In a major update to digital payments, Google Pay has introduced a new feature that allows users to make UPI payments even without having their own bank account. This feature, called “Pocket Money,” works under the concept of UPI Circle and is designed to make digital payments more accessible—especially for children, students, and those not directly linked to banking services.

The idea behind this feature is simple. A primary user, who already has a UPI-enabled bank account, can add secondary users such as family members, friends, or even employees. These secondary users can then make UPI payments using the primary user’s account, without needing a bank account of their own. This opens up digital payments to a wider audience who may not have direct banking access.

One of the most important aspects of this feature is control. The primary user remains fully in charge of all transactions. They can set spending limits, approve or decline payments, and monitor usage. If full access is granted, a monthly spending cap of up to ₹15,000 is automatically applied, ensuring that expenses remain within a safe limit. This makes it a practical option for giving controlled pocket money to children or managing small expenses for others.

Setting up this feature is straightforward. The primary user needs to have an active UPI account on Google Pay. They can then add a secondary user by selecting a contact from their phone who also has the app installed. During setup, basic details like the relationship are entered, and an invite is sent. Once the setup is complete, the secondary user can start making payments, while all transactions continue to be routed through the primary user’s bank account.