ICICI Bank has introduced a groundbreaking service that enables Non-Resident Indian (NRI) customers to conduct UPI transactions in India using their international mobile numbers. Previously, NRIs were required to link an Indian mobile number to their Non-Resident External (NRE) or Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) accounts to utilise UPI, which posed limitations on their payment flexibility.
This new feature eliminates the need for an Indian mobile number, allowing ICICI Bank’s NRI clientele to seamlessly leverage their international mobile numbers registered with their NRE/NRO accounts for UPI transactions. Accessible through the iMobile Pay app, the service facilitates utility payments, merchant transactions, and other financial activities without reliance on an Indian mobile number.
To activate the UPI facility on international mobile numbers, customers can follow simple steps within ICICI’s iMobile Pay app.
With a daily transaction limit of Rs 1 Lakh and no charges applicable, this initiative not only enhances convenience for NRIs but also promotes the broader adoption of UPI across international borders.
Sidharatha Mishra, Head of Digital Channels and Partnerships at ICICI Bank, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with NPCI and emphasized the bank’s commitment to furthering UPI’s international reach.
Additionally, there are indications of UPI’s potential expansion into Ghana and Nigeria, along with ongoing efforts in other countries such as Namibia to develop similar payment systems.
How to Enable UPI on International Mobile Numbers
- Open ICICI’s iMobile Pay app and sign in.
- Navigate to ‘UPI Payments.’
- Verify your mobile number.
- Go to ‘Manage’ and then ‘My Profile.’
- Generate a new UPI ID from the provided options.
- Choose your account number and submit.
