Archive · 21 Jul 2026
India to Launch Offline UPI Tap and Pay
UPI is a popular digital payment method in India.
Soon, you might be able to pay at shops even without internet.
You can tap your phone on a special machine, and the payment will go through.
This is similar to how you tap a credit card.
Right now, there's a feature called UPI LITE X that lets you pay small amounts without internet.
The new feature will let you pay a bit more, up to Rs 2,000.
The machine will save your payment and send it later when the internet is back.
Some people think this is great because it makes payments easier in places with bad internet.
Others worry about security and the small payment limit.
UPI processed 22.72 billion transactions worth Rs 28.92 lakh crore in June 2026.
A new UPI feature will allow offline payments via NFC technology at PoS terminals.
The feature will enable payments up to Rs 2,000 without internet connectivity.
UPI LITE X already allows offline payments up to Rs 500 using NFC.
NPCI is expected to certify PoS devices for the new feature during the current calendar year.
- Who
- National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and leading terminal manufacturers
- What
- Development of offline UPI tap and pay capability for PoS terminals
- When
- Expected to begin certification during the current calendar year
- Where
- India
- Why
- To enable payments in areas with poor or no internet connectivity
Proponents of Offline UPI
Critics of Offline UPI
Convenience and Accessibility
Proponents of Offline UPI
Proponents argue that offline UPI will make digital payments more accessible in areas with poor internet connectivity, such as remote locations and underground metro stations.
Critics of Offline UPI
Critics contend that the convenience is limited by the transaction cap of Rs 2,000, which may not be sufficient for all transactions.
Security Concerns
Proponents of Offline UPI
Proponents believe that the use of NFC technology ensures secure transactions, similar to contactless card payments.
Critics of Offline UPI
Critics express concerns about the security of offline transactions, particularly the potential for fraud due to delayed verification.
- Transaction Volume
- 22.72 billion in June 2026
- Transaction Value
- Rs 28.92 lakh crore in June 2026
- Average Daily Transactions
- 757 million
- Technology Used
- Near-field communication (NFC)
- Transaction Limit
- Rs 2,000 for offline UPI payments
- Current Offline UPI Feature
- UPI LITE X with a limit of Rs 500
