Paytm Enables NRIs to Use International Numbers for UPI Payments

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can now make UPI payments in India using their international mobile numbers. As per the news reports, One97 Communications Ltd, which operates Paytm, has rolled out this feature in beta mode. 

It allows NRIs to link their NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) bank accounts to the Paytm app without requiring an Indian SIM card.

Countries Covered

The feature is currently available for users from 12 countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Paytm stated that the option will gradually be expanded to more regions after testing and feedback.

How It Works

After logging in with an international mobile number, users can verify their number through SMS and link an NRE or NRO account. They can then make payments in India by scanning UPI QR codes, sending money to Indian bank accounts, shopping on Indian websites, or transferring funds between their own accounts. 

Transactions are processed in Indian currency, and the service does not include any forex conversion or international payment gateway charges.

Other UPI-Linked Services

This rollout adds to existing UPI-based features such as UPI One World, which lets foreign users make payments in India without a local bank account. Another feature, UPI Global Acceptance, enables users in India to pay select foreign merchants using UPI. Both aim to make cross-border digital payments simpler within the UPI framework.

UPI Transaction Data

As per data from the Reserve Bank of India, UPI transactions rose from 1,079 crore in 2019 to 17,221 crore in 2024. During the same period, the total transaction value increased from ₹18.4 lakh crore to ₹246.8 lakh crore. In 2024, UPI made up about 85% of all digital transactions in India by volume.

Read More: UPI Dominates Festive Payments as Credit Cards Boost E-Commerce Spending!

Conclusion

The update allows NRIs to use UPI in India directly through Paytm with their international mobile numbers, broadening access to digital payments without the need for an Indian SIM.

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