NPCI Revises UPI: International QR Ended, Domestic Limits Enforced

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced sweeping changes to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction framework, impacting users both within India and abroad. The changes, which target compliance and fraud prevention, affect international QR-based payments, domestic transaction caps, and wallet funding protocols.

One of the most notable revisions is the complete discontinuation of the “QR share and pay” method for international UPI transactions. Indian users abroad — including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) — will no longer be able to scan QR codes shared by merchants via messaging apps like WhatsApp or through social media to make payments.

Previously, this method offered a convenient way for remote cross-border payments, but is now being scrapped in the interest of tighter security. NPCI cited the need for better compliance and reduced risk exposure in global UPI use.

“While the move strengthens compliance and risk mitigation, it does reduce the flexibility and ease of use for Indian users making remote international payments,” said Jai Kumar, co-founder of fintech firm TechFini.

Domestically, users will now face a cap when using QR code payments with non-verified offline merchants. NPCI has imposed a ₹2,000 limit per transaction when payments are made using the “QR share and pay” method to merchants not registered with the organization.

This move is intended to improve consumer safety and prevent misuse in peer-to-merchant (P2M) transactions within India, particularly in cases where merchants operate informally and without standard verification protocols.

NPCI has also disabled the use of "collect requests" — a transaction type where merchants request funds — for reloading prepaid wallets and gift cards. Users must now initiate these transactions themselves using “push requests.”

This change addresses security vulnerabilities that have emerged around collect requests, which have been exploited for fraud. By requiring users to start these transactions, the NPCI aims to give consumers greater control and reduce the risk of unintended payments.

While these adjustments may reduce certain conveniences — especially for NRIs and frequent travelers — they reflect NPCI’s broader strategy of strengthening the safety and reliability of the UPI ecosystem.

“By limiting remote international payments, the NPCI and banks aim to curb the risk of fraud, prevent misuse, and ensure more controlled oversight of cross-border financial flows,” Kumar added.

Although users may need to adapt their habits, the long-term goal remains clear: to create a more secure, transparent, and fraud-resistant digital payment landscape, both within India and abroad.