New Delhi: Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can now use India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with their international mobile numbers linked to Indian bank accounts. This new option aims to make it easier for NRIs to stay connected financially with India, offering simple ways to send money or pay for services from abroad.
To set up UPI with an international number, NRIs need to link their number to an NRE or NRO account with an Indian bank. Then, they can download a UPI-compatible app, such as BHIM or iMobile, and follow a quick verification process to create their UPI ID. Once active, they’ll be able to transfer funds to Indian bank accounts, make QR code payments, and manage multiple accounts easily.
There are a few limitations: UPI transactions are only in INR, joint account holders cannot set up UPI IDs, and transfers from NRO to NRE accounts aren’t allowed. Currently, this service is available in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Singapore, and other countries, with major banks like HDFC, ICICI, and SBI supporting the feature. This update marks another step in making digital payments simpler and more accessible for Indians.
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