Uber, one of the leading cab-hailing service provider, has integrated Unified Payment Interface (UPI) as a payment option on its platform. It now allows users who have virtual payment addresses for UPI transactions to start paying using the UPI option.
Commenting on this development, an Uber spokesperson said,
We are currently evaluating the possibilities around a comprehensive UPI integration and continuing to engage with the relevant stakeholders. As a first step, we are pleased to be offering our riders the option to use their existing UPI IDs to pay for their Uber rides.
As a technology-driven company , we applaud the potential and impact that fin-tech innovations like UPI can make. UPI is the future of Indian payments and we are proud to be a partner in this monumental mission of the government to facilitate a digital payments-led society.
There were few reports suggesting that Uber was among several global companies looking to integrate UPI. AP Hota, CEO of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) had earlier stated that Uber could integrate the government-backed BHIM app for UPI payments.
To get started using UPI for Uber, tap on ‘Add Payment Method’ and in the ‘Payment’ tab, you’ll find UPI as a payment option. Then, enter your UPI ID (virtual payment address or VPA). Once linked, Uber will charge you ₹1 to make authenticate your ID, which will then be reimbursed.
You will then receive an SMS or notification from your UPI app to authenticate the payment. Then, confirm the payment to ‘uber@axisbank’. Once done, your Uber account will reflect UPI as a payment method.
While Uber has now started offering UPI as a payment mode, other global companies such as WhatsApp, Amazon and Google are also set to adopt the payment system.