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    Quick Summary

    The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has made instant digital payments a part of everyday life. It is easy to use and has real-time processing. UPI enables Indians to send and receive money instantly, making transactions simple, fast, and accessible nationwide.

    With recent reforms, NRIs can also access UPI with an international mobile number, eliminating the need for an Indian SIM. Let's understand how to use UPI for NRI.

    What is UPI for NRI?

    Earlier, NRIs needed an active Indian SIM card to use UPI. However, in 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) extended UPI access to foreign nationals and NRIs. This means NRIs can now make UPI payments using international mobile numbers.

    Can NRIs use UPI in India?

    Yes, NRIs can use UPI in India. However, this facility is currently available only to users with a Non-Resident External (NRE) or a Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account.The ability to use UPI for NRIs may vary depending on the bank’s policies and its compliance with regulatory guidelines.

    To access UPI for NRI, you must meet the eligibility criteria defined under NPCI guidelines for NRI UPI. The criteria are as follows:

    • Maintain an active NRE or NRO account in India.
    • Link a valid mobile number (Indian or international) to the account.
    • Have an account in a bank that enables UPI services for international numbers.
    • Complete registration on a UPI app that supports NRI users.

    Countries supported for NRI UPI payments

    Currently, eight countries accept UPI payments [Subject to change]. The list of UPI eligible countries is given below:

    1. Australia

    2. Canada

    3. France

    4. Hong Kong

    5. Malaysia

    6. Oman

    7. Qatar

    8. Saudi Arabia

    9. Singapore

    10. United Arab Emirates

    11. United Kingdom

    12. United States of America

    How to set up and activate UPI for NRI accounts?

    In order to set up UPI for NRI accounts, you need to follow these steps:

    Step 1: Link your mobile number

    Ensure your international mobile number is linked to your NRE or NRO bank account.

    Step 2: Check bank compatibility

    You need an eligible NRE or NRO account, such as an Axis Bank NRI Savings Account, linked to your mobile number.

    Step 3: Download a supported UPI app

    NRE/NRO UPI payments can be done by linking your account to a supported UPI app for NRI and completing the registration process.

    Step 4: Complete registration

    Follow the in-app instructions to verify your number, link your bank account, and complete the UPI PIN for NRI set-up.

    Step 5: Start transacting

    Once the setup is complete, you can begin making transactions. Usage will depend on your bank’s policies and regulatory compliance.

    NRI UPI transaction limits

    UPI usage for NRIs comes with certain limits and conditions set by the NPCI and participating banks. These limits are as follows:

    Daily transaction limit₹1 lakh per day.
    New user limitAndroid and other OS: Cumulative limit of ₹5,000 applicable for first 24 hours after new user registration.
    IOS: Cumulative limit of ₹5,000 applicable for the first 72 hours after registration (running time) i.e. A maximum exposure of ₹15,000 in 72 hours.
    Permitted transactionsUPI can be used between NRE and NRO accounts or with resident Indian accounts. Transfers from NRO to NRE accounts using UPI are restricted.
    Joint accounts Only the primary account holder is eligible to use UPI services.

    UPI is enhancing NRI digital banking services, making transactions faster and more accessible.

    • Wide accessibility: With one of the largest global diaspora populations, NRIs can benefit from UPI’s growing acceptance across merchants and service providers in India.
    • Secure transactions: UPI operates under strict compliance frameworks, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT). The NPCI NRI UPI framework also uses a Virtual Payment Address (VPA), so sensitive bank details are not shared during transactions, thus it provides a secure platform for financial transactions.
    • Faster payments: As a real-time digital system, UPI enables instant transfers. This is particularly useful in time-sensitive situations such as medical emergencies, tuition fee payments, or urgent family needs. It also allows quick NRI fund transfer to India.
    • Cost efficiency: Traditional remittance channels can involve higher fees. UPI offers a more cost-effective way to transfer money within India, reducing overall transaction costs.
    • Reduced dependency: NRIs can directly transfer funds to beneficiaries without relying on intermediaries such as friends or family members in India.
    • Simplified Process: UPI has simplified NRI payments in India, making it easier to send and receive money instantly. By linking an NRE or NRO account to a UPI-enabled app using an international mobile number, NRIs can create a UPI ID and transact just like resident users for both peer-to-peer and merchant payments.

    Along with UPI, NRIs can explore options like Axis Bank NRI Fixed Deposit Plus for better returns while using UPI for everyday transactions.

    Conclusion

    Staying financially connected to India has never been easier. With UPI now available for NRIs on international mobile numbers, you can pay, transfer, and manage money back home with just a few clicks.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Can NRIs use UPI in India without an Indian SIM?

    Yes, NRIs can use UPI without an Indian SIM if their international mobile number is linked to an eligible NRE or NRO account and supported by their bank.

    2. Which banks support UPI for NRI international numbers?

    Multiple banks support UPI for NRIs using international mobile numbers, as enabled by the NPCI. Axis Bank is one such bank which allows you easy UPI payments.

    3. What is the daily UPI limit for NRIs?

    Android and other OS: Cumulative limit of ₹5,000 applicable for first 24 hours after new user registration.
    IOS: Cumulative limit of ₹5,000 applicable for the first 72 hours after registration (running time) i.e. A maximum exposure of ₹15,000 in 72 hours.

    4. Can an NRI use UPI through an NRO account?

    Yes, NRIs can use UPI through NRO accounts, provided the bank supports UPI services and all eligibility conditions are met.

    Disclaimer:This article is intended solely for informational purposes. The views expressed in this article are personal. Axis Bank and/or the author shall not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader arising from reliance on the contentherein. Readers areadvised to consulta qualified financial advisor beforemaking any financial decisions. Axis Bank does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any third-party content or links included in this article.

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