Top 5 UPI Features You Didn’t Know You Could Use to Simplify Your Monthly Budget

There was a time when we could never imagine stepping out of our homes without cash. But now UPI has made it possible. Whether you're heading out for a cup of chai or to make a big ticket purchase, no matter the cost, UPI has you covered. Today, UPI handles over 18 billion monthly transactions, accounting for 85% of India's digital payments.

What's more, you can use UPI apps as tools for managing your monthly budgets! Say goodbye to spreadsheets, diaries, and sticky notes. With clever UPI features built right into your app, staying on top of your expenses is easier than ever.

5 UPI Features That Help With Monthly Budgeting

As we've mentioned, you can use UPI for more than just making payments. After all, it's packed with tools that can help you stay in control of your budget. Below are five powerful features worth activating:

1. Expense Tracking & Categorisation

Most UPI apps auto-categorise your spending. They'll fit your spending into neat categories like groceries, travel, or utilities, and offer weekly/monthly summaries. Some even show your month-wise spend charts, merchant-wise totals, and offer simple search or filters.

For budgeting, this visibility is gold. You can spot "leaks" (food delivery, cabs), set monthly caps by category, and compare spend versus last month. It also surfaces dormant subscriptions you forgot about. With real numbers in front of you, re-allocating money to essentials becomes a deliberate, data-driven choice.

2. Recurring Payments / Auto-Debits

UPI AutoPay lets you create mandates for fixed bills like rent, OTT, SIPs, insurance, etc. This way, payments happen on schedule after one-time authentication. You choose the amount, frequency, and validity, and can pause or cancel from the app when needed.

Such automation of "must-pay" items reduces late fees and mental load. Once you pay the fixed expenses first, you have a better idea of what's left. That can go into discretionary spending. That predictability helps you plan the rest of the month with fewer surprises and keeps your essential services uninterrupted. All this, without manual tracking!

3. Daily or Transaction Limits

Many UPI apps allow you to set app-level daily caps and per-transaction limits, on top of bank-defined limits. You can also restrict high-value payments or require an extra check before approving larger transfers.

These guardrails act like a digital envelope system. Setting up such caps curbs impulse buys during sales. After all, it's pretty easy to get carried away when you can make payments in just a few taps!

4. Real-Time Alerts & Notifications

UPI sends instant alerts for every debit, credit, collect request, or mandate change. Many apps also offer low-balance nudges and payment reminders for upcoming dues. You can review, act, or report an issue right away.

This real-time feedback keeps you conscious of each rupee leaving your account. It helps you reconcile daily spends, avoid duplicate payments, and react quickly to any unusual activity. Those micro-checks grant better control and fewer end-of-month surprises.

5. CIBIL Score Check & Loan Planning

Several UPI apps provide in-app credit score checks and simple credit health summaries. You get a quick snapshot of where you stand before considering any borrowing, with tips to improve eligibility.

This is useful when a one-off expense strains your monthly plan. If you must bridge a shortfall, use the score to gauge eligibility and pick a responsible EMI. A personal loan from a trusted lender like Hero FinCorp can work as a temporary top-up if expenses pile up. Plus, Hero FinCorp's instant loan app gets you the funds in just 10 minutes!

Just remember the basics, use a personal loan EMI calculator, borrow only what fits your budget, and repay on time to protect your credit profile.

Wrap Up Your Budget Smarter

When used right, UPI is your digital financial assistant. From tracking expenses to managing recurring bills, it organises your spending without extra effort. Use these built-in tools to bring clarity to your cash flow.

Looking for backup funds in a pinch? Learn how Hero FinCorp's instant personal loan can help balance immediate needs with long-term financial security.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do all UPI apps support expense categorisation?

Not all. UPI features like spending summaries are currently available on apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and others that support expense analysis. Compatibility varies, so explore your app's tools.

2. Are auto-debit mandates via UPI secure?

Yes. UPI mandates are secured with multi-factor authentication and regulated by the RBI. Just ensure you periodically review and cancel unnecessary mandates.

3. How reliable are UPI-based CIBIL checks?

These checks are reliable snapshots of your credit status. However, they should not replace full reports. For detailed analysis, refer to official credit bureau reports.