Beginner's Guide: Automating UPI Payments with Modern Tools

In this guide, I'll walk you through a modern and beginner-friendly way to automate UPI payments using advanced tools. We’ll explore step-by-step methods with real-world examples, illustrations, and resources to make the process simple and effective.

Why Automate UPI Payments?

Automation simplifies the payment process by reducing manual work, minimizing errors, and improving customer satisfaction. By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to:

• Automate UPI payment requests for orders.
• Generate and share payment links or QR codes.
• Track payments in real-time.

What You’ll Need

• A Google account (for forms and sheets, if needed).
• Access to a payment gateway like Razorpay or Paytm for Business.
• A basic understanding of workflows (don’t worry, I’ll explain).

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Step 1: Setting Up a Payment Gateway

Example: Using Razorpay

1. Sign Up: Visit Razorpay’s website and create a free account.
2. Set Up Your Business: Enter your business details (e.g., name, type, bank account).
3. Generate API Keys: Navigate to Settings > API Keys and create a new key. These keys allow you to connect Razorpay with other tools.

Step 2: Creating a Dynamic Payment Link

Payment links are URLs your customers can click to make payments.

1. Generate a Payment Link in Razorpay

• Log in to Razorpay.
• Go to Payment Links > Create Payment Link.
• Enter details like customer name, amount, and purpose. A link is generated instantly.

2. Automate Payment Link Creation

import requests

url = "https://api.razorpay.com/v1/payment_links"
headers = {
    "Authorization": "Basic YOUR_API_KEY:YOUR_API_SECRET"
}
data = {
    "amount": 50000,
    "currency": "INR",
    "description": "Cake Order",
    "customer": {
        "name": "John Doe",
        "email": "john.doe@example.com",
        "contact": "9876543210"
    },
    "callback_url": "https://yourwebsite.com/callback"
}
response = requests.post(url, json=data, headers=headers)
print(response.json())

  

3. Share the Payment Link

Send the link to customers via email, SMS, or WhatsApp.

Step 3: Automating with Forms and Integrations

Example: Automating with Google Forms and Razorpay

1. Create a Google Form: Add fields for customer details and order selection.
2. Link Google Form to Google Sheets: Responses are saved in a Google Sheet automatically.
3. Set Up an Automation Workflow: Use Zapier or Make to automate tasks.

Step 4: Using QR Codes for Payments

Dynamic QR codes are a simple way to allow customers to pay without entering details manually.

1. Use Built-in QR Code Feature

Razorpay allows you to generate a QR code for each transaction. Share this QR code in invoices, emails, or even WhatsApp.

2. Generate QR Codes Programmatically

import requests

url = "https://api.razorpay.com/v1/qr_codes"
headers = {
    "Authorization": "Basic YOUR_API_KEY:YOUR_API_SECRET"
}
data = {
    "type": "upi_qr",
    "name": "Cake Studio",
    "amount": 50000,
    "currency": "INR",
    "fixed_amount": True,
    "description": "Payment for Chocolate Cake",
}
response = requests.post(url, json=data, headers=headers)
print(response.json())

  

3. Embed QR Codes in Emails

Use email marketing tools like Mailchimp or ConvertKit to embed QR codes in your emails for seamless customer payments.

---

The process described in the blog, while functional, can indeed feel outdated due to reliance on manual configurations with Google Forms, Sheets, and Document Studio. Modern payment methods offer more streamlined and user-friendly solutions by leveraging advanced tools and integrations. Below are some more up-to-date methods to replace the above process:

---

1. Payment Links and APIs from Payment Gateways

• Tools: Razorpay, Paytm, Instamojo, Stripe, or PayU.
• Features:
  • Generate dynamic payment links instantly for each customer/order.
  • Share these links via SMS, email, or WhatsApp.
  • Supports UPI, cards, wallets, and other payment methods.
• Advantages:
  • No need for manual QR code generation or embedding.
  • Offers detailed transaction tracking and reconciliation.
  • Secure and compliant with the latest payment regulations.
• How it Works:
  • Integrate the payment gateway API with your application or a low-code/no-code platform like Zapier.
  • Each order dynamically creates a payment link, which is sent automatically to the customer.

---

2. Integrated Payment Solutions with E-Commerce Tools

• Tools: Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, or Squarespace (with UPI-enabled payment gateways).
• Features:
  • Fully automated checkout process with integrated UPI payments.
  • No need for separate Google Forms or Sheets; the platform manages orders and payments.
  • Built-in analytics for order tracking.
• Advantages:
  • Streamlined user experience with less manual intervention.
  • Mobile-friendly interfaces for customers.

---

3. QR Code-Based Payments via UPI-Enabled Apps

• Tools: BharatPe, Google Pay for Business, Paytm for Business.
• Features:
  • Directly create and manage QR codes for payments using business apps.
  • Each QR code is linked to your business account for instant reconciliation.
• Advantages:
  • No need to generate QR codes via formulas.
  • Instant notifications for received payments.

---

4. Payment Automation via No-Code Platforms

• Tools: Zapier, Make (formerly Integromat), or Pabbly Connect.
• Features:
  • Automate the entire order-to-payment process by integrating tools like Google Forms, Stripe, or Razorpay.
  • Create workflows to send payment requests automatically based on form submissions.
• Advantages:
  • Flexible integrations with modern tools.
  • Scalability for businesses handling multiple payment methods.

---

5. UPI Payment Apps with Built-in Dynamic Billing

• Tools: BharatQR, PayU, or PhonePe for Business.
• Features:
  • Apps can generate dynamic UPI QR codes for specific amounts.
  • Links and QR codes are directly embedded in invoices or sent via email/SMS.
• Advantages:
  • Real-time transaction updates.
  • Eliminates the need for custom coding or formula management.

---

6. Mobile Wallet and Super App Integrations

• Tools: Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm.
• Features:
  • Directly integrate order systems with these apps using APIs.
  • Customers can make UPI payments directly through the app, with instant order updates.
• Advantages:
  • Popularity and convenience of these apps reduce friction.
  • Advanced features like cashback offers and loyalty programs.

---

7. AI-Powered Payment Management

• Tools: Zoho Invoice, FreshBooks, or HubSpot Payments.
• Features:
  • AI-based billing systems that generate and send invoices with UPI payment options.
  • Auto-reminders for unpaid invoices.
• Advantages:
  • Smart automation with minimal manual input.
  • Predictive insights for managing payments and customer behaviors.

---

Recommended Approach for Modern Businesses

For an efficient, up-to-date solution, consider the following approach:

1. Use Razorpay or Stripe for dynamic payment links and robust API integrations.
2. Leverage Zapier or Pabbly Connect for automated workflows.
3. Embed UPI-enabled checkout in a dedicated e-commerce platform like Shopify or WooCommerce.

By adopting these methods, you can save time, improve security, and provide a seamless experience for customers.

For further guidance, feel free to explore Razorpay's documentation.

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Simplified Steps: Automating UPI Payments

1. Sign Up on Razorpay: Create an account at Razorpay.
2. Set Up Your Business: Add your business name, type, and bank details.
3. Generate API Keys: Go to Settings > API Keys to create keys for integration.
4. Create Payment Links: Use Razorpay to generate payment links with customer details.
5. Share Payment Links: Send payment links via email, SMS, or WhatsApp.
6. Create Google Forms: Collect orders and details through simple forms.
7. Link to Google Sheets: Save form responses automatically in a spreadsheet.
8. Automate Workflows: Use Zapier or Make to generate and send payment links automatically.
9. Generate QR Codes: Create and share dynamic QR codes for easy payments.
10. Track Payments: Monitor payment status in real-time via Razorpay’s dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is UPI automation? +

UPI automation simplifies payment processes by generating and sharing payment links or QR codes automatically.

2. How do I sign up for Razorpay? +

Visit Razorpay, create an account, and complete your business details.

3. What tools are required for automation? +

You’ll need a payment gateway like Razorpay, Google Forms, Sheets, and integration tools like Zapier.

4. Can I create dynamic QR codes? +

Yes, Razorpay allows you to generate dynamic QR codes for each transaction.

5. Is programming knowledge required? +

Basic knowledge is helpful, but tools like Zapier and Make simplify automation without coding.

6. How do I integrate Google Forms with Razorpay? +

Use Zapier or Make to connect form responses to Razorpay for generating payment links or QR codes.

7. How secure is UPI automation? +

UPI automation through trusted gateways like Razorpay ensures security with encryption and compliance.

8. Can I track payments? +

Yes, Razorpay provides a dashboard to monitor payment statuses in real-time.

9. How do I generate API keys? +

Go to Razorpay’s settings and create keys under the API Keys section.

10. What is a payment link? +

A payment link is a URL sent to customers, enabling them to make payments online.

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