NRIs can now use UPI with foreign mobile numbers: here’s how it works
text_fields
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and foreign nationals can now enjoy seamless digital payments in India using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), without needing an Indian mobile number.
Thanks to recent regulatory changes and expanded banking support, making INR-denominated transactions from abroad has never been easier or more secure.
UPI, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), is a real-time payment system that enables instant money transfers.
Traditionally used by residents with Indian mobile numbers, UPI access has now been extended to select international users.
In 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued an update allowing NRIs and foreign nationals holding NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) accounts to use UPI. This policy change also included updates to the RBI’s Master Directions on Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs), further enabling access.
Recently, IDFC FIRST Bank announced the rollout of UPI services for NRI customers using international mobile numbers from 12 countries, without any additional charges.
“This facility is available to all IDFC FIRST Bank NRI customers from 12 countries: Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the UAE, the UK, and the USA - for INR-denominated transactions within India,” the bank stated in a press release dated June 25, 2025.
According to the bank, NRIs can use UPI for transactions within India even while physically abroad, and these payments will not incur any foreign exchange fees.
Other banks have followed suit. ICICI Bank, for instance, offers similar services to NRIs in 10 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
The main advantage for NRIs is cost-effectiveness - no need for an Indian SIM card, and no foreign currency conversion charges for domestic Indian transactions. UPI also maintains strong security protocols, such as two-factor authentication and UPI PINs, ensuring safe digital banking.
How NRIs can set up UPI with a foreign mobile number
To start using UPI with an international mobile number, follow these steps:
1. Open an NRE or NRO account with a participating bank.
2. Register your international mobile number with the bank.
3. Download a UPI-compatible application that supports international numbers.
4. Link your account, create a UPI ID, and set your UPI PIN.
Supported countries
Currently, international mobile numbers from the following countries are supported:
- Australia
- Canada
- France
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
UPI apps that support international numbers
A number of UPI-enabled apps now support foreign mobile number linkage, including:
- FedMobile (Federal Bank)
- iMobile (ICICI Bank)
- BHIM Indus Pay (IndusInd Bank)
- SIB Mirror+ (South Indian Bank)
- BHIM AU (AU Small Finance Bank)
- BHIM
- PhonePe
Participating banks
These banks support the registration of international mobile numbers for UPI services:
- AU Small Finance Bank
- Axis Bank
- Canara Bank
- City Union Bank
- DBS Bank Ltd
- Equitas Small Finance Bank
- Federal Bank
- HDFC Bank
- ICICI Bank
- IDFC First Bank
- IndusInd Bank
- Kotak Mahindra Bank
- Punjab National Bank
- South Indian Bank
- State Bank of India
- Yes Bank
As the digital payments ecosystem in India continues to evolve, the inclusion of NRIs through international mobile number support is a major step forward.