BHIM UPI app review: What’s good and what’s not

BHIM covers essential UPI tasks: peer-to-peer transfers, QR scanning, and balance checks.

PhonePe, Google Pay and Paytm are currently few of the most used UPI apps in the country right now. As per latest data from National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), PhonePe and Google Pay together handled over 82% of all UPI transactions by volume, with PhonePe contributing around 8.55 billion transactions and Google Pay following with about 6.54 billion. It is worth noting that the government backed UPI app, BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money), is not even among the top 5 in the list.

BHIM remains pared‑back, with a minimalist interface available in up to 13 Indian languages. (BHIM)

By Ayushmann Chawla

Ayushmann Chawla is the Deputy Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times. A seasoned tech journalist with years of experience working for some of the industry’s leading media organizations, his articles can also be read on Live Mint. His passion extends beyond journalism—he’s a dedicated automobile enthusiast, always ready to explore the latest in car technology and design. A self-confessed gadget lover, Ayushmann finds joy in testing new devices and sharing his findings with his audience. Instagram: ayushmannchawla

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To recall, NPCI introduced BHIM in December 2016 as a platform to drive UPI adoption. Today, it remains a secure and trustworthy option, but it trails behind the feature-rich experiences offered by private UPI players such as PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm. It has been almost 9 years since the BHIM app debuted, but how does it fare today, in a highly competitive UPI market? We tested the app to get you the answers.

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User interface and experience

BHIM remains pared‑back, with a minimalist interface available in up to 13 Indian languages. Transaction flow is straightforward: add a bank account, send or receive money via mobile number or UPI ID, scan QR codes, and view history. Its lightweight design and lack of adverts make it ideal for low‑end devices or users preferring simplicity.

That said, the user experience feels quite basic when compared to PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm, which routinely update visuals and responsiveness.

Features: Basic but secure

BHIM covers essential UPI tasks: peer-to-peer transfers, QR scanning, and balance checks. It allows multiple bank accounts and supports daily transaction limits of up to ₹1 lakh. Importantly, BHIM is free of commercial distractions or in‑app promotions.

However, it lacks a few UPI features offered by other companies and also no integration with loyalty or fintech services.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

-Government‑backed platform, with high trust and strict privacy standards.
-Light on storage and resources, ideal for basic smartphones.
-Ad‑free and clutter‑free, focused purely on transactions.

Cons

-Limited ecosystem—no integrated financial services or rewards.
-UI/UX feels less engaging.
-Development pace slower, with fewer feature updates than rivals.

For simplicity, not sophistication

BHIM remains a reliable and secure UPI app, ideal for users looking for a straightforward and ad-free experience. But for those seeking additional features, apps like Google Pay, Paytm, and PhonePe offer far more value.