News India Live, Digital Desk: While on one hand payment has become easier in Digital India, on the other hand there has been additional burden on customers’ pockets in the form of ‘platform fees’. According to the latest reports in ‘Zee News’ and ‘Navbharat Times’, many leading apps have now made ‘processing fees’ mandatory. But with a little smart change, you can reduce it to ₹0. Hack 1: Use the company’s official apps (Official Brand Apps) This is the simplest and 100% effective method. If you pay directly from the service provider’s app instead of a third-party app (like PhonePe), there are no platform fees. Airtel/Jio/Vi: Use Airtel Thanks, MyJio or Vi App for recharge. There are no extra charges for paying through UPI here and often cashback is also available. Utility Bills: Use their official website or app (eg UPPCL, Indane) directly for electricity or gas bills. Hack 2: Give priority to government and banking apps (BHIM & Bank Apps) The government app BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) still works without any platform fees. BHIM UPI: It is directly operated by NPCI and there is no extra charge on recharge and bill payment. Banking Apps: Use your bank’s app (like SBI YONO, HDFC PayZapp, or ICICI iMobile). Bill payments made through here are usually free. Hack 3: Check the Payment Summary Closely Most people are in a hurry to click on “Proceed to Pay”. Before making the payment, click on ‘View Breakup’ or ‘Bill Details’. If the total amount payable there is shown as ₹103 or ₹104 on a recharge of ₹100, then understand that platform fees have been added. In such a situation, do not make payment from there. Hack 4: Choose UPI wallet or bank account instead of credit card. According to the new rules of 2026, bill payment through credit card attracts higher fees due to Merchant Discount Rate (MDR). Always choose the option of UPI (Direct Bank Transfer) or UPI Lite. Not only is it fast, but the fees on most platforms are minimal or zero. Quick Comparison: Where, How Much? (Expected 2026)PlatformMobile Recharge FeesBill Payment FeesBest ChoicePhonePe / Paytm₹1 – ₹5₹2 – ₹6Only in EmergencyGoogle Pay₹0 – ₹3₹0 – ₹5Check Payment BreakupBHIM App₹0₹0Most Secure & FreeOfficial Brand Apps₹0₹0Best for Cashback