How to Accept UPI and Online Payments on Your Website

UPI has transformed how India pays. Customers now expect to pay online in seconds with a UPI app, card or net banking, and a website that cannot take payments leaves money on the table. Here is how to accept UPI payments on your website properly, from choosing a gateway to a checkout that converts.

The same steps apply whether you run an online store, take bookings or collect advance payments for services.

Step 1: Choose a payment gateway

A payment gateway securely processes transactions between your customer, their bank and your account. Popular options in India include Razorpay, PayU, Cashfree, CCAvenue and PhonePe for business. Compare transaction fees, settlement times, supported methods and plugin availability for your platform.

Step 2: Complete KYC and activation

Gateways require business KYC — typically PAN, bank account details, business registration or GST documents and website policies. Make sure your website clearly displays your contact details, privacy policy, terms, refund and shipping policies, as gateways check these before activation.

Step 3: Integrate with your website

• WordPress / WooCommerce: install the official gateway plugin and add API keys.
• Shopify: enable a supported third-party gateway in payment settings.
• Custom websites and apps: integrate the gateway’s APIs and webhooks for payment confirmation.

Step 4: Test thoroughly

Use the gateway’s test mode to try successful, failed and cancelled payments, refunds and webhook notifications before going live.

Step 5: Optimise the checkout

• Show UPI prominently — many customers prefer it
• Keep the checkout short and mobile-friendly
• Display trust badges and clear pricing including GST
• Send instant confirmation by email and WhatsApp

Security essentials

Always use HTTPS, never store card details on your own server, keep plugins updated and enable two-factor authentication on your gateway dashboard.

Need payments added to your website? We integrate Razorpay, PayU, Cashfree and other Indian gateways. Get a free quote.

Ways to accept UPI payments online

• Gateway checkout: customers choose UPI, cards or net banking on your website and pay without leaving the checkout.
• Payment links: send a link by WhatsApp, SMS or email for invoices, deposits and custom orders.
• Payment pages: a simple hosted page for fees, donations or event registrations, with no full store needed.
• Subscriptions: recurring payments for memberships, retainers or software plans, where your gateway supports them.

Choosing the right gateway

Compare gateways on more than the transaction fee. Look at settlement speed, support for UPI intent and QR flows on mobile, refund handling, dashboard quality, plugin support for your platform and how responsive their support team is. If you sell internationally, check whether foreign cards and currencies are supported.

Reducing failed payments

• Make UPI the first option on mobile, where most UPI payments happen
• Show clear error messages and a one-tap retry
• Confirm orders only after the gateway’s webhook verifies the payment, not just the browser redirect
• Send automatic reminders with a payment link for abandoned checkouts

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which operates UPI, publishes product information and guidelines worth reviewing as you set up online payments.

Frequently asked questions