NPCI is reportedly developing a UPI capability for offline payments at merchant PoS terminals. Customers would use NFC to tap an enabled smartphone on a certified offline terminal for transactions up to ₹2,000. Funds are first added to a UPI Lite wallet while online. The merchant terminal captures authorization locally and verifies it later when connected. This builds on UPI Lite X for offline P2P and merchant payments. It targets areas with poor connectivity like aircraft or underground metros. PoS manufacturers will need NPCI certification. Banks and apps are integrating support. The feature could significantly expand UPI acceptance beyond reliable internet zones. Current UPI processes billions of transactions monthly. This upgrade aims to further financial inclusion.
NPCI is reportedly developing a UPI capability for offline payments at merchant PoS terminals. Customers would use NFC to tap an enabled smartphone on a certified offline terminal for transactions up to ₹2,000. Funds are first added to a UPI Lite wallet while online. The merchant terminal captures authorization locally and verifies it later when connected. This builds on UPI Lite X for offline P2P and merchant payments. It targets areas with poor connectivity like aircraft or underground metros. PoS manufacturers will need NPCI certification. Banks and apps are integrating support. The feature could significantly expand UPI acceptance beyond reliable internet zones. Current UPI processes billions of transactions monthly. This upgrade aims to further financial inclusion.