BHIM vs Lydia

BHIM is a free UPI payment app for Android and iOS that sends money directly between bank accounts and handles payment requests. Users can pay with a UPI ID, a UPI-registered mobile number, or an account number and IFSC code, and can link up to five bank accounts. BHIM describes the service as available 24x7. Its FAQ states a limit of Rs 40,000 per transaction and Rs 40,000 per day for each linked account; new users have a Rs 5,000 limit during their first 24 hours. Bill Pay supports electricity, gas, DTH, telecom, loan EMI, insurance, water, FASTag, cable TV, and education bills when the bank is enabled on Bharat Bill Pay. Merchants can add up to three collection agents with individual QR codes. A UPI PIN authenticates transactions. The privacy policy says BHIM may collect phone, financial, transaction, device, SIM, IP address, and location information, while not storing contacts when access is granted. Completed transactions cannot be reversed unless the recipient refunds them.

Lydia is a mobile app for paying, sending and receiving money, and collecting contributions. It runs on Android and iOS, and sending money to a contact by phone number or email is free; the recipient does not need a Lydia account. Lydia says transfers can be sent to euro accounts at payment service providers in the SEPA zone. Users can create customizable money pots for events with friends, family or coworkers, taking contributions by card, bank transfer, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Pots are not intended for public donations or fundraising for causes. Collected funds can be withdrawn in one or more transfers or used for an Amazon.fr gift card. Pot creation and participation are free; gift-card withdrawals are free, while withdrawals to a Lydia Wallet or bank are free for Lydia/Sumeria app contributions and cost 4% for other contributions. The wallet is free to open. Card-funded sends and top-ups are free up to €250 per month, then cost 2.5%; online card receipts cost 2.5%. Lydia lists strong authentication for sensitive actions and support through the app or email, with an average response time of 12 hours.