Skip to content
India’s digital payment ecosystem is about to get a major upgrade. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is developing a new offline UPI feature that will let you pay without an internet connection – just a simple tap of your phone.
How It Works
The system relies on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. To use it, you’ll need to pre-load funds into your UPI Lite wallet while you have internet access. Once that’s done, payments can be made offline by tapping your NFC-enabled smartphone on a certified Point of Sale (PoS) terminal at a merchant’s location.
The transaction will be securely captured and stored locally, then verified and settled once your device reconnects to the network.
Also Read: YouTube Music Tests Bold Fullscreen Artwork – And It’s a Major Throwback
Who Benefits the Most
This feature is designed for places where connectivity is spotty or non-existent. Think aircraft cabins, underground metro networks, basements, and remote areas with poor signal. For frequent flyers and daily commuters, this could be a game-changer.
Payment Limit and Timeline
According to reports, each offline transaction could be capped at ₹2,000. However, this limit hasn’t been officially confirmed yet and may need alignment with existing RBI guidelines. NPCI is expected to begin certifying PoS terminals from leading manufacturers later this year, with a potential rollout by the end of 2026.
Read in App ★ Free
