If you are living abroad and want to send money to your family or friends in India, you no longer need an Indian mobile number. IDFC First Bank has introduced a new feature that allows NRI customers to make UPI payments using their international mobile numbers.
This service was launched by the bank on 25 June 2025, especially for Indians living overseas who still operate bank accounts in India.
Which countries’ customers can use this service?
This new step by IDFC First Bank is a major benefit for lakhs of NRIs, as they can now use UPI services without needing an Indian mobile number.
This service is available for customers in 12 countries: Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, UK, and USA.
NRE and NRO account holders of IDFC First Bank in these countries can now use UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm with their international numbers.
Key Features of this Service:
No Indian SIM Required: You can now link your UPI account to an international mobile number instead of an Indian number.
Instant Payments: You can quickly send money, pay bills, or make QR/UPI ID-based transactions with ease.
No Extra Charges: There are no transaction fees for using this service.
Safe and Secure: UPI transactions will have the same security standards as in India.
Rupee-Only Transactions: This service is available only for payments in Indian Rupees (INR), with no foreign exchange charges.
How to Set It Up
Open the IDFC First Bank mobile app and select the ‘Pay’ option.
Link your NRE or NRO account.
Create a new UPI ID and start making payments right away.
Ashish Singh, Retail Head of IDFC First Bank, said the bank aims to make banking easy and accessible from anywhere. The option to use UPI with an international number is a step in this direction and will be a great help to Indians living abroad.
