Digital payments in India have witnessed a massive transformation in recent years, and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has been the driving force behind it. One of the most important elements that makes UPI transactions seamless is the Virtual Payment Address (VPA). 

If you’re using Google Pay (commonly called GPay), you’ve probably noticed your VPA while setting up your account or sending/receiving money. But what exactly is a VPA in GPay? Why is it important? How can you use it safely? And how can you fix issues related to it? 

In this in-depth guide, we will cover everything you need to know about VPA in GPay — from meaning and setup to benefits, customization, troubleshooting, and security — so you can use it confidently for personal and business transactions. 

What is VPA in GPay? 

VPA stands for Virtual Payment Address. It’s like your unique digital address for making UPI payments. Instead of giving someone your bank account number and IFSC code, you can simply share your VPA, and they can send money directly to your linked bank account. 

In Google Pay, a VPA usually looks like this: 

yourname@okaxis   

9876543210@okicici   

businessname@okhdfcbank 

Breaking it down: 

  • The first part (before @) is your chosen ID, often your name, business name, or mobile number. 

  • The second part (after @) is your bank’s handle, which is linked to UPI (e.g., @okaxis, @okicici). 

Example: If your VPA is rahul123@okaxis, anyone can send you money by entering this VPA in their UPI app. The money will be credited straight to your linked bank account, with no need to share your bank details. 

VPA vs Bank Account Number: What’s the Difference? 

Feature 

Bank Account Number 

VPA (Virtual Payment Address) 

Format 

Numeric (e.g., 123456789012) 

Text + Bank Handle (e.g., rahul@okaxis) 

Ease of Sharing 

Harder to remember 

Easy to remember 

Security 

Reveals bank details 

Keeps bank details private 

Changeability 

Fixed (rarely changes) 

Can create multiple or custom VPAs 

Use 

Required for traditional transfers 

Required for UPI payments 

How Does VPA Work in GPay? 

VPA works as a nickname for your bank account on the UPI network. Here’s the simplified flow: 

  1. You enter a VPA (yours or the recipient’s) in GPay. 
  2. GPay sends this VPA to the UPI server. 
  3. The UPI system identifies the bank linked to that VPA. 
  4. The bank matches the VPA to the correct bank account. 
  5. The transaction is processed instantly, and both sender and receiver get confirmation. 

The beauty of VPA is that you can make payments anytime, 24/7, even on bank holidays — and you never need to remember complex bank details. 

Read More: Top 10 Best UPI Apps For Secure Online Payments

How to Create a VPA in GPay? 

Google Pay automatically creates a VPA when you link your bank account, but you can also create additional VPAs if needed. 

Step-by-Step Process 

Step 1: Install & Open Google Pay 

  • Download the app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. 

  • Sign in with your Google account. 

Step 2: Link Your Bank Account 

  • Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner. 

  • Select ‘Bank Account’. 

  • Tap ‘Add Bank Account’ and choose your bank from the list. 

  • GPay will verify your mobile number (linked with your bank). 

Step 3: Automatic VPA Creation 

  • Once linked, GPay will assign a default VPA like 9876543210@okhdfcbank. 

Step 4: Create or Customize Your VPA (Optional) 

  • Go to ‘Manage UPI IDs’ under your bank account. 

  • Select from the available options or create a new one if your bank allows customization. 

How to Find Your VPA in GPay? 

To find your VPA (Virtual Payment Address) in Google Pay: 

  1. Open the Google Pay app on your smartphone. 

  2. Tap your profile icon or photo at the top-right corner. 

  3. Select the bank account you want to check. 

  4. Tap ‘Manage UPI IDs’. 

  5. You will now see all the VPAs (UPI IDs) linked to that bank account. 

Tip: Your VPA will usually look like yourname@okbank or mobilenumber@okhdfcbank. You can have multiple VPAs linked to one account, and you can also add a new one if your bank supports it. 

Benefits of Using VPA in GPay 

Using a VPA (Virtual Payment Address) in Google Pay offers multiple advantages that make UPI transactions faster, safer, and more convenient: 

  1. Keeps Your Bank Details Private 
    With a VPA, you never need to share your account number or IFSC code. This reduces the risk of misuse and keeps your sensitive financial information secure. 

  1. Easy to Remember and Share 
    A VPA like yourname@okaxis or businessname@okicici is much simpler to recall and communicate than a long account number. 

  1. Faster Transactions 
    Payments happen instantly because you only need to enter the VPA and UPI PIN — no lengthy form-filling or manual entry of bank details. 

  1. Multiple VPAs for Different Purposes 
    You can create separate VPAs for personal and business use, making it easier to track payments and maintain privacy. 

  1. 24/7 Availability 
    VPA-based payments in GPay work round the clock — including weekends and bank holidays — ensuring uninterrupted transfers. 

  1. Free of Cost 
    Most UPI transactions via VPA in GPay are free, helping you save on transfer fees compared to traditional banking methods. 

Final Thoughts 

VPA in GPay is a secure, convenient, and private way to make and receive UPI payments. It hides your bank details, speeds up transactions, and works 24/7. Whether you’re an individual sending money to friends or a business owner receiving payments, VPA makes the process smoother and safer. 

By customizing your VPA, keeping it secure, and learning how to troubleshoot common issues, you can get the most out of your GPay experience — and be ready for the future of digital payments. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get my VPA from GPay? 

To get your VPA (Virtual Payment Address) in Google Pay, open the Google Pay app, tap your profile picture at the top right, select Bank account, choose your linked bank account, and you’ll see your VPA/UPI ID displayed under the account details, usually in the format name@okbank. 

2. What is VPA in Google Pay? 

VPA (Virtual Payment Address) in Google Pay is your unique UPI ID used to send and receive money without sharing your bank account number or IFSC code. It works like a digital address for payments. 

3. Can I have multiple VPAs in Google Pay? 

Yes, Google Pay allows you to create multiple VPAs for the same bank account or different accounts. You can manage them under the Manage UPI IDs section. 

4. How do I change my default VPA in Google Pay? 

Go to Bank account settings → Select your bank → Under UPI IDs, choose the VPA you want → Tap Set as Default 

5. Is VPA in Google Pay the same as UPI ID? 

Yes, VPA and UPI ID are the same. Google Pay uses these terms interchangeably. 

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and has been compiled from various publicly available sources. While we strive to ensure accuracy, details may change over time. Users are advised to verify the information with official or relevant sources before making any decisions or taking any action.