UPI Just Leveled Up! Here’s What’s New for 2025; UPI Features to Make Payments Seamless in 2025
In 2024, UPI underwent some major changes, expanding its features and international presence. By 2025, these updates have made online transactions more accessible for users in India and beyond.
A notable development was the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) lifting the previous UPI user onboarding limit, allowing all 596.6 million WhatsApp users in India to access WhatsApp Pay services.
UPI’s Global Expansion
UPI payments became available at the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 2024, marking its entry into France, ET reported. This expansion adds to existing acceptance in Nepal, Qatar, Bhutan, Mauritius, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the UAE.
According to one report, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can now link their international mobile numbers from countries like Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, UAE, UK, and USA to NRE/NRO accounts. This allows them to conduct UPI transactions through apps such as iMobile, BHIM, and PhonePe effortlessly.
Innovative Features for International travelers
The UPI One World wallet was introduced for international travelers visiting India. It enables QR code-based payments across the country and allows refunds of any unused balance following forex regulations. This feature simplifies payment processes for tourists.
Another new feature is UPI Circle which lets primary UPI users delegate transaction permissions to up to five family members. Spending limits can be set for both fully delegated and partially delegated transactions. This enhances convenience for users who need to manage transactions remotely.
Benefits for RuPay Cardholders
RuPay JCB credit and debit cardholders can now enjoy a 25% cashback on international PoS transactions in select countries as per the ET report. This offer is valid from 30th October 2024 to 29th January 2025, with a maximum cashback of Rs 3,000 per transaction and Rs 15,000 per card during the promotion period.
RuPay Cardholders now have access to a personal accident policy offering worldwide coverage. This includes permanent total disability coverage with different amounts for RuPay Platinum and Select cardholders. To be eligible for this insurance policy, cardholders must complete at least one successful RuPay card transaction within 30 days before an accident occurs.
Key Changes in UPI Lite
In November this year, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a hike in transaction limits for UPI Lite, alongside the introduction of an auto top-up feature by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Previously, UPI Lite users were allowed to make transactions up to ₹500 per transaction, with a maximum wallet balance capped at ₹2,000 and a cumulative daily spend limit of ₹4,000. Under the new guidelines, the RBI has increased the maximum transaction limit to ₹1,000 and raised the wallet balance limit to ₹5,000, providing users with greater flexibility and convenience in managing their digital payments. Additionally the auto top-up feature will allow users to automate the replenishment of their UPI Lite balance.