AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), which recently got an approval from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approval to turn into universal bank has launched Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services for its Non-Resident External (NRE) and Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account holders with international mobile numbers. 

This rollout follows the National Payments Corporation of India’s directive allowing UPI transactions through international mobile numbers. 

With this, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) across 12 countries including: Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the UAE, the UK, and the USA, can now link NRE/NRO accounts to UPI without an Indian SIM card. 

It will enable AU SFB’s customers to make seamless, secure, and real-time payments for a range of transactions, including bill payments, money transfers, and merchant purchases within India, the SFB said.

With AU SFB’s implementation, eligible NRI customers can register for UPI using their international numbers, enjoying uninterrupted access to a full range of digital payment services without incurring additional charges or an Indian mobile connection, it said.Uttam Tibrewal, ED and Deputy CEO AU Small Finance Bank, said “By enabling UPI for NRE and NRO account holders using international mobile numbers, we are eliminating traditional limitations and empowering NRIs to stay financially connected to India with ease, security, and convenience.”

“Now, NRIs can seamlessly scan QR codes and make cashless payments while visiting India. This initiative marks a transformative step in expanding digital banking access for the Indian diaspora. It also aligns with the Government of India’s Digital India mission, reinforcing our collective commitment to financial inclusion and digital innovation,” he added.