conversion rates, fewer failed payments, and more satisfied customers. For users, Intent UPI offers speed, choice, and confidence in every transaction.

If you’re a business owner looking to stay ahead, adopting features like Intent UPI is essential. That’s where Castler comes in. By providing secure, reliable payment and escrow solutions, Castler helps businesses embrace UPI innovations like Intent and Collect UPI while ensuring compliance and trust.

Explore Castler’s solutions and discover how you can make payments smarter, faster, and safer.