UPI payments could soon work even without an internet connection. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is reportedly developing an NFC-based offline payment feature that could allow users to tap their smartphones at compatible terminals and complete transactions without internet connectivity on either the phone or the payment terminal.
The proposed system could support payments of up to ₹2,000. Users would reportedly make payments using a preloaded UPI Lite balance, with the transaction authorised through NFC technology. The payment details could then be verified and synchronised once network connectivity is restored.
The feature could open up new use cases in places where internet connectivity is limited or unavailable, including flights and underground trains. NPCI is reportedly expected to begin certifying compatible terminals later this year.
If introduced, the technology could help UPI move closer to the convenience of contactless card payments while extending digital payments to offline environments.
