According to Moneycontrol, quick commerce startup Zepto has introduced an in-app UPI payments option for its consumers, joining other significant delivery platforms that are progressively including payments inside their applications to streamline checkout and reduce dependency on third-party UPI providers.
Zepto Introduces In-App UPI Payments
The new functionality streamlines the checkout process by enabling users to perform UPI transactions from inside the Zepto app without being diverted to third-party payment applications like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm.
Early Access for Users
Some users have apparently been able to access the functionality in their individual applications, despite Zepto not yet making an official public statement about the debut.
The user must connect their bank account and enable UPI in the Zepto app’s payment settings in order to activate the option. After that, users may use the app to make payments by only inputting their UPI PIN.
🚀 Zepto In-App UPI Launch
- Feature: Users can now pay using UPI inside Zepto app
- Competitors: Swiggy & Zomato have similar options
- Convenience: No need for third-party UPI apps
- Setup: Connect bank account & enable UPI
- Goal: Reduce checkout failures and streamline payment process
Industry Alignment
Zepto’s debut brings it into line with other meal delivery competitors that have implemented in-app UPI payments, demonstrating that leading consumer applications are now attempting to simplify payments and keep them on their own platforms.
Given that Swiggy and Zomato provide comparable in-app payment options, this change is very visible. Over the last year, both platforms have introduced their own UPI systems.
Swiggy vs Zomato Payment Approaches
Swiggy announced the introduction of Swiggy UPI in 2024, including the UPI Plug-in solution from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The tool intends to reduce payment failures and speed up checkout times, according to a blog post from the firm.
In contrast, Zomato launched its own UPI service in partnership with ICICI Bank, allowing users to get a UPI ID connected to Zomato and make instantaneous payments from inside the app. According to the Moneycontrol study, Zomato’s strategy works more like a full-fledged UPI handle provided via a banking partner than Swiggy’s plug-in-led integration.
📈 Zepto IPO & Market Ambitions
- IPO Filing: Preliminary documents filed with Sebi to raise ₹11,000 crore
- Listing: Expected to go public this year
- Competitors: Zomato & Swiggy are already listed
- Significance: One of the youngest companies planning IPO
- Strategic Impact: Strengthens Zepto’s payment ecosystem & market visibility
Future Outlook
According to PTI, the announcement coincides with the business filing preliminary documents with market regulator Sebi in order to raise ₹11,000 crore via a secret initial public offering (IPO). The business plans to list on the stock market at some point this year, which would make it one of the youngest companies to go public.
Zepto will join its competitors, Zomato and Swiggy, who are already listed on stock markets, if the listing is approved.
