Making a UPI payment could become much quicker for users who regularly pay at shops, counters and other supported locations. NPCI has introduced UPI Tap and Pay, a feature designed to let users complete eligible payments by simply bringing an NFC enabled smartphone close to a compatible payment terminal.
The new system removes one of the familiar steps in a normal UPI payment. Instead of opening a payment application and scanning a QR code, users can unlock their compatible phone and tap it against the supported terminal. The payment is then processed through the payment infrastructure connected to the terminal.
UPI Tap and Pay is based on NFC technology, which allows devices placed close to each other to exchange information over a short distance. This makes it particularly useful at payment counters where customers want to complete small transactions quickly.
One of the key attractions is that eligible payments of up to Rs 5,000 can be made without entering a UPI PIN. Payments above that amount require additional authentication through the UPI PIN. The feature also supports RuPay credit card payments through UPI where applicable.
Another useful aspect is its ability to work when the user’s mobile internet connection is unavailable or weak, because the payment terminal can provide the required connectivity for the transaction. This could be useful in locations such as underground areas or places where mobile signals are unreliable.
To use the feature, the smartphone needs NFC support and the payment terminal also needs to be compatible. The user can unlock the phone and bring it close to the supported terminal. There is no need to open a UPI application for the tap based payment process.
The change could be particularly convenient at busy counters. QR based payments are already quick, but they can involve opening an application, finding the scan option and positioning the camera correctly. Tap and Pay is designed to reduce those steps for compatible transactions.
Along with Tap and Pay, NPCI has introduced My UPI as a unified window for managing different UPI related services. The platform is aimed at users who maintain accounts or payment services across multiple banks and UPI applications.
My UPI brings transaction information and other UPI management functions together instead of requiring users to move between different payment applications. The platform can help users view transaction details and manage recurring payment mandates from a central interface.
A safety switch is another feature associated with My UPI. It is designed to give users a way to respond quickly when they suspect suspicious debit activity. The platform also includes options related to mobile numbers and payment management.
The unified approach could be useful for people who use more than one UPI application. Many users keep multiple payment apps because different banks, offers and services may be connected to different platforms. Having a common window for managing important UPI information could make that experience less complicated.
My UPI also uses AI based technology to provide assistance with UPI related services. The aim is to make it easier for users to find information and manage payment related tasks without having to navigate several separate applications.
The latest changes reflect how UPI is moving beyond the familiar scan and pay experience. NPCI has been adding features designed to make digital payments work in different situations, including areas with poor connectivity and situations where users need more convenient authentication.
The introduction of Tap and Pay also builds on earlier NFC based UPI developments. NPCI had previously introduced UPI Tap and Pay and UPI Lite X as part of its efforts to expand contactless and offline payment options. The latest implementation brings the tap based experience into a wider payment workflow.
For users, the biggest difference will be visible at the payment counter. Instead of repeatedly switching between apps and scanning codes, an eligible transaction can be completed through a simple tap. The experience still depends on having a compatible phone, supported payment account and compatible merchant terminal.
Security remains important even when payment becomes easier. Users should continue checking the amount and merchant information before confirming transactions and should never share their UPI PIN or other confidential banking information with anyone. NPCI also advises users to keep their UPI credentials private.
The new features are expected to make UPI more flexible for everyday payments. Tap and Pay focuses on making the actual payment process faster, while My UPI addresses the growing need to manage multiple UPI services from a single place.
For consumers who frequently make small payments, the Rs 5,000 PIN free limit could make the biggest difference. Meanwhile, people using several UPI apps may find the unified management approach more useful.
As digital payments continue to become a regular part of daily life, features such as these show how UPI is evolving beyond QR based transactions. The combination of NFC payments, offline connectivity support and centralised account management could make the system more convenient for a wider range of users.
