Non-resident Indians (NRIs) can now make transactions via UPI (Unified Payments Interface) by linking their international mobile numbers to their bank accounts. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which approved this provision last year, has facilitated 14 banks to support the process, giving customers from 12 countries the benefits of the initiative.

NRIs can operate their Non-Resident External/Non-Resident Ordinary (NRE/NRO) bank accounts using any of the seven approved UPI apps, including Federal Bank (FedMobile), ICICI Bank (iMobile), IndusInd Bank (BHIM Indus Pay), South Indian Bank (SIB Mirror+), AU Small Finance Bank (BHIM AU), BHIM, and PhonePe.

Banks have been requested by NPCI to make mandatory changes to enable seamless operations. The approved banks include 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, Punjab National Bank, and South Indian Bank.

However, the process has a flip side where NRIs from Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the UAE, the UK, and the US, who happen to change their sim or mobile number will have to re-register on their UPI app and even worse lose access to their old account. While re-registering to create UPI IDs, it is necessary for customers living abroad to coordinate with their banks in India. This can prove cumbersome as they will have to submit a form or letter stating their updated phone number, and appear in person if needed. – editor@nrifocus.com