Published Mar 24, 2026 · 3 Min Read

In today’s fast-paced world, digital payments have become an integral part of our lives. For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), staying financially connected to their home country is essential, whether it is for family support, investments, or bill payments. The introduction of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) for NRIs in India has revolutionised the way they manage their finances. This article will guide you through what UPI for NRIs entails, its features, eligibility, setup process, and more.

What is UPI for NRIs?

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a real-time payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) that facilitates seamless money transfers and payments. Initially launched in 2016 for Indian residents, UPI was extended to NRIs in January 2023. With UPI, NRIs can link their Non-Resident External (NRE) or Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) accounts to the platform using their Indian or international mobile numbers. This advancement has made financial transactions in India faster, easier, and more secure for NRIs.


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What are the features of UPI for NRI accounts?

UPI for NRIs comes with a host of features that make it a preferred choice for digital payments. These include:

  • Instant real-time payments in Indian Rupees (INR).
  • Compatibility with international mobile numbers linked to NRE/NRO accounts.
  • Use of popular UPI-enabled apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM.
  • Secure transactions with two-factor authentication.
  • Compliance with RBI and FEMA regulations.

These features ensure that NRIs can manage their Indian finances conveniently, no matter where they are in the world.

How is UPI helpful for NRIs?

UPI for NRIs is a game-changer, offering a seamless and secure way to conduct financial transactions in India. It eliminates the need for traditional remittance methods, which are often time-consuming and expensive.

UPI payments allowed for NRIs

NRIs can use UPI to make payments to Indian merchants, transfer funds to family or friends, pay utility bills, and even donate to charitable organisations. Transactions are processed in real-time, ensuring instant fund transfers.

UPI payments not allowed for NRIs

While UPI is highly versatile, it does have limitations. NRIs cannot use UPI for outward remittances, international transfers, or for linking foreign bank accounts.


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How to set up UPI for your NRE/NRO account

Setting up UPI for your NRE or NRO account is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:


Step 1: Link your international number with your bank

Visit your bank’s NRI portal or branch to update your international mobile number with your NRE or NRO account. Ensure that your bank supports UPI for NRIs.

Step 2: Download a compatible UPI app

Choose a UPI-enabled app such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, or BHIM. Download and install the app on your smartphone.

Step 3: Verify your international mobile number

Open the app and enter your international mobile number. Verify it using the OTP sent to your registered number.

Step 4: Link your NRE or NRO account

Select your bank from the list provided in the app and link your NRE or NRO account.

Step 5: Set your UPI PIN

Use your debit card details to create a secure UPI PIN. This PIN will be required for all transactions.

Once these steps are completed, you can start using UPI for payments and transfers.

Who can use UPI for NRIs?

UPI for NRIs is designed for individuals who meet the following criteria:

  • Hold an NRE or NRO account with a UPI-enabled bank in India.
  • Have an international or Indian mobile number linked to their bank account.
  • Use a UPI-enabled app that supports NRI onboarding.

Eligibility criteria: Can I use UPI as an NRI?

To use UPI as an NRI, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

CriteriaDetails
Bank AccountNRE or NRO account in India
Mobile NumberIndian or international mobile number
UPI-Enabled BankBank must support UPI for NRIs
UPI AppUse UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, etc.

Meeting these requirements ensures that NRIs can seamlessly integrate UPI into their financial routines.

Conclusion

UPI for NRIs is a significant step forward in enhancing digital payment accessibility for Non-Resident Indians. With its easy setup process, secure transactions, and wide acceptance across India, UPI offers a convenient way to manage finances from abroad.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Can NRIs use UPI?

Yes, NRIs can use UPI to make payments and transfers in India, provided they link their NRE or NRO accounts to a UPI-enabled app using their Indian or international mobile number.

Which UPI app is best for NRIs

Popular UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM are widely used by NRIs for their user-friendly interface and robust features.

What are the benefits of UPI for NRIs?

UPI offers NRIs convenience, cost-effectiveness, real-time transactions, and secure payment processing, making it an ideal solution for managing finances in India.

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Disclaimer

As regards deposit taking activity of Bajaj Finance Ltd (BFL), the viewers may refer to the advertisement in the Indian Express (Mumbai Edition) and Loksatta (Pune Edition) furnished in the application form for soliciting public deposits or refer https://www.bajajfinserv.in/fixed-deposit-archives
The company is having a valid Certificate of Registration dated March 5, 1998 issued by the Reserve Bank of India under section 45 IA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. However, the RBI does not accept any responsibility or guarantee about the present position as to the financial soundness of the company or for the correctness of any of the statements or representations made or opinions expressed by the company and for repayment of deposits/discharge of the liabilities by the company.

For the FD calculator the actual returns may vary slightly if the Fixed Deposit tenure includes a leap year.