Many users want to start using PhonePe, but do not have an ATM card or debit card. The good news is you can create a PhonePe account without an ATM card, and you can still use many features like wallet payments, bill payments, recharges, and even receive money.
This guide explains in simple words how to create a PhonePe account without a debit card, how to link a bank account without an ATM card, and how to use PhonePe even if you do not have a bank account.
What You Can Do on PhonePe Without an ATM Card
- Create a PhonePe account using just your mobile number
- Receive payments in the PhonePe wallet
- Do mobile/DTH recharge
- Pay electricity/gas/water bills
- Scan & Pay at stores that accept PhonePe wallet
- Add bank later if required
So yes, you can use PhonePe for the first time without an ATM card.
How to Create a PhonePe Account Without an ATM Card
- Install the PhonePe app from the Play Store or App Store
- Open app → Enter mobile number → Verify with OTP
- Enter your name, email, and 4-digit app PIN
- When PhonePe asks, “Add Bank Account?” → Tap Skip
- Account is now active with PhonePe wallet access
At this stage, you have successfully created a PhonePe account without a debit card.
You can start receiving wallet payments immediately.
How to Add a Bank Account in PhonePe Without a Debit Card
If you want to use UPI (send money to bank accounts), you need to link a bank account. You can link a bank even without an ATM card if your bank supports Aadhaar-based verification.
Method 1 – Aadhaar OTP Linking (No Debit Card Required)
- Go to PhonePe → Profile → Bank Accounts → Add Bank
- Select your bank (SBI, PNB, Kotak, etc.)
- If the bank supports Aadhaar authentication, you will see:
“Verify Account using Aadhaar OTP” - Enter Aadhaar number → Enter OTP → Bank linked
This applies to the keyword:
How to add a bank account in PhonePe without a debit card
Can I Use PhonePe Without Linking a Bank Account?
Yes. If you do not have a bank account or do not want to link it, you can still:
- Receive money into the PhonePe wallet
- Pay bills, recharge, buy FASTag, etc.
- Scan & pay at supported merchants
But you cannot send money using UPI until a bank is linked.
This answers:
Can I receive money on PhonePe without a bank account? → Yes, in the wallet.
How to Create a PhonePe Account With an ATM Card (For Users Who Have One)
Some users do have debit cards and want full UPI access. The steps:
- Register PhonePe
- Tap Add Bank
- Enter the last 6 digits & expiry date of the ATM Card
- Enter OTP → Create UPI PIN → Done
This answers the keyword:
How to create a PhonePe account with an ATM card
Without an ATM Card, How to Use PhonePe SBI?
SBI usually requires a debit card for UPI PIN setup.
However, if your SBI account is Aadhaar-linked and your mobile number is active, some users are allowed to link through Aadhaar OTP.
If the Aadhaar option does not show, SBI requires a debit card.
So this depends on the SBI account status.
How to Add Another Bank Account in PhonePe With a Different Number
PhonePe allows multiple bank accounts, but all accounts must be linked to the same mobile number used in the PhonePe app.
So, you cannot add a bank with a different registered mobile number.
Can a 17-Year-Old Open UPI?
No. A bank account is required to activate UPI, and most banks only allow full KYC accounts for users who are 18 years or older. That means a 17-year-old cannot create a UPI ID on PhonePe, Google Pay, or any UPI app.
However, a 17-year-old can still use digital payment apps in other ways:
- They can create a PhonePe wallet account and use it for bill payments, mobile recharges, and QR payments at supported merchants.
- They can also use FanPay, which is a teen-friendly payment platform where parents can load money and monitor transactions until the user turns 18 and becomes eligible for UPI.
So even though UPI is not available under 18, wallet-based payments are still possible until the user becomes eligible for a full bank-linked UPI account.
Example: What Works With and Without a Debit Card
| Action | Works Without a Debit Card | Works With Debit Card |
| Create a PhonePe Account | Yes | Yes |
| Use Wallet | Yes | Yes |
| Send/Receive UPI Money | No (until bank added) | Yes |
| Add Bank Through Aadhaar | Some banks | Yes |
| Withdraw Wallet Money | No | Yes |
Official Reference Links
- PhonePe Official Help Center: https://www.phonepe.com/contact-us/
- NPCI UPI Information Page: https://www.npci.org.in/
FAQs- How to Create a PhonePe Account Without an ATM Card
1. How to create PhonePe without an ATM?
Skip bank linking during setup and use wallet features first.
2. How to add a bank account in PhonePe without a debit card?
Use the Aadhaar OTP method if your bank supports it.
3. Can we use PhonePe without linking bank accounts?
Yes, but only for wallet usage, not for UPI transfers.
4. How to use PhonePe for the first time?
Install app → Register number → Set PIN → Skip bank linking.
5. Without an ATM card, how do you use PhonePe SBI?
Only possible if Aadhaar OTP linking is available; otherwise, SBI requires debit card verification.
Final Summary
- You can create a PhonePe account without an ATM card
- A wallet works without a debit card or a bank account
- UPI works only after bank linking (Aadhaar method available for some banks)
- A debit card is not always required
- Olyv helps users understand digital payments in easy language
This is a really usefulBlog comment creation guide breakdown for people who don’t have a debit card but still want to use PhonePe for basic transactions. I like that you also covered the Aadhaar OTP method for linking a bank later—it’s a detail many guides skip. It might also help if you include a quick note on which major banks currently support Aadhaar-based linking, since that can vary quite a bit.