What is VPA in online payment? A simple guide

Overview on VPA in Online Payment 

Online payments have become extremely convenient with the advent of technologies like UPI and online payment gateways. However, for someone new to making digital transactions, all the terminology and processes involved can seem confusing. 

One term you may have encountered while making UPI payments is VPA or Virtual Payment Address. In this blog post, we will demystify VPA and how it enables secure online payments. 

What is a VPA in online payment?

VPA stands for Virtual Payment Address, which is the address through which UPI money transfers can be made. All banks and financial organisations worldwide recognise a virtual payment account (VPA), which is a standard digital bank account number. 

Your bank account details and the VPA are digitally linked together. UPI applications utilise this code, which is unique to your account, to connect to your bank account and facilitate immediate money transactions.

Working of VPA Online Payment

A VPA works similar to an email ID. Like how multiple email IDs can be linked to one bank account, multiple VPAs can be created against a single bank account. Your VPA acts as your alias or nickname within the UPI network.

The VPA is also portable. You can use the same VPA across different UPI payment apps to send/receive funds. This makes transacting very convenient. 

When you register for UPI through a payment app, the app automatically generates a default VPA for you in the format of your mobile number linked to your bank account, followed by the name of the issuing bank. 

For example, if your mobile number is 98xxx xxxx0 and your bank is HDFC, your default VPA would look like 98xxx xxxx0@hdfcbank. You can also create additional VPAs of your choice that are more personalised and easier to remember/share, like yourname@upi or nicname@bankname.

Now that you know what a VPA is, let’s understand how it enables secure online payments. 

Significance of VPA in Online Payment 

When you initiate a payment request to another UPI user, you only need to enter their VPA. The payment gateway then validates the VPA and routes the transaction to the recipient’s bank account linked to that VPA. 

This process is done seamlessly in the background without you having to provide sensitive bank details. Even the payment recipient only needs to share a VPA and not an account number/IFSC. 

This makes transactions private and secure. Hackers or fraudsters cannot misuse your bank details even if they get access to your VPA, as each VPA is dynamically mapped to an account by the payment gateway. If your VPA gets compromised, you can simply change it without updating your bank details everywhere. 

Two-factor authentication while creating VPAs and additional safety pins for payments add an extra layer of security.

Using Virtual Payment Address on Your Online UPI Transaction

The receiver or merchant will share their personalised VPA with you through invoices, websites or apps. You can then use this VPA to initiate a payment request through any UPI-supported app like Google Pay.

Enter the amount you want to pay and select the payee’s VPA from the list of recent or saved transactions. You will receive an authorisation prompt on your phone. Enter your UPI PIN or use the registered fingerprint/face unlock, and your payment will be processed instantly! 

For receiving payments, your VPA acts as your payment address. Share your unique VPA with customers, clients, friends or family who want to send you money. They can easily make UPI payments to your VPA without having to note down your full bank details. You will get notified on your UPI app every time a payment is received against your VPA.

Access Advanced VPA Features with NTT DATA Payment Service

a VPA replaces your traditional bank account number and acts as your digital identity on the UPI network. It enables secure, hassle-free money transfers online without exposing your private financial information.

If you are looking for the best online payment gateway providers, get in touch with the leading digital payment providers like NTT DATA Payment Services. Serving over 6 million merchants nationwide, NTT DATA Payment Services has been at the forefront of promoting VPAs and enabling seamless money transfers for its large customer base. 

Benefits of Virtual Payment Address

Secure Shield: VPA acts as a protective layer, shielding your private bank details from hackers. Even if someone gets hold of your VPA, they can’t misuse funds without additional authentication. 

Identity in Disguise: With VPA, you can transact freely without worrying about exposing your real name or account number. It allows anonymity while ensuring seamless money movement in the digital realm.  

Memory Mnemonic: Forget complicated alphanumeric codes. Your VPA is designed to be easily memorable, like a password. Customise it to suit your style, and it will stay locked in your brain for hassle-free access on the go.

Control at Your Command: Tired of long account numbers? Change your VPA anytime with a few taps. Keep multiple VPAs and switch between them as you please. It’s a power play where you call the shots.

Timelord of Transfers: Move money endlessly across a vibrant digital universe with your trusty VPA as a 24/7/365 timekeeper. With VPA, your funds are always in transit at the speed of an instant! 

The Truth Behind UPI & Online Payments – VPA

By removing the need to share sensitive bank details and allowing for seamless money transfers using just a simple alias, VPAs have significantly boosted the convenience and accessibility of digital payments. 

Their widespread adoption of UPI-powered apps has made sending and receiving funds as easy as sending a message, whether you are an individual making online purchases, a merchant receiving payments or a marketplace facilitating transactions.

As online business and commerce continue to grow exponentially, the VPA system ensures digital payments remain simple, safe and universally accessible for all.