Google Pay has rolled out a new feature called Pocket Money under its UPI Circle framework, aimed at simplifying digital transactions for dependents and individuals without bank accounts. The feature enables controlled access to a primary user’s account, making digital payments more inclusive and flexible.
The Pocket Money feature is part of the broader UPI Circle initiative introduced on Google Pay. It allows a primary user to share limited access to their bank account with secondary users such as children, elderly family members, or even employees.
In this setup:
Unlike traditional methods, there is no need to transfer funds separately. Instead, payments are made directly from the primary account, with predefined controls and limits ensuring security.
Google Pay allows up to five secondary users to be linked under one account, making it a practical solution for managing shared or dependent expenses.
The feature operates through a structured delegation system that determines how payments are authorised and processed.
In this mode, the primary user sets a monthly spending limit of up to ₹15,000. Once configured, the secondary user can make payments independently without needing approval for each transaction.
This mode is ideal for:
Under partial delegation, every transaction requires approval from the primary user.
Here’s how it works:
This mode provides greater control and is suitable for:
Setting up Pocket Money on Google Pay is straightforward and user-friendly.
Open the app and navigate to the profile section. From there, select the UPI Circle option.
Choose the contact you want to add. The selected individual must:
The primary user needs to scan the secondary user’s UPI Circle QR code to initiate the linking process.
Choose between:
For full delegation:
An invite is sent to the secondary user. The primary user must enter their UPI PIN to finalise the setup.
Once the setup is complete, the secondary user can begin making transactions seamlessly.
If full delegation is enabled, payments are processed instantly within the set limit. In approval mode, the primary user must authorise each request within a specific time window.
All transactions are recorded and visible to both users, ensuring transparency.
Currently, Pocket Money supports:
However, certain services are not yet included:
Additionally, there is a 24-hour cooldown period after adding a secondary user. During this time, transaction limits are lower before normal limits apply.
The feature enables individuals without bank accounts to participate in digital payments, expanding access to financial tools.
Primary users can set limits and approval rules, ensuring disciplined spending.
No need to transfer money repeatedly—payments are handled directly from the linked account.
Both users can track transactions in real time, reducing confusion and improving accountability.
The Pocket Money feature can be applied in multiple real-world scenarios:
With the introduction of Pocket Money, Google Pay is moving toward a more inclusive and flexible payment ecosystem.
By combining shared access with built-in controls, the feature addresses a key gap in digital payments—allowing multiple users to operate from a single account securely.
Conclusion
The Pocket Money feature under UPI Circle represents a significant evolution in digital payment systems. It simplifies financial management for families and small groups while maintaining control and security.
As digital adoption continues to grow, innovations like this are likely to play a crucial role in bringing more users into the formal financial ecosystem.