I recently opened a bank account without getting a debit card yet, how can I still activate UPI and set my PIN?
I was also looking for this as most of us don’t have debit card linked but still want to use UPI. Normally apps like Google Pay, Phonepe or Paytm asks for debit card details the first time you set your UPI PIN.
But now, some banks and the RBI have started allowing Aadhaar-based UPI activation, so you can set a UPI PIN without a debit card.
Step-by-step process (Aadhaar-based UPI PIN setup)
- First open your UPI app and then select your bank account to link with UPI.
- Choose the Set UPI option using Aadhar OTP instead of debit card option.
- Enter the last 6 digits of your Aadhar number and you’ll get an OTP on your Aadhaar linked mobile number.
- After the verification you can create your new UPI PIN.
Important things to know
| Point | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Not all banks support it | Only some banks let you set UPI via Aadhaar, others still need a debit card. |
| Mobile number is key | The phone number linked to your Aadhaar and bank must be the same. |
| Security | OTP comes only on your Aadhaar-linked number, so it’s safe. |
| Best apps to try | BHIM, Paytm, PhonePe have rolled this feature for many banks. |
I lost my debit card and need to set or reset my UPI PIN is it possible to do this without the physical debit card? If yes, what steps and documents (or OTPs) will I need, and are there any security checks I should watch out for?
1. Standard Rule for UPI PIN Setup
Usually, when you set up a UPI PIN for the first time, you need to enter your debit card’s last six digits and expiry date. This is a mandatory security step as per the guidelines of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Without a debit card linked to your bank account, most UPI apps will not allow you to generate a new PIN.
2. Situations Where You May Not Need a Debit Card
• There are a few exceptions where you can set or reset a UPI PIN without directly using a debit card:
• Pre-approved credit line UPI accounts (if your bank supports it).
• RuPay credit card linked to UPI (works like a debit card setup).
• Some banks allow PIN generation via net banking or ATM if you don’t have an active debit card.
In rare cases, banks may permit UPI activation via Aadhaar-based authentication, but this depends on the bank’s policies.
3. What You Can Do If You Don’t Have a Debit Card
Contact your bank: If you don’t have a debit card, ask your bank for alternate options like net banking or Aadhaar-based authentication.
Request a new debit card: The easiest and most widely accepted method is to issue a new debit card and use it for UPI PIN generation.
Check UPI app FAQs: Apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm often update their rules in line with NPCI’s policies.
4. Security Tip
Always set your UPI PIN only through the official UPI app linked to your bank. Never share your OTPs or PIN with anyone.
5. Official Reference
For detailed guidelines, you can visit the NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) official website: