Wire · technology
Internet-free UPI payments coming to India: How will it work, transaction limits and ...
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Fusion42 · 21 July 2026 · Fusion42 review
India's NPCI is developing offline UPI payments via NFC-enabled PoS terminals, allowing transactions without internet by pre-loading balances into UPI Lite wallets. The system would certify conventional card terminals to accept offline payments, marking a shift from existing NFC sticker and QR-code solutions, though transaction limits and regulatory framework remain undefined.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Fintech, and 16 sources have reported it between 21 Jul 2026 and 23 Jul 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
If you build payment terminals or merchant software in India, NPCI certification just became your gating asset—every card terminal maker now needs offline NFC capability to stay relevant, and the certification queue starts in 2026. The regulatory limits are still unwritten, which means early movers can shape what the ceiling becomes.
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16 sources · first reported 21 Jul 2026 · latest 23 Jul 2026
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