How India's UPI Is Revolutionising Global Digital Payments, Explained Simply
From Local Innovation to Global Impact
Launched in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI enables users to transfer money instantly, 24x7, using any mobile app linked to their bank accounts. With its ease of use, zero transaction fees, and real-time processing, UPI now handles over 18 billion monthly transactions, worth more than Rs 24 lakh crore. It connects 675 banks, serving 491 million individuals and 65 million merchants.
In June 2025 alone, UPI recorded a 32% year-on-year transaction growth, further cementing its role in India's shift from a cash-based to a digital-first economy.
Leading the World in Real-Time Payments
UPI has now overtaken Visa in daily global transactions, handling 640 million payments per day. According to IMF report, it powers nearly 50% of all real-time digital payments worldwide, highlighting the strength of India's open and interoperable payment infrastructure.
UPI is already operational in seven countries, including France, Singapore, and the UAE. Its expansion to Europe via France marks a significant step in global adoption.
Built on a Strong Digital Foundation
UPI's success is underpinned by decades of groundwork-banking inclusion via Jan Dhan Yojana, digital identity through Aadhaar, and widespread internet access supported by low-cost data and 5G rollout.
India's UPI model is now setting the standard for real-time digital payments globally, blending technology, accessibility, and trust to revolutionise the way the world moves money.
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