NPCI adds 13 banks to UPI-PayNow for faster cross-border payments

By Vriti Gothi

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has expanded the UPI PayNow payment corridor by adding 13 banks to the platform to enhance cross-border payments

With the addition of 13 prominent Indian banks, the total number of participating Indian banks now stands at 19, substantially expanding the reach and impact of this pioneering linkage. The newly integrated banks Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Federal Bank, HDFC Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, IndusInd Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Punjab National Bank, South Indian Bank, and UCO Bank join Axis Bank, DBS Bank India, ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, and State Bank of India, which have been part of the network since inception.

This landmark initiative, developed through close collaboration between the Reserve Bank of India and the Monetary Authority of Singapore, connects India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Singapore’s PayNow infrastructure. It empowers individuals to send and receive funds instantaneously using just a mobile number or Virtual Payment Address (VPA). Supported by robust security protocols, the system ensures safe, reliable, and swift transactions — an essential benefit for frequent, low-value remittances.

The expanded network enables Indian recipients to access incoming transfers from Singapore across all 19 banks via popular UPI-enabled applications such as BHIM, Google Pay, PhonePe, and respective mobile banking apps. Outbound transfers from India to Singapore are currently facilitated through Canara Bank, HDFC Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, ICICI Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, and State Bank of India. In Singapore, DBS Singapore and Liquid Group provide local support for the service.

Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO, NPCI International Payments Limited, said, “The expansion of the UPI-PayNow linkage marks a step forward in strengthening cross-border payment infrastructure. By enabling access to more banks in India, we are deepening the reach of real-time remittances and supporting greater financial connectivity between the two countries. This brings added convenience to users through a seamless and trusted platform.”

As the world’s first cloud-based, real-time cross-border payment linkage, UPI-PayNow demonstrates India’s leadership in digital payments innovation and its commitment to inclusive, customer-centric financial services. For the vibrant Indian diaspora in Singapore including migrant workers, students, and families the platform ensures affordable, immediate, and transparent remittance options, while also supporting merchant payments via UPI QR codes at select outlets.

Looking ahead, NPCI International remains dedicated to expanding its global footprint and enriching its digital payments ecosystem through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology. By fostering greater interoperability and embracing new corridors, NPCI International aims to deliver frictionless cross-border payment experiences that align with evolving customer needs and contribute to the broader vision of a digitally connected global economy.