ICICI Bank enables UPI payments in India for NRIs through international mobile numbers

ICICI Bank has launched a new facility enabling its Non-Resident Indian (NRI) customers to make UPI transactions in India using their international mobile numbers. 

The facility is expected to significantly enhance the ease of everyday payments for NRIs.

Previously, NRIs needed to register an Indian mobile number with their Non-Resident External (NRE) or Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) bank accounts to use UPI, limiting their ability to make convenient payments. 

New facility for NRIs  

The new feature allows ICICI Bank's NRI customers to use their international mobile numbers registered with their NRE/NRO accounts for UPI payments.

The service is currently available to customers residing in 10 countries, including the USA, UK, UAE, Canada, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. 

“With this facility, our NRI customers residing in 10 countries do not need to switch to an Indian mobile number to pay using UPI,” said Sidharatha Mishra, Head – Digital Channels and Partnerships, ICICI Bank.

Feature accessibility 

The bank confirmed that this facility is accessible through its mobile banking app, iMobile Pay. The app offers NRIs a seamless way to make utility payments, merchant and e-commerce transactions, and other financial activities without needing an Indian mobile number.

Customers can make payments by scanning any Indian QR code, sending money to a UPI ID, or transferring to an Indian bank account.

“This launch reinforces our commitment to provide our NRI customers with innovative solutions, allowing them to have a safe, secure, and hassle-free payment experience. We are witnessing a positive response from our NRI customers who have started using this facility. With this initiative, we intend to leverage NPCI’s UPI Infrastructure to strengthen and transform the global digital payments ecosystem," Mishra said.

Steps to activate UPI facility on international mobile numbers

Steps to Activate UPI Facility on International Mobile Numbers  

1. Log in to the iMobile Pay app  
2. Click on 'UPI Payments'  
3. Verify Mobile Number  
4. Click on Manage -> My Profile  
5. Create a new UPI ID (select from the suggested options)  
6. Select Account Number -> Submit  

Broder adoption of UPI across international borders

Currently, the bank allows a UPI transaction limit of Rs 1 Lakh per day for NRIs, with no charges applicable while making UPI payments under this system.

The launch marks a significant step towards improving the convenience of financial transactions for NRIs, contributing to a seamless digital payment experience and encouraging broader adoption of UPI across international borders.

UPI's global expansion  

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has already seen considerable success in countries like Singapore and the UAE, where many merchants now accept payments through the network.

Sidharatha Mishra emphasized that with this strategic partnership, ICICI Bank aims to expand UPI's international footprint further.

"We are delighted to partner with NPCI to launch the UPI facility on international mobile numbers through iMobile Pay. This initiative will strengthen and transform the digital payments ecosystem globally," he said.

UPI to enter Ghana and Nigeria?

As per recent reports, UPI may soon expand to Ghana and Nigeria, with both governments working to simplify cross-border money transfers.

NPCI International, responsible for UPI’s global expansion, recently partnered with Namibia to assist in developing a comparable system.

Other countries, including Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bhutan, Nepal, UAE, and Canada, have already deployed UPI in their respective regions.