How to avoid UPI platform fees? 4 effective money-saving hacks of 2026

News India Live, Digital Desk: While on one hand payments have become easier in Digital India, on the other hand there has been additional burden on customers’ pockets in the form of ‘platform fees’. According to the latest reports in ‘Zee News’ and ‘Navbharat Times’, many leading apps have now made ‘processing fees’ mandatory. But with a few smart changes you can ₹0 Can do.

Hack 1: Use Official Brand Apps

This is the simplest and 100% effective method. If you make payments directly from the service provider’s app instead of through a third-party app (like PhonePe), there are no platform fees.

Airtel/Jio/Vi: for recharge Thanks Airtel, MyJio Or Vi App Use. There are no extra charges for paying through UPI and often cashback is also available.

Utility Bills: For electricity or gas bill directly use their official website or app (like- UPPCL, Indane).

Hack 2: Give priority to Government and Banking Apps (BHIM & Bank Apps)

government app BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) Still works without any platform fees.

BHIM UPI: It is directly operated by NPCI and does not charge any extra charges on recharge and bill payments.

Banking Apps: Your bank’s app (eg SBI YONO, HDFC PayZappOr ICICI iMobile) use. Bill payments made from here are usually free.

Hack 3: Check the Payment Summary Closely

Most people are in a hurry to click on “Proceed to Pay”.

before payment ‘View Breakup’ Or ‘Bill Details’ Click on.

If the total amount payable on a recharge of ₹100 is showing as ₹103 or ₹104, then understand that platform fees have been added. In such a situation, do not make payment from there.

Hack 4: Choose UPI Wallet or Bank Account Instead of Credit Card

According to the new rules of 2026, bill payments through credit cards attract higher fees due to Merchant Discount Rate (MDR).

Always UPI (Direct Bank Transfer) Or UPI Lite Select the option. Not only is it fast but the fees charged on most platforms are minimal or zero.

Quick comparison: where to charge how much? (estimated 2026)