IDFC First Bank has introduced UPI (Unified Payments Interface) services for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), allowing them to make digital payments in India using their international mobile numbers. This move eliminates the need for NRIs to maintain an Indian SIM card and simplifies access to India’s digital payment ecosystem. The service is available to customers holding NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) accounts with the bank.
UPI was restricted to users with Indian mobile numbers, creating barriers for NRIs who needed to manage transactions such as bill payments, fund transfers, or merchant payments in India. IDFC First Bank’s new feature addresses this gap by enabling NRIs to link their international numbers to their UPI IDs. Once registered and verified through the bank’s app or branch network, customers can use any UPI-enabled app to make payments, transfer money, or scan QR codes just like resident Indians.
Currently, the service supports international mobile numbers from six countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Australia, and Singapore. The bank has announced plans to expand this list to include more countries in the future.
This development is aligned with the Reserve Bank of India’s broader objective to internationalise UPI and offer seamless digital payment access to the global Indian diaspora. The facility is expected to benefit NRIs managing financial responsibilities in India, including family support, investments, or property-related payments.
IDFC First Bank also plans to introduce more NRI-focused digital services, such as investment management, utility bill payments, and loan repayments through UPI. As more banks adopt similar offerings, UPI’s role as a global digital payment solution is expected to strengthen further.
