Indian fintech firm Paytm allows NRIs to make UPI payments using international phone numbers

Fintech major Paytm has launched a new feature that allows Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to make UPI payments in India using their international mobile numbers, eliminating the need for an Indian SIM card.

The feature, developed in partnership with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), lets users abroad log in to the Paytm app with their overseas number and link it to their NRE or NRO bank accounts. Once linked, they can use the app to pay merchants via QR codes, transfer funds to family and friends, or shop online, without going through foreign exchange conversions or international payment gateways.

“We started Paytm with the dream of building technology made in India, for India, and now for every Indian around the world. Enabling NRIs to use Paytm UPI with their international mobile numbers is another step in that journey. It keeps Indians connected to India’s growing mobile payments ecosystem, no matter where they live,” said Paytm Spokesperson.

Hello NRIs 👋
You can now use your international mobile number on the Paytm app for UPI payments with your NRE or NRO account.
Send money home, pay at shops, or shop online on Indian apps and websites using Paytm UPI. Enjoy exclusive features like UPI statement download, spend… pic.twitter.com/o8SKQA8laA

— Paytm (@Paytm) October 27, 2025

Currently in beta testing, the service supports users from 12 countries, including the US, UK, UAE, Singapore, Australia, Canada, France, and Saudi Arabia, with broader availability expected soon.

Alongside payments, the company's app now offers additional tools for overseas users, such as spend analysis, downloadable UPI statements in PDF or Excel formats, balance tracking across multiple bank accounts, and Paytm Playback, an AI-powered spending summary.

The company’s latest feature follows its “UPI International” rollout in November 2024, which enabled Indian users to make UPI payments in select global markets, including UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, and Nepal, countries that already support the UPI network.