Categories: BankingCurrent Affairs

Paytm Enables UPI for NRIs with Foreign Numbers

In a breakthrough for cross-border digital payments, Paytm has introduced UPI payment support for NRIs using international mobile numbers. Announced on 27 October 2025, this new service empowers Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from 12 countries to make seamless UPI payments in India through the Paytm app, without needing an Indian SIM card.

What’s New in the Paytm NRI UPI Feature?

The new feature enables NRIs to,

Make instant UPI transfers to Indian UPI IDs and mobile numbers
Pay merchants by scanning UPI QR codes across India
Shop online on Indian platforms using their existing NRE or NRO bank accounts
Skip forex conversion and traditional remittance charges

Users only need to link their NRE/NRO account with the UPI ecosystem via Paytm and register using their international mobile number—a first for Indian fintech platforms.

Supported Countries

Paytm has rolled out this feature for NRIs residing in the following 12 countries,

United States
United Kingdom
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Australia
Canada
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Hong Kong
Kuwait
Bahrain

This list aligns with countries where significant Indian diaspora populations reside, ensuring maximum outreach and utility.

How It Works

To access the service, NRIs must,

Download or update the Paytm app
Register using their international mobile number
Link their NRE or NRO bank account that supports UPI
Start sending money, scanning QR codes, and making digital payments across India

There’s no need for an Indian SIM card or separate UPI registration using a local number. The integration is enabled by NPCI’s international UPI guidelines, which now permit UPI access to verified foreign mobile numbers linked to eligible Indian bank accounts.