NRIs Can Now Use UPI Abroad – Here’s How It Works and Who Can Apply

Good news for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)! India’s homegrown digital payments system—UPI (Unified Payments Interface)—is going global. That means NRIs can now make instant payments even while living abroad. From paying for services in India to helping family back home, India’s UPI for NRIs – New Rules and Benefits are making financial transactions smoother than ever.

Let’s break down how it works, who can apply, and what this move means for the future of NRI banking and digital payments.

What’s New: UPI Goes Global for NRIs

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has extended UPI services to select international numbers. That means NRIs with mobile numbers from specific countries can now link their Non-Resident External (NRE) or Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) accounts to UPI.

Key Highlights:

• NRIs can now use UPI with foreign mobile numbers (non-Indian numbers)

• Only NRE/NRO account holders are eligible

• Participating banks must follow KYC and FEMA guidelines

Countries Where NRIs Can Use UPI

Here’s a quick look at where the new feature is being rolled out:

More countries are expected to be added in the near future.

How NRIs Can Start Using UPI Abroad?

If you’re an NRI and want to take advantage of this new feature, here’s what you need to do:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Ensure you have an NRE or NRO account with a participating Indian bank

2. Use your international mobile number to register for UPI through apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, or BHIM

3. Complete KYC verification as required by your bank

4. Link your bank account and start sending or receiving money in seconds

Tip: Make sure your bank supports international number linking on UPI.

Benefits of UPI for NRIs

Here’s why this change is a game-changer for NRIs:

• Instant money transfers to family or businesses in India

• Global access to UPI using just a smartphone and foreign number

• Lower transaction costs than traditional international remittances

• Better integration with NRI banking systems

• Secure and regulated under India’s RBI and NPCI framework

By expanding India’s UPI for NRIs – New Rules and Benefits, this move makes digital payments faster, cheaper, and more inclusive for the Indian diaspora.

Who Is Eligible?

What It Means for the Future?

This update to UPI is more than just a convenience—it’s a step toward globalizing India’s fintech ecosystem. For NRIs, it means seamless connectivity to India’s financial systems without the headache of switching SIM cards or juggling multiple apps.

The future of NRI banking is clearly leaning towards digital payments, and India is setting a strong example for other countries to follow.

FAQs

1. Can I use UPI with my US mobile number if I’m an NRI?

Yes, if you hold an NRE or NRO account with a participating Indian bank and your US number is linked, you can use UPI seamlessly.

2. Is there any extra fee for NRIs using UPI abroad?

UPI itself doesn’t charge users, but transaction fees (if any) depend on the app and bank policies.

3. Which banks support UPI for NRIs?

Major Indian banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and Axis are gradually rolling out this feature. Check with your bank for confirmation.

4. Can I send money to other countries using UPI?

Currently, UPI for NRIs is mainly for sending money to Indian recipients. Global UPI remittance features may be added in the future.

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