Wire · regulatory
Debit card rule may act as template to shield UPI users from MDR fee
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Fusion42 · 22 August 2026 · Fusion42 review
The Reserve Bank of India’s 2017 rule prohibiting merchants from passing debit card MDR fees to customers may serve as a model to prevent merchants from charging UPI users similar fees, with enforcement expected to be overseen by the RBI.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Fintech, and 13 sources have reported it between 19 Jul 2026 and 22 Aug 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
You must prepare for stricter rules blocking merchants from passing UPI transaction fees to customers as the RBI moves to regulate MDR charges like it did for debit cards. This opens a clearer market for payment apps free from hidden charges.
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13 sources · first reported 19 Jul 2026 · latest 22 Aug 2026
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