India's UPI, described by CNBC as the world's largest real-time payments system and processing more than 1 million transactions every two minutes for free, will begin charging fees to merchants, according to CNBC.
Key facts
- CNBC describes India's UPI as the world's largest real-time payments system.
- The system currently processes more than 1 million transactions every two minutes for free, according to CNBC.
- UPI will start charging fees to merchants, CNBC reported.
- Reported by CNBC's Inside India newsletter on 17 September 2026.
India’s UPI digital payment system will begin charging fees to merchants, ending an arrangement in which the platform has processed transactions for free, according to CNBC.
CNBC, which describes UPI as the world’s largest real-time payments system, reported that it currently processes more than 1 million transactions every two minutes without charging fees.
CNBC reported the development in its Inside India newsletter, under the theme that the system will no longer be free for all.
The specific fee structure, the amounts merchants would pay and the timing of the change were not detailed in the available reporting.
Why it matters
A move from a free service to a fee-based model for merchants marks a change for one of the world's most heavily used payment networks, though key details such as the fee levels and timing have not yet been reported.
Frequently asked questions
What is UPI?
UPI is India's digital payment system and the world's largest real-time payments system, processing more than 1 million transactions every two minutes, according to CNBC.
Who will be charged the new fees?
According to CNBC, the fees will be charged to merchants.
Was UPI free before this change?
Yes. CNBC reported that the system currently processes transactions for free.