The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has lifted the onboarding limit for WhatsApp Pay, allowing the messaging platform’s entire user base in India to access UPI services. This development marks a significant step in expanding the use of UPI through WhatsApp. Starting this year, UPI users will be able to make payments abroad.
While UPI is not yet universally accepted, its presence is expanding. Notably, from July 2024, the Eiffel Tower in Paris has started accepting UPI payments. Other countries like Sri Lanka, Mauritius, the UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, and Nepal have also embraced UPI transactions.
RuPay JCB credit and debit cards now offer a 25% cashback on all international point-of-sale (PoS) transactions in Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. There is no minimum transaction amount required to receive cashback, though it is capped at ₹3,000 per transaction and a total of ₹15,000 during the period from October 30, 2024, to January 29, 2025. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) can now link their NRO or NRE accounts to UPI apps like iMobile (ICICI Bank), BHIM, and PhonePe, using their international phone numbers.
This feature allows NRIs to transact through UPI seamlessly.
Upi expands globally with new features
The UPI One World wallet has been introduced for international travelers visiting India.
This wallet can be used to make payments locally through QR codes, and any remaining balance can be transferred back to the original payment source as per forex rules. Passports and visas are required to complete the KYC process for this service. Introduced in 2024, the UPI Circle feature allows users to delegate transactions to immediate family members.
Users can authorize up to five people to make transactions from their bank account, with controls in place to limit the scope and amount of transactions. Delegate users can spend up to ₹15,000 per month, with individual transaction limits of ₹5,000. Several RuPay cardholders can benefit from a personal accident policy.
RuPay Platinum cardholders are eligible for a ₹2,00,000 policy, while RuPay Select cardholders can be insured for up to ₹10,00,000. To qualify, at least one successful transaction must be made using the RuPay card at any PoS or e-commerce site within 30 days before an accident. These new features are set to further solidify UPI’s position as one of the preferred modes of payment, both domestically and internationally.
