"WhatsApp Pay Secures NPCI Approval for Nationwide UPI User Expansion"

In a significant move, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has removed the unified payments interface (UPI) user onboarding limit for WhatsApp Pay, effective immediately. This development marks a major milestone for the Meta-owned platform and signals a shift in regulatory policy.

With this decision, WhatsApp Pay can now offer its UPI services to its entire user base in India, which exceeds 500 million users, according to third-party data. Previously, WhatsApp Pay was restricted by a phased user expansion strategy, capped at 100 million users. By lifting these restrictions, the NPCI has paved the way for the platform to compete on equal footing with established players like Google Pay and PhonePe.

“WhatsApp Pay will continue to comply with all existing UPI guidelines and circulars applicable to third-party app providers (TPAPs),” the NPCI emphasised in its statement. The UPI ecosystem has witnessed exponential growth, processing over 13 billion transactions monthly. Between January and November this year alone, UPI achieved a staggering 15,547 crore transactions valued at ₹223 lakh crore, underscoring its transformative role in India’s financial landscape. Dominated by Google Pay and PhonePe, which together hold more than 85% of the market share, UPI’s success has been a cornerstone of India’s digital economy aspirations.

Additionally, the NPCI has postponed the implementation of a proposed rule to limit any single app’s UPI transaction market share to 30% until December 31, 2026. This deferment allows platforms like WhatsApp Pay to expand their presence without immediate constraints on their transaction volumes.

Launched in 2016, UPI has revolutionised financial access in India, enabling seamless digital transactions for over 300 million individuals and 50 million merchants. Studies by IIM and ISB professors highlight its role in bridging gaps in financial inclusion and accelerating the country’s transition to a cashless economy.

The NPCI remains committed to driving innovation in retail payment systems through cutting-edge technology. Its mission to create a secure, accessible, and cost-effective digital payment infrastructure aligns with India’s vision of becoming a fully digital society. By removing barriers and fostering competition, the NPCI continues to champion the transformative power of UPI in shaping the future of financial transactions in India.