
According to a report by Aaj Tak, a new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charge is set to be applied to UPI transactions exceeding 2,000 rupees starting October 15th. The report suggests that this fee would be applicable to specific categories of merchants, marking a shift in the current zero-MDR policy that has defined the growth of India's digital payment ecosystem.
However, there has been no official confirmation or circular issued by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) or the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regarding the introduction of such charges on UPI transactions. The Indian government has consistently maintained that UPI remains a free service for users and merchants, emphasizing its role in promoting financial inclusion and digital literacy across the country.
Financial analysts note that similar claims regarding the imposition of UPI charges have surfaced in the past, often causing confusion among consumers and small business owners. As of now, the existing framework for UPI transactions remains unchanged, and no official policy shift has been announced to implement an MDR fee for the specified date. Users are advised to rely on official communications from the NPCI or the Ministry of Finance for updates regarding digital payment regulations.
The claim that a mandatory MDR charge on UPI transactions will be implemented starting October 15th lacks corroboration from official Indian financial regulatory bodies like the NPCI or the Reserve Bank of India. Similar reports have circulated periodically as misinformation, and there is no current official notification supporting this specific date or policy change.
No corroborating trusted sources found.
Original report: Aaj Tak