Will UPI Payments Become Chargeable? Who Will Pay As Per New bill And What Users Need To Know
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Who published it, and when
11 reports left out of the cascade - too little in common with the story to place
How it spread - 27 original reports
Thu, 6 August 2026
1 report- newsx.com04:53first to report
Will UPI payments become chargeable for large retailers? Here's what the new Bill says about MDR, who it could affect, and whether UPI users will continue to pay nothing.
Fri, 7 August 2026
4 reports- Times of India04:13
In a recent statement, Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that UPI transaction charges will be applicable to merchants rather than customers. She explained that any Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) imposed would be instrumental in enhancing the digital payment ecosystem. Following the passage of an amendment bill in Parliament, a committee will investigate the adjustments to the zero-MDR policy for digital payments.
- Times of India13:57
The government is expected to permit a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of between 0.25% and 0.4% on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 made to businesses, while person-to-person payments are likely to remain outside the scope of the proposed levy. The proposal is not expected to affect routine purchases such as milk, vegetables, groceries or payments for auto-rickshaw and taxi services.
- livemint.com14:22
Merchant discount rate on UPI transactions: What is MDR, will customers have to pay, who bears operating costs, who invests in infrastructure, why are discussions happening now? Check top FAQs answered…
- rediff.com14:51
The Payments Council of India has confirmed that Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services will continue to be free for consumers and small merchants, despite a recent Lok Sabha Bill. This clarification addresses concerns about potential charges, emphasising that while a sustainable financial model for UPI infrastructure is being developed, transaction charges will not be passed on to users or small businesses.
Sat, 8 August 2026
8 reports- cobrapost.com07:57
The statement comes a day after the Lok Sabha passed a Bill to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, which authorises the government to permit banks and other service providers to levy c
- thehindubusinessline.com12:13
PhonePe CEO confirms UPI transactions will remain free for consumers, emphasizing the need for robust fraud prevention and system resilience.
- Times of India14:07
In a press release, the Ministry of Finance has said that users will not be charged for making UPI payments, and all Person-to-Person (P2P) transactions will continue to remain free. It said that if a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) is introduced in the future, it will apply only to a limited category of merchant transactions above a specified threshold.
- tribuneindia.com15:09
The Finance Ministry on Saturday clarified that consumers making payments through UPI will not face any transaction charges and all person-to-person (P2P) payments will continue to remain free of charge.
- thehindubusinessline.com16:00
Government confirms UPI users won't face transaction charges; any future MDR will only apply to select merchants above a threshold.
- freepressjournal.in16:55
The Centre categorically said UPI users will not pay transaction charges, while most merchant payments will also remain free. The Finance Ministry said a nominal MDR could apply only to select merchant transactions above a threshold. An NPCI-led UPI and Services Steering Committee will decide the MDR, if any, after Parliament passes the proposed amendment
- kashmirreader.com19:44
New Delhi: The government on Saturday categorically stated that consumers and small merchants will continue to enjoy free Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services to allay fears regarding the levy of charges on such transactions following the passage of a Bill to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. However, nominal Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) [...]
- Times of India21:58
The government has pledged that the upcoming UPI merchant discount rate will be minimal. This fee will be applicable only to certain merchants and transactions that surpass a designated threshold. Importantly, person-to-person UPI payments will remain free for all users. This initiative is designed to enhance the sustainability of India’s digital payment ecosystem and facilitate service expansion into rural and semi-urban regions.
Sun, 9 August 2026
1 report- jagranjosh.com07:37
Government clarifies that the PSS Act amendment will not impose UPI charges on consumers. Person-to-Person (P2P) transfers remain free, and any future MDR will apply only to a limited set of high-value merchant transactions.
Mon, 10 August 2026
1 report- indiatimes.com05:16
The debate around reintroduction of merchant discount rate (MDR) on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions has resurfaced after Lok Sabha passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026. If implemented, the proposal is expected to restore MDR...
Tue, 11 August 2026
2 reports- indiatimes.com13:12
PayU India CEO Anirban Mukherjee said the fee should not depend on whether a payment is made online or at a store. Reaching physical merchants involves distribution costs, while online companies spend more on verifying merchants and managing risk. He said these costs broadly balance out. “I would rather use industry and merchant size than online versus offline,” he said.
- Times of India13:25
The government has clarified that UPI will continue to remain free for consumers and no transaction charges will be applicable to person-to-person payments. The government has also said that if an MDR is introduced in the future it will only be applicable to a limited category of merchant transactions.
Thu, 13 August 2026
1 report- freepressjournal.in07:08
The government is considering restoring MDR on select high-value UPI transactions or introducing a tiered incentive system to reduce its financial burden. The Finance Ministry told a parliamentary panel that the current ₹2,000-crore incentive covers only a fraction of the industry’s costs. UPI has had zero MDR since 2020 to promote digital payments.
Sun, 16 August 2026
2 reports- newindianexpress.com05:50
The impact of a possible Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI will vary across payment companies depending on their merchant base and transaction mix, rather tha
- Google News - Top Stories23:26
India built the world's biggest digital payments miracle. Now comes the bill BBC Explainer: How UPI’s free ride may hit a speed bump The Tribune Parliamentary panel for expeditious introduction of calibrated MDR on high-value transactions Deccan Herald UPI MDR benefits will depend on merchant mix, transaction value The New Indian Express Opinion: UPI Did Not Kill the Tollbooth, It Moved It News18
Thu, 20 August 2026
1 report- ianslive.in14:08UPI needs sustainable revenue model, MDR on high-value transactions a good move: Former RBI official
Mumbai, Aug 20 (IANS) UPI needs a sustainable revenue model to support continued investments in technology, cybersecurity and infrastructure, while the RBI's forward guidance on interest rates reflects concerns over inflation, G. Padmanabhan, former Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India and former Chairman of Bank of India, said on Thursday.
Mon, 24 August 2026
2 reports- thehindubusinessline.com13:22
Explore the transformative journey of UPI over ten years, evolving from a payment tool to a cornerstone of India's economy.
- thehindubusinessline.com14:02
Explore how UPI transformed India's digital economy, enhancing financial inclusion and reshaping daily life through innovative payment solutions.
Tue, 25 August 2026
2 reports- rozanaspokesman.com02:01
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a decade of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), calling its rollout ten years ago a major turning point in India's digital payments journey. Taking to X, PM Modi highlighted the platform's remarkable scale and reach as a source of pride for every Indian and invited citizens to share their personal experiences of using UPI and how it has impacted their lives, tagging the post #10YearsOfUPI.
- Times of India03:45
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked ten years of the Unified Payments Interface, a transformative digital payment system that has reshaped financial transactions in India. UPI facilitates seamless bank-to-bank transfers via mobile, showcasing the country's commitment to digital finance. Citizens are urged to recount their journeys with the platform, celebrating its remarkable impact on everyday transactions.
Fri, 28 August 2026
1 report- medianama.com10:13
Allahabad High Court seeks RBI, NPCI response on plea for accept-or-decline controls on incoming digital payments.
Thu, 3 September 2026
1 report- Times of India05:15
The potential introduction of AI agents in India for autonomous UPI payments marks a significant advancement in transaction technology. Users would enjoy the convenience of hands-free purchases while having the ability to establish preset instructions and budget limitations. Proposed safety measures, including identity checks and spending restrictions are currently under consideration, reflecting a wider global trend towards automated payment systems.