UPI ID special characters cause a lot of confusion because two different rules get mixed up. Your UPI ID (like name@okaxis) can use letters, numbers and a few simple characters such as a dot, and sometimes a hyphen or underscore, depending on the app or bank. Separately, since 1 February 2025, NPCI declines any UPI transaction ID that contains special characters. That second rule is for apps and banks, not for your personal ID.
So if a news story said “UPI IDs with @ or # will stop working”, it was talking about the reference numbers apps create for each payment. Your own UPI ID with an @ in it keeps working. This guide is for anyone choosing or fixing a UPI ID, and for small merchants who build their own payment links.
Quick answer
| Item | UPI ID (your address) | UPI transaction ID |
|---|---|---|
| Example | meena.das@oksbi | Reference created for each payment |
| Who creates it | You or your UPI app | The app or bank |
| Letters and numbers | Allowed | Allowed (alphanumeric only) |
| Dot (.) | Usually allowed | Not allowed |
| Hyphen (-), underscore (_) | Depends on app/bank | Not allowed |
| @ | Required once, before the handle | Not allowed |
| #, $, *, spaces | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Rule in force since | App and bank rules | 1 February 2025 (NPCI) |
Which UPI ID special characters are allowed
A UPI ID has the format username@handle. The rules below apply to the username part.
- Letters: upper and lower case letters are accepted. Most apps show the ID in lowercase.
- Numbers: 0 to 9. Many default IDs are just your mobile number.
- Dot (.): widely accepted, for example rohit.k@okicici. Google Pay IDs often carry dots from the Gmail address.
- Hyphen (-) and underscore (_): accepted by some apps and banks, not all.
- @: appears exactly once, to separate the username from the handle.
Characters like #, $, %, &, *, ! and spaces are not accepted. Paytm’s own format rules say a UPI ID must contain @, must not contain spaces, and must be unique, and that the exact characters allowed may vary by bank or payment provider. So if the app rejects a character, choose another.
| Character | In a UPI ID username | Example |
|---|---|---|
| a-z, A-Z | Allowed | meenadas |
| 0-9 | Allowed | meena92 |
| . | Usually allowed | meena.das |
| – and _ | Depends on app/bank | meena_das |
| Space | Not allowed | meena das |
| # $ % & * ! | Not allowed | meena#das |
The NPCI rule on UPI ID special characters in transaction IDs
On 9 January 2025, NPCI issued a circular telling all UPI participants that transaction IDs must be alphanumeric only. From 1 February 2025, the UPI central system declines any transaction whose ID contains a special character. News reports gave #, @, $ and * as examples.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| 9 January 2025 | NPCI circular: transaction IDs must be alphanumeric only |
| 1 February 2025 | Transactions with special characters in the transaction ID declined |
| Applies to | Transaction IDs created by apps and banks |
| Your UPI ID | No change needed |
Who had to change
Banks, payment service providers and UPI apps that generated transaction IDs with special characters. Most already used alphanumeric IDs. The goal was a uniform format across the system. To understand what a transaction ID looks like and where to find it, see UPI transaction ID.
What it means for you
- You do not need to change your UPI ID because of this rule.
- If a payment fails with a format error in an old or little-known app, update the app or use a mainstream one.
- Merchants who build their own payment links should make sure the reference field uses only letters and numbers.
A real example
Meena runs a tiffin service and uses a website plugin that builds UPI payment links with order references like ORD#1045. After 1 February 2025, customers paying ₹450 through those links start seeing failures. Her UPI ID meena.das@oksbi is fine; the problem is the # in the reference. Changing the format to ORD1045 fixes it the same day.
Tips for choosing a clean UPI ID
- Use your name, not your mobile number. NPCI’s June 2026 circular (OC-234/2026-27) asks apps to let users create non-mobile IDs and set them as default, with masking of numbers on screens from 4 September 2026.
- Use at most one dot. It is easy to read aloud: “anil dot sharma at oksbi”.
- Skip hyphens and underscores if you can. People often mistype them.
- Add digits only if your preferred name is taken.
- Keep it under a length people can type from a receipt without mistakes.
To make a new, cleaner ID, follow our guides for PhonePe, Google Pay and Paytm.
Common problems and fixes
- “Invalid UPI ID” when someone pays you: check for a missing dot, extra space or wrong handle. Send the ID by copy-paste, not typing.
- App rejects your chosen ID: remove special characters other than a dot and try again.
- Payment fails with a format error: update the app. If it continues, contact the app’s support with the error message, or see UPI transaction failed.
- Payee name looks odd: always check the name shown before you enter your PIN.
What to do if your ID keeps being rejected
- Strip it back to letters and numbers only.
- Try one dot between first and last name.
- If that is taken, add two or three digits at the end.
- If the app still refuses, try another handle or another UPI app.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Believing the February 2025 rule blocked personal UPI IDs. It did not.
- Adding symbols to make an ID “unique”. Digits do the same job safely.
- Using two dots or a dot at the start or end; it confuses people reading it.
- Typing an ID from a photo or screenshot instead of copying the text.
FAQs
Can a UPI ID have special characters?
Only a few. A dot is widely accepted; hyphen and underscore depend on the app or bank. The @ is used once as a separator.
Did my UPI ID stop working on 1 February 2025?
No. The rule covered transaction IDs created by apps, not personal UPI IDs.
Is a UPI ID case-sensitive?
Apps generally show and handle UPI IDs in lowercase. To be safe, share it exactly as your app displays it.
Can I use a space in my UPI ID?
No. Spaces are not allowed. Use a dot instead.
Is there a maximum length for a UPI ID?
Apps set their own limits, which may vary; check in your app. Shorter IDs are easier for payers anyway.
Do merchants need to change anything?
Only if they generate their own transaction or reference IDs. Those must use letters and numbers only.
How do I change my UPI ID to remove a character?
Create a new ID in your app. See guides for PhonePe, Google Pay and Paytm.
Conclusion
When it comes to UPI ID special characters, keep it simple: letters, numbers and maybe one dot. The NPCI ban on special characters applies to transaction IDs, so your existing ID is fine. If you still use a mobile-number ID, now is a good time to switch to a name-based one. Browse all our UPI guides for more.
Sources: NPCI, Business Today on NPCI transaction ID circular, Paytm UPI ID format rules, NPCI circular summary (June 2026).
This guide is for general information only. Limits and features can change; check your bank or UPI app for the latest details. FIIAndDIIData.com is not affiliated with NPCI or any UPI app.
