Xpress News24
New Delhi: Paying through UPI could become simpler for users in situations where mobile internet is unavailable. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced two new features — UPI Tap and Pay and MyUPI — aimed at making digital payments more convenient while adding new controls for users.
The Tap and Pay feature allows users with an NFC-enabled smartphone to make a payment by tapping their unlocked phone on a compatible Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal. Unlike a conventional UPI payment that requires an active mobile data connection on the phone, the new method uses the internet connection of the POS terminal to process the transaction.
NPCI introduced UPI Tap and Pay on September 10. The feature, however, does not mean that UPI has become completely internet-free. The smartphone must support NFC and the merchant’s POS machine must support the required functionality and have an internet connection for the payment to be completed.
For small-value transactions, the feature also brings a faster payment option. Payments of up to Rs 5,000 can be made without entering a UPI PIN, according to the details provided about the feature. For transactions above Rs 5,000, users will need to enter their UPI PIN.
The feature is designed to support multiple types of UPI-linked accounts, including RuPay credit cards linked to UPI. For everyday purchases, the process could resemble a contactless card payment — unlock the phone, tap it on the compatible POS machine and complete the transaction.
What is MyUPI?
Alongside Tap and Pay, NPCI has introduced MyUPI, an AI-based customer support platform intended to bring different UPI-related services and information together.
MyUPI has been developed using NPCI’s FiMI Small Language Model. The platform is designed to help users access information related to UPI transactions and AutoPay mandates from a single interface.
At present, users may have to check different banking applications or UPI apps to find details about transactions or recurring payment mandates. MyUPI aims to simplify this process by bringing relevant information together, reducing the need to move between multiple platforms.
The service is also intended to provide additional information about a beneficiary before a payment is completed. This could give users more context before transferring money and help reduce the chances of making an incorrect payment.
Eligible transactions will also have support for automated chargeback processing. Another proposed feature, transaction replay, will allow users to repeat certain previous transactions without having to enter all the details again.
New Safety Controls
The latest UPI update also focuses on user control and security.
Through the Safety Switch, users will be able to request rejection of suspicious UPI debit transactions. This could provide an additional layer of control if a user suspects unauthorised activity on an account.
The UPI Number Delink facility will allow users to disable the option of receiving UPI payments through their mobile number. The feature is intended to give users greater control over how their UPI payment identity is used.
According to NPCI, MyUPI is being positioned as a trust and control layer for UPI users, with plans for 24×7 multilingual assistance and self-service options.
The latest additions are aimed at addressing some of the common friction points in digital payments — from connectivity issues and repeated PIN entry to transaction-related support and payment controls.
For users, the practical impact will depend on the availability of compatible POS terminals, supported banks and UPI applications. But with Tap and Pay and MyUPI, NPCI is attempting to make the UPI ecosystem more convenient while strengthening the tools users have to manage their transactions.
