Published on October 29 , 2025
Delhi, India
Paytm, India’s leading digital payments platform, unveiled a groundbreaking update on October 27, 2025, enabling Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to link their international mobile numbers directly to the Paytm app for UPI transactions. This beta rollout, powered by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), eliminates the need for an Indian SIM card, making UPI accessible from abroad using NRE or NRO bank accounts.
- Launch Scope: Targets NRIs in 12 key countries with large Indian communities, marking the first such integration by an Indian fintech for foreign-number UPI without local verification.
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to NRIs holding UPI-enabled NRE/NRO accounts from participating banks; international number must be registered with the account for SMS verification.
- Rollout Timeline: Currently in beta phase, with full access for all eligible users expected in the coming weeks; aligns with NPCI’s international UPI guidelines for verified foreign mobiles.
- Strategic Goal: Enhances financial connectivity, allowing NRIs to participate in India’s booming UPI ecosystem—handling over 15 billion monthly transactions—without traditional remittance hurdles.
This move underscores Paytm’s vision of “technology made in India, for every Indian around the world,” fostering inclusion for the 18-million-strong global diaspora.
Supported Countries: Reaching Key Diaspora Hubs
The service spans 12 nations, prioritizing regions with significant NRI populations to facilitate cross-border family support, investments, and e-commerce.
- Full List: Singapore, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, USA, Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK, France, and Malaysia.
- Geographic Focus: Covers major economic corridors like the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman), North America (USA, Canada), Europe (UK, France), and Asia-Pacific (Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia).
- Expansion Potential: Paytm hints at future inclusions based on NPCI approvals, aiming to cover 90% of NRIs globally within a year.
- Diaspora Impact: In the USA alone, over 4 million NRIs can now remit funds instantly, bypassing high-fee services like Western Union.
By zeroing in on these hubs, Paytm addresses pain points like delayed remittances, which cost NRIs an estimated $2-3 billion annually in fees.
Setup Process: Simple Steps for Instant Activation
Getting started is straightforward, requiring just the Paytm app and basic account linkage—no additional hardware or local presence needed.
- Step 1: App Download: Install or update the Paytm app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Step 2: Registration: Enter and verify your international mobile number via SMS (ensure it’s linked to your NRE/NRO account).
- Step 3: Bank Linkage: Select and connect your UPI-supported NRE or NRO account from banks like HDFC, ICICI, or SBI.
- Step 4: Activation: Set a UPI PIN and begin transactions; the process takes under 5 minutes.
- Security Measures: Multi-factor authentication via SMS and app biometrics; transactions limited to INR and capped per NPCI rules (e.g., ₹1 lakh daily for P2P).
- Troubleshooting Tips: If SMS fails abroad, use app-based OTP; contact Paytm support for account mismatches.
- Compatibility Note: Works on Android/iOS; integrates with existing Paytm features like wallet top-ups for added flexibility.
This user-friendly flow democratizes UPI, turning smartphones into borderless financial tools for NRIs.
Key Features and Transaction Capabilities
Beyond basic access, Paytm equips NRIs with robust tools for everyday and high-value payments, rivaling domestic user experiences.
- Core Transactions: Instant P2P transfers to UPI IDs/mobile numbers; merchant payments via QR code scans at 50 million+ outlets; seamless online shopping on platforms like Amazon India or Flipkart.
- Advanced Tools: Download UPI statements in PDF/Excel; AI-powered spend analysis and categorization; hide sensitive transactions; view aggregated balances across linked accounts; fun features like AI-generated “spend raps” via Playback.
- Limits and Compliance: Daily transaction cap at ₹2 lakh; monthly ₹5 lakh for P2P; adheres to RBI’s forex guidelines, ensuring only INR flows without currency conversion.
- Offline Support: QR-based payments work even in low-connectivity areas during India visits.
These enhancements make Paytm a one-stop hub, blending utility with innovation for NRI financial management.
Benefits: Cost Savings, Speed, and Convenience
This UPI upgrade slashes barriers, offering NRIs faster, cheaper alternatives to legacy remittance channels while boosting economic ties with India.
- Financial Savings: Zero forex conversion or remittance fees (vs. 3-5% on traditional wires); saves up to ₹5,000 per ₹1 lakh transfer.
- Speed Gains: Real-time settlements vs. 2-5 day delays; enables split-second family support or bill payments.
- Convenience Boost: No need for Indian SIM during vacations or emergencies; supports gifting, investments, and e-commerce without intermediaries.
- Broader Ecosystem: Strengthens NRI portfolios by facilitating direct NRO investments; promotes digital literacy among diaspora families.
- Economic Ripple: Expected to channel $10-15 billion in annual remittances through UPI, per industry estimates, fueling India’s digital economy.
NRIs report 30-40% time savings on transactions, per early beta feedback, enhancing work-life balance abroad.
Official Insights and Future Outlook
Paytm’s leadership views this as a milestone in global financial inclusion, with plans to evolve based on user data.
- Paytm Spokesperson Quote: “We started Paytm with the dream of building technology made in India, for India, and now for every Indian around the world. Enabling NRIs to use Paytm UPI with their international mobile numbers is another step in that journey. It keeps Indians connected to India’s growing mobile payments ecosystem, no matter where they live.”
- NPCI Alignment: Builds on 2024 international UPI pilots, positioning India as a remittance tech leader amid G20 digital economy pushes.
- Roadmap Ahead: Potential expansions to more countries and features like voice-activated UPI; integration with global wallets by mid-2026.
- Challenges Addressed: Tackles regulatory hurdles like KYC for foreign numbers, ensuring compliance without compromising ease.
