NRIs Can Now Use International Mobile Numbers for UPI Payments in India: A Game-Changer for the Diaspora

July 3, 2025 | NRI Globe News Desk

For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), managing financial transactions in India just got easier. IDFC First Bank has launched a groundbreaking service allowing NRIs to make Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments using their international mobile numbers, eliminating the need for an Indian SIM card. This revolutionary step, effective from June 25, 2025, is set to transform how NRIs engage with India’s digital economy, offering seamless, secure, and cost-free transactions from across the globe.

A New Era for NRI Banking

Traditionally, UPI, the backbone of India’s digital payment revolution, required an Indian mobile number, posing challenges for NRIs who rely on international SIMs. Maintaining an active Indian number often meant extra costs and logistical hurdles. Now, IDFC First Bank has removed this barrier, enabling NRI customers with NRE or NRO accounts to link their international mobile numbers to UPI-enabled apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and more.

This service is currently available for NRIs in 12 countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the UAE, the UK, and the USA. Whether you’re paying utility bills, transferring funds to family, or shopping with Indian merchants, you can now do it instantly using your international number.

How NRIs Can Set Up UPI with International Numbers

Setting up UPI for your NRE or NRO account is straightforward:

1. Choose a UPI App: Download a UPI-enabled app such as Google Pay, PhonePe, or BHIM.
2. Register Your International Number: Link your international mobile number to your NRE or NRO account via IDFC First Bank’s mobile app or branch network.
3. Create a UPI ID: Follow the app’s registration process to set up a UPI PIN for secure transactions.
4. Start Transacting: Scan QR codes, pay merchants, transfer funds, or settle bills in India with ease.

The process is designed for convenience, with no additional charges for transactions, making it a cost-effective solution for NRIs.

Key Benefits for NRIs

This initiative brings a host of advantages for the NRI community:

• No Indian SIM Required: Say goodbye to the hassle of maintaining an Indian mobile number. Your international number is now sufficient.
• Zero Transaction Fees: Enjoy UPI payments without worrying about foreign exchange fees or transaction charges for INR-denominated transactions within India.
• Seamless Financial Management: Pay bills, support family, or invest in India without delays, all through familiar UPI apps.
• Enhanced Security: Transactions are backed by UPI’s robust domestic-grade security standards, ensuring peace of mind.
• Wide Acceptance: UPI is accepted by millions of merchants across India, both online and offline, making it versatile for all your payment needs.

Why This Matters for NRIs

For the millions of NRIs worldwide, this service strengthens financial ties with India. Whether you’re a student in Canada sending money home, a professional in the UAE paying utility bills, or an entrepreneur in the USA managing investments, UPI’s accessibility makes it easier to stay connected to India’s economy. The move aligns with the National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) vision to expand UPI globally, fostering financial inclusion for the diaspora.

Ashish Singh, Head of Retail Liabilities at IDFC First Bank, emphasized, “Our vision has always been to simplify and enhance banking, making it accessible no matter where our customers are located.” This service is a testament to that commitment, offering NRIs a hassle-free way to manage their finances in India.

Looking Ahead: The Future of UPI for NRIs

IDFC First Bank plans to expand this service to more countries and introduce additional features like investment management and loan repayments via UPI. Meanwhile, other banks like State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank are also listed as supporting UPI for NRIs, indicating a growing trend in the banking sector.

As UPI continues to dominate India’s digital payment landscape—processing over 18.67 billion transactions worth ₹25.14 lakh crore in May 2025 alone—its expansion to NRIs marks a significant step toward making India’s financial ecosystem truly global.

Tips for NRIs Using UPI

• Verify Your Number: Ensure your international number is correctly registered with your bank to avoid setup issues.
• Stay Updated: Check with your bank for any app-specific requirements or updates to the UPI service.
• Beware of Fraud: With UPI fraud cases on the rise, use only trusted apps and avoid clicking suspicious links. The RBI’s new Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) system, integrated by banks like HDFC and ICICI, adds an extra layer of security.

Join the Digital Payment Revolution

This development is a game-changer for NRIs, offering unmatched convenience and cost savings. Whether you’re in Dubai, London, or New York, you can now participate in India’s digital payment revolution with ease. Visit IDFC First Bank’s official app or website to register your international number and start using UPI today.

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