Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can now easily link their international mobile numbers to their Indian bank accounts, allowing them to use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for seamless financial transactions. By following a straightforward process, NRIs can activate UPI with their international numbers, opening up a range of benefits and functions to facilitate their financial interactions with India. This development marks a significant advancement for NRIs, as it simplifies payment methods and strengthens their ties to their home country's financial system.
To activate UPI with an international mobile number, NRIs must first ensure their international number is linked to either an NRE (Non-Resident External) or NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account in India. The step-by-step guide includes downloading a UPI-compatible app like BHIM or other banking apps, following the app's onboarding instructions, verifying the international number, creating a unique UPI ID, and selecting the linked bank account for transactions. This streamlined process, usually taking just minutes, grants NRIs access to a wide range of UPI benefits, making it easier for them to manage their finances from abroad.
NRIs utilizing UPI can engage in various financial activities, such as transferring funds in Indian Rupees to Indian bank accounts or UPI IDs, making payments using QR codes, conducting direct bank-to-bank transfers, managing multiple bank accounts through different UPI IDs, and performing transactions without the need for re-registration when visiting India. However, it is important to note that UPI transactions are limited to INR, and each bank account must have a separate UPI ID, as multiple accounts cannot be linked to one ID. Additionally, certain restrictions apply, such as prohibiting transfers from NRO accounts to NRE accounts and restricting payments involving non-Indian contacts or Indian mobile numbers without valid UPI IDs.
The functionality of UPI for NRIs is available in key countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, Canada, and the UAE, supported by banks like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and State Bank of India. While transfers between NRE to NRO or resident accounts are permitted, NRO to NRE transactions are not allowed, highlighting specific constraints within the UPI system for NRIs. This enhancement in UPI services for NRIs with international numbers reflects a positive step towards enhancing financial inclusivity and facilitating easier financial transactions across borders.